Applications Engineer - VC

You will work very closely with Piab's Area Sales Managers (ASMs), customers, and channel partners through the entire sales process including:

• Pre-sale (quotations, system design, and technical support)
• Order processing
• Post-sale support (start-up, troubleshooting, training, etc.)

This is an office-based role in Canton, MA, with core working hours from 8:00 to 17:00. This is to ensure close daily support to customers and collaboration with Sales, Operations and other internal teams., Team Communication & Collaboration

• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Marketing, R&D, and Quality to support new product launches, beta testing, and product lifecycle management.
• Communicate with Area Sales Managers (ASMs) on customer project/engineering activity within the assigned territory.
• Present as "One Piab" to customers and channel partners; AEs are part of the Piab team and must show up that way to all stakeholders.
• Utilize Salesforce and other provided software tools to track, document, and share sales support activity.
• Compile competitive analysis and support material to assist ASMs, channel partners, and customers in the sales process.

Design & Engineering

• Develop quotations, including all system component information, accessories, technical data, and CAD layouts/drawings for Vacuum Conveying systems.
• Design and configure complete VC solutions by stacking up appropriate Piab components and accessories to meet customer requirements.
• Input and edit customer conveyor orders for the Vacuum Conveying product line.
• Ensure designs comply with Piab standards and ISO requirements.

Lab

• Conduct lab tests and product trials with customer materials to properly identify and validate system design recommendations.
• Document all test results, parameters, and conclusions in a clear format that can be used by Sales and customers.

Training & Subject Matter Expert

• Develop and maintain knowledge and expertise on all products within the Vacuum Conveying product line.
• Assist in the development, organization, and presentation of product training material, product configurators, and sales support tools.
• Support internal training for Sales, channel partners, and other Piab team members on VC products and applications.

Applications & Sales Support (core focus)

• Provide technical and application support for end-customers, channel partners, and Piab Sales teams via phone, e-mail, web chat, and other tools.
• Actively monitor and respond to VC telephone call groups and the VC e-mail inbox.
• Support Sales with:
• Sizing and selection of conveying systems
• Application risk assessments and alternative concepts
• Budget and final quotations
• Respond to all customer and Piab team inquiries within 1 business day or acknowledge receipt and provide an expected follow-up time.
• Respond to customer inquiries related to orders, stock status, and order expediting.
• Provide consistently positive customer experience, always seeking to enable Sales to win business with realistic, robust technical solutions.

Field & Tradeshow Support

• Assist in the setup and breakdown of tradeshow booths/equipment and participate in tradeshow staffing as the VC technical representative.
• Support Sales at trade shows and customer events with live demonstrations, technical presentations, and discussions.
• Provide field assistance as needed, which may include troubleshooting, off-site channel partner meetings, and training.

General & Continuous Improvement

• Provide best-in-class technical support to customers and team members:
• Go beyond your formal accountabilities when needed to solve customer issues.
• Always understand and consider the customer's point of view.
• Always respond to a customer, even if you do not yet have the final answer.
• Follow the CIR (Continual Improvement Report) guidelines and be responsible for reporting non-conformities.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed to support Piab's business and growth.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES

• Analysis and judgement; quickly understands and analyzes complex issues and problems and handles them with sound, rational decisions.
• Drives for results; focuses on the target, identifies risks, and considers the financial aspects of their work.
• Effective communication; communicates in a clear, precise, and structured way. Speaks with authority and conviction, presents effectively.
• Innovative; produces fresh and imaginative ideas and solutions; breaks away from tradition and promotes change and novelty.
• Influence; makes an impact; convinces and persuades others; promotes plans and ideas successfully.

KEY INTERFACES

The Applications Engineer (AE) - Vacuum Conveying (VC) division reports to the Lead Applications Engineer and is part of the VC Applications Engineering team.

The AE will work closely with the complete North American VC team including:

• Customers and channel partners
• Sales
• Operations, customer service, procurement, logistics, and finance

This is a customer-facing and sales-supporting role with strong internal and external interaction.

• Customer service centric with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent English skills; Spanish language fluency is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.
• 3D CAD experience: Solid Edge (Siemens) preferred; SolidWorks or similar is a plus.
• General understanding of pneumatics and pneumatic systems; interest in vacuum and pneumatic conveying.
• Ability to be creative in problem-solving situations and to propose practical solutions that satisfy the customer using best practices.
• Able to work as part of a team, and also take responsibility for tasks independently.
• Experience with online webinar and conference tools (Teams, GoToMeeting, etc.).
• Experience with Salesforce CRM is a plus., * BA degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Process/Chemical, Mechatronics, or similar).
• 0-3 years of experience in technical applications, engineering, or sales & support; prior experience with vacuum conveying, bulk material handling, or process equipment is a plus., * To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• Physical Demands: Employee is occasionally required to lift 50 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

Travel

• Ability to travel to off-site meetings and conduct service visits. Some travel may require overnight stays.

Pulled from the full job description

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Opportunities for advancement, * 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

At Piab Group we improve our customers' productivity, sustainability, and safety through evolving industrial automation and have done so since 1951. We believe in an automated world where no resources are wasted, and no humans are injured. With annual sales of ~3 billion SEK and more than 1400 employees, Piab is a global organization, serving customers in more than 100 countries from a vast network of subsidiaries and channel partners. Since 2018, Piab Group has been owned by Patricia Industries, part of Investor AB You can expect the following with us: Innovative Culture: Be part of a team that thrives on creativity and innovation. Global Impact: Work with a company that is a world leader in vacuum transport solutions. Global Presence: Piab has 25+ sales offices and over 900 partners worldwide, ensuring a vast network and global reach Sustainable Vision: Contribute to an automated world, promoting safety and efficiency. Professional Growth: Access opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement. Diverse and Inclusive: Join a workplace that values diversity and fosters an inclusive environment. Stable employer: As part of Patricia Industries and connected to the Wallenberg family, Piab benefits from strong support and a commitment to long-term growth and sustainability.