Sr Technical Applications Specialist at Sparrow Company LLC – Shoreview, Minnesota

Summary

The Sr Technical Applications Specialist is responsible for orchestrating the design, staging, execution, documentation, and analysis of lab tests and technical demonstrations of company finishing and sealants products. This customer-facing position will play a crucial role in helping craft tailored solutions for in-plant coatings and dispensing applications and curing processes across a wide range of manufacturers.

Key Responsibilities

• Continually build expertise in company product and equipment offering

• Interface with key cross functional parties including Sales, Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing and Product Management

• Work with Sales and Engineering to translate specific customer requirements to key process parameters

• Provide technical input on feasibility, risks, and optimization opportunities

• Design tests and demonstrations by selecting product to match application or curing needs, and refine parameters throughout the process

• Coordinate, set up, and run tests and demonstrations in an applications lab setting

• Evaluate test and demonstration performance based on technical analysis

• Document and communicate test and demonstration results to relevant parties, and identify potential issues, questions, or challenges that arise during testing/demonstration

• Provide support in presale meetings, equipment startups, process tuning, and general system troubleshooting as needed

• Research, order, receive, record, and manage required lab equipment, materials and other consumables

• Perform general lab 5S and equipment maintenance responsibilities for the Shoreview lab facility

• Comply with company policies, ISO standards, environmental and safety laws

• Perform other related duties as required

• 10-20% travel may be required

Skills and Experience

• Highly motivated, with strong planning and organizational skills

• Able to deliver well-designed, repeatable, and credible demonstrations that leave customers confident in company technology and expertise

• Process oriented and customer focused, from a practical manufacturing perspective

• Strong in problem solving and troubleshooting, with an innovative approach and a solutions-oriented mindset

• Able to balance experimentation with repeatability and documentation

• Clear technical communicator; ability to write and present effectively with excellent interpersonal skills

• Able to work independently while collaborating with other functional teams

• Strong knowledge in mastering, teaching/programming, and running paint robots highly desirable

• Background in liquid or powder coatings, fluid handling equipment, or industrial ovens strongly preferred Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; associate/bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering technology or related field preferred

• Five or more years' experience in the operations or maintenance of automated industrial equipment highly desirable

• Firsthand experience with automation/robotics required

• Familiarity and experience with Fanuc robots a distinct advantage

• Experience in spray application of liquid or powder coatings preferred

• Background in industrial coatings and finishing processes a key differentiator

Applicants may be subject to a background check and pre-employment drug screen.*

*A conviction does not automatically disqualify you from employment. We will consider factors such as your age at the time, the timing and nature of the offense, its seriousness, and any rehabilitation efforts when determining your suitability for the role.

Sparrow Company Executive Search & Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.