Applications Engineer

About the role

Job Summary The Applications Engineer is responsible for evaluating customer requirements and developing technical and commercial proposals for industrial equipment solutions. This role serves as a critical link between customers, sales teams, and internal engineering/manufacturing to ensure accurate, timely, and competitive responses to inquiries. This position operates in a fast-paced, high-volume environment supporting distributors, OEMs, EPCs, and end users across a wide range of applications. Applications include Pulp and Paper, Biofuels, Foods, Chemical processing, Mining / Metals, Industrial wastewater, and Auxiliary equipment in other segments as needed. The Applications Group is a dynamic organization with both junior and senior engineers who possess a wide range of experience and competencies. This is a great opportunity to contribute to a growing company and offers great mentorship opportunities to enhance professional development. This role is designed as a foundational position with clear visibility into commercial strategy and customer engagement, offering a defined pathway into Accounts Management and outside sales roles. JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION: Applications Engineer DEPT: Sales Support LOCATION: Easley, SC Status: Salary/Exempt Shift: Days Reports To: Tendering Manager Key Responsibilities: Proposal & Technical Evaluation § Review customer RFQs, specifications, and datasheets to determine appropriate product selection § Perform pumping equipment sizing, selection, and configuration § Generate detailed quotations including scope, pricing, and lead time Customer & Sales Support § Serve as a technical resource for internal sales teams and external customers § Support distribution network with product selection, troubleshooting, and application guidance § Participate in distributor and customer calls, visits, and training as needed § Support sales efforts by contributing to technical sales strategy, participating in customer discussions, and developing an understanding of commercial drivers behind winning opportunities Cross-Functional Coordination § Work closely with the Project Management team to define documentation packages, testing requirements, and customer deliverables early in the quotation phase to ensure accurate scope, compliance, and execution readiness. § Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain to confirm feasibility, lead times, and cost § Work with global teams when required to support international or specialized opportunities § Ensure alignment between customer expectations and internal capabilities Quote and Opportunity Management § Manage multiple RFQs simultaneously in a high-volume environment § Maintain accurate records of opportunities, quotes, and communications in Salesforce (CRM system) Continuous Improvement & Team Support § Identify opportunities to improve quoting efficiency, accuracy, and standardization § Support development of tools, templates, and documentation § Assist in training new team members and sharing application knowledge Secondary Responsibilities: Perform other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Requirements

• Required
• § Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or related field.
• § 0-5 years of related engineering experience (industrial, process, applications, pumps & hydraulics preferred)
• § Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• § Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines
• § Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
• § Willingness to travel as needed
• Preferred
• § Experience with pumps, fluid systems, or rotating equipment
• § Exposure to reading specifications and technical drawings
• § Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce) and/or ERP systems (SAP)
• § Experience working with distributors or in a customer-facing role
• Key Traits for Success:
• Comfort with ambiguity: Not every RFQ is clean. Must be able to fill in gaps and make sound assumptions
• Ownership mentality: Takes responsibility for quotes from start to finish
• Bias for action: Ability to move quickly without sacrificing accuracy
• Communication under pressure: Handles demanding customers and urgent timelines professionally
• Desire for growth into sales: Motivated to develop customer-facing and revenue-driving skills over time
• Commercial mindset: Interest in understanding not just what to quote, but how to win the business
• Team-oriented: Willing to collaborate and support others in a shared workload environment
• What This Role Leads To:
• Accounts Manager / Outside Sales
• Leadership opportunities within technical or commercial teams
• Project Management or Engineering roles
• This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the e

Additional Information

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

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