The Director of Application Engineering leads Generac's Industrial Power Generation Application Engineering and Technical Support functions. This role is responsible for managing a team of Sales Engineers, Application Engineers, Technical Support Specialists, and Subject Matter Experts who provide technical sales support, application guidance, special engineering quotations, and internal tool support for dealers, customers, national accounts, and sales teams.

The Director serves as a strategic partner to Product Management, Engineering, Sales, and the Industrial dealer network, ensuring customers receive timely technical expertise while driving continuous product and process improvements. This leader also oversees technical sales enablement resources, application sizing tools, installation guidelines, and special engineering solutions that support business growth and customer success.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the Application Engineering, Technical Support, and Sales Engineering teams.
• Establish team goals and performance objectives aligned with company strategy.
• Drive talent development through performance management, succession planning, and employee growth initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and customer focus.
• Ensure consistent feedback, recognition, and development opportunities across the organization.

Technical Sales & Customer Support

• Oversee technical sales support provided to Industrial dealers, sales teams, national accounts, and end customers.
• Ensure prompt and accurate response to technical inquiries via phone, email, and other support channels.
• Support strategic national accounts with application engineering, technical training, and product expertise.
• Provide resources and guidance for technical training programs, marketing initiatives, and customer events.

Application Engineering & Product Support

• Lead Power Generation Subject Matter Experts in areas including:
  • Generator sizing and application design
  • Alternators and controls
  • Electrical codes and standards
  • Product applications and configurations
• Manage special engineering quotation processes and coordinate custom solution requests between dealers, engineering, and product management teams.
• Partner with Product Management to advocate for product enhancements and configured product offerings based on customer and market needs.
• Drive resolution of complex customer technical issues.

Technical Tools & Sales Enablement

• Oversee Power Design Pro sizing tool updates associated with new product releases.
• Manage GenConnect submittal updates and related technical documentation.
• Own and maintain Installation Guidelines documentation for Industrial generators.
• Develop and expand technical sales enablement materials, including white papers and application resources.
• Support creation of sales drawings, 3D models, BIM files, and future digital sales support tools.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 12+ years of experience in Power Generation, Controls, Alternators, Application Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience managing technical and engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration preferred.
• MBA or Master's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Previous experience with SAP or equivalent ERP systems.
• Strong understanding of power generation systems, applications, and customer support processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and customer relationship management skills.
• Ability to effectively lead teams while operating independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting industrial dealer networks, technical sales organizations, and national account customers.
• Demonstrated success partnering with product management and engineering teams to influence product roadmaps and technical solutions.
• Strong knowledge of generator sizing, power system applications, controls, electrical codes, and alternator technologies.