Applications Engineer

The Applications Engineer is responsible for representing the company to customers and end users. This role focuses on delivering value by defining solutions for applications requiring specialized check and control valve designs. The position applies engineering expertise to evaluate customer requirements, process conditions, internal specifications, and industry standards, resulting in a clear and complete scope of supply for internal execution. 

• Under the direction of the Director of Sales and Marketing, and in collaboration with the Directors of Operations and Engineering, prepare cost estimates and quotations for control valve and specialized check valve RFQs. 
• Manage assigned complex special check valve orders from quotation through shipment. 
• Collaborate with customers and authorized DFT representatives on customer-specific and strategic projects. 
• Serve as the technical liaison for key customers, participating in regular meetings and technical review calls. 
• Maintain accurate and timely records of customer interactions, opportunities, quotations, and project activities within the company's CRM system. 
• Utilize Syspro to create and maintain product model numbers, generate and revise quotations, and ensure customer, product, and order information is current and accurate. Adhere to company standards for documentation, data integrity, and reporting. 
• Analyze customer check and control valve issues and recommend appropriate technical solutions. 
• Conduct contract reviews for assigned orders to ensure purchase order requirements, delivery schedules, and commercial terms align with the approved quotation. 
• Coordinate with Engineering and Manufacturing to define complex designs and order requirements during the quotation phase and lead order kickoff meetings upon receipt. 
• Work closely with Inside Sales, Engineering, and Operations to address production planning challenges and ensure on-time delivery in alignment with customer expectations. 
• Support internal and external product and technical training as needed. 
• Act as the Sales liaison with the Quality department to support evaluation and processing of warranty claims. 
• Execute special projects as assigned, including documentation and periodic reporting. These projects may involve new product development, product enhancements, application engineering, competitive analysis, market and trend evaluation, and internal process improvement initiatives. 
• Perform all essential job functions in a safe manner and with consistent attentiveness. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field 
• 3-5 years product design engineering, flow control product design experience a plus. 
• 3D modeling design experience required, SolidWorks a plus. 
• Advanced skills and experience in data analysis using MS Excel. DFT INC APPLICATIONS ENGINEER JD 09092026 
• Must have knowledge of Lean concepts and processes. 
• Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software including MS Word, Excel and Access. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows operating system. 
• Must be capable of performing advanced level mathematics consistent with engineering activities 

Preferred Skills & Experience 

• Prior experience working in a manufacturing setting 
• Experience in valve/pump/fluid products industry 
• Familiarity with ERP and MRP systems a plus. 
• Experience in ISO 9001 or other regulated manufacturing environments. 

Work Environment Conditions

• Work is performed in both an office and manufacturing environment. 
• Exposure to moving machinery, rotating parts, cutting tools, electrical systems, hydraulic and pneumatic pressure, metal chips, lubricants, coolants, solvents, and cleaning agents
• Elevated noise levels require the use of hearing protection. 
• Variable temperatures depend on machine operation and seasonal conditions. 
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) required includes safety glasses with side shields, steel-toed footwear, gloves, hearing protection, and appropriate protective clothing