Applications Engineering Manager

APPLICATIONS ENGINEERING MANAGER

KNOTT BRAKE COMPANY (KBC)

The Applications Engineer position is a key position for the company, and iis a unique opportunity to make a huge, direct impact on the business and be part of the team that takes the company to the next level. The position is a combination of engineering and sales, where the individual will need to rely on their technical background and expertise, as well as their highly developed soft skills to help the sales team acquire new work. This role will be working directly with world class OEMs and axle manufacturers in the specialty and off-highway industries on both an applications and commercial level. This individual will be required to market, and sell, our brake and trailer products, as well as support the technical aspects of these opportunities on all of our customer's applications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Acquires new business accounts in foundation brake and brake system and ancillary markets such as EM brakes and Trailer Axles, while expanding into other productive market segments producing viable opportunities for the KBC product development pipeline.
• Provides Consultative technical solutions, including but not limited to: technical reviews, brake calculations, and brake recommendations, to OEM design and project engineers that meet their project and design requirements, usually requiring long sales/development cycle.
• In conjunction with the sales team, develops and broadens new and existing account base through use of current leads and technical contacts; utilizing established CRM database.
• Provides industry and account intelligence to further develop the company’s strategic sale’s position.
• Collaborates with existing Inside Sales/Customer Service, Engineering and Executive Leadership to expand and enhance the current product portfolio; Assists to build business case to evaluate future opportunities.
• Establishes relationships with key representatives from current and new account base while understanding their business environments.
• Builds on existing company core competencies to generate new product concepts and opportunities.
• Develops and makes business "pitches" to companies with whom Knott Brake Company is interested in developing a business relationship
• This is a sales position that requires strong technical abilities. Individuals that are able to interpret prints, know their way around CAD, and understand technically challenging concepts, but also have highly developed soft skills will succeed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Associate Degree; Bachelor’s degree preferred, or commensurate sales/business experience
• Engineering/Technical degree or STEM-related background along with applications engineering experience is a must.
• A background in hydraulics and / or drive train components and sub-assemblies is a must.
• Highly Driven, Committed Individual with a strong “Hunting Spirit”, Strong Communication skills combined with Consultative-centered sales approach.
• 5 years of Sales experience in Automotive / Commercial / Manufacturing / Engineering Sales
• 5 years of Sales experience with Technical components – axles, engines, mobile hydraulics, Vehicle OEM
• Experience in metal fabrication, steel service centers or machine shop technologies
• Demonstrated ability to grow B2B accounts or territory/regional sales base
• Outstanding presentation and communication skills
• Willingness to travel domestically (25%) & internationally (once, or twice a year for a week at a time) to Europe (primarily Germany); many sales calls completed via Zoom/Skype, etc.
• Strong attention to detail combined with business acumen
• Excellent use of Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, and especaily Powerpoint

SALARY, TRAVEL, LOCATION

• Salary (DOE)
• Travel is 25% - 50% of the time.
• Full Remote, hybrid, or office work arrangements will be considered however, if working remotely, regular travel to the company will be required to support customer visits, and other business activities as needed.

WHY KBC?

KBC stands out because of our culture and core values:

• You do the right thing Find a way. Simplify. Prioritize long term success.
• You play well with others Create systems and structures. Create clarity. Honor commitments. Help out.
• You are proactive Use good judgment. Innovate. Have a plan. Find ways to eliminate waste.
• You have a positive attitude Face the facts. Think win-win. Make quality personal. Think safety first.
• You do what is best for the customer Communicate well & often. Put first things first. Be curious & learn.
• KBC is part of a larger, family-run, international business with a flat organizational structure
• Local leadership has autonomy over the direction of KBC
• Unique and essential organization in the drive train industry with high demand and strong growth potential
• Financially strong company with ongoing commitment and dedication to employees
• Manageable business with tenured employees (average tenure: 16 years on the floor and 20 years for the office) and leadership that supports work-life balance
• Self-driven, collaborative, fun-loving, and supportive environment where leadership and employees are empowered to succeed
• Holiday pay includes one week off at Christmas
• Every day provides a different challenge or problem to solve. It’s never boring!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Applications Engineering: 5 years (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lodi, OH 44254

Salary : $85,000 - $95,000