The Applications Engineer plays a hybrid role at the intersection of technical evaluation, equipment development, and sales strategy. This individual is a subject matter expert in one or more rotating equipment fleets (centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, or steam turbines) and supports the pre-sale technical process for high-value, engineered offerings. This includes scoping, defining, and quoting technical solutions and supporting their seamless progression from customer Inquiry to Order (ITO).
This role requires solution-oriented, customer centric, and capable of delivering scalable technical programs like Upgrades, Retrofits, and equipment part’s evaluation.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the technical lead in the Inquiry-to-Order (ITO) process: from customer inquiry, through scoping and quoting, to final handoff to execution.
- Develop and validate technical scopes of work for retrofit, upgrade, and overhaul solutions in collaboration with Engineering.
- Interpret customer specifications and identify deviations or clarifications.
- Evaluate process data (flow, pressure, gas composition, temperature) to select appropriate compressor models and configurations
- Perform thermodynamic and mechanical performance calculations to develop performance curves, power requirements for compressors and their auxiliaries.
- Review applicable API standards (e.g., API 617, API 614).
- Participate in quoting reviews, risk assessments, and contract technical terms validation
- Prepare and design high-quality technical proposals and cost estimates.
- Serve as the main technical contact during pre-sale and post-award phases.
- Collaborate with Account Managers and Fleet SMEs to support bids and large project pursuit strategies.
- Conduct customer presentations, technical clarifications, and design review meetings.
- Maintain detailed knowledge of market trends and customer needs for assigned fleet(s).
- Contribute to the refinement of technical and commercial workflows, tools, and documentation.
Education & Experience
- BSc or MSc in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 5+ years of experience in rotating equipment technical roles (engineering, field service, applications, or commercial)
- Deep knowledge of at least one core fleet: centrifugal compressors, reciprocating compressors, or steam turbines
- Experience developing or quoting engineered solutions, especially in oil & gas, chemicals, or power
- Strong commercial acumen with ability to interact credibly with customers and internal stakeholders
- Strong written and verbal communication; able to produce customer-facing documents and presentations
- Familiarity with P&IDs, PFDs, mechanical drawings, and basic costing principles
Preferred Qualifications and Attributes
- Strong interpersonal and technical skills for delivering tailored solutions to clients
- Demonstrates an entrepreneurial mindset toward problem-solving
- Comfortable working in matrixed teams across Sales, Engineering, and Operations
- Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM and quoting platforms