Applications Engineer – Handling Systems

Department: Engineering
Position Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Travel Required: ~15% domestic
Reports to: Applications Engineering Manager, Handling Systems

Company Overview

Schmalz is a global leader in vacuum automation and material handling solutions, serving industries including automation, material handling, and CNC clamping. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in Glatten, Germany, Schmalz operates worldwide with subsidiaries and partners in over 50 countries, including our Raleigh NC HQ for North America.

Position Overview

The Applications Engineer plays a critical role in delivering high-quality, customer-focused solutions that drive satisfaction, long-term relationships, and retention. This role combines conceptual engineering, project management, and customer engagement, serving as a key link between sales, customers, and internal teams.

The position requires a strong balance of technical expertise, customer service mindset, and project ownership, with a high degree of autonomy and accountability in delivering both custom-engineered and standard solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Customer & Solution Development

• Develop conceptual solutions that deliver value, performance, and reliability for both internal and external customers.
• Serve as a primary technical interface for customers, building strong relationships and providing responsive, professional support throughout the project lifecycle.
• Translate customer requirements into clear, actionable concepts for design and production teams.
• Maintain an advanced understanding of the product portfolio to effectively support diverse customer applications.
• Provide accurate and timely quotations and application support while prioritizing effectively the multiple tasks assigned.

Project Management & Execution

• Lead projects from concept through execution, ensuring alignment across internal stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects with a high degree of autonomy while meeting deadlines and priorities.
• Adapt to changing customer needs and project requirements while maintaining quality and responsiveness.
• Execute smooth handoffs to the design group with complete documentation and stakeholder alignment.

Sales & Internal Support

• Support Regional Sales Managers as primary internal customers in delivering both custom and standard solutions.
• Act as second-tier technical support for complex inquiries from internal and external customers.
• Collaborate with Internal Sales, Design, and Production teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Act as a guide and technical resource for customer-facing colleagues, supporting their development and effectiveness.

Testing, Training & Customer Engagement

• Lead product testing and validation to ensure solutions meet performance and safety requirements.
• Provide hands-on training and technical guidance to customers.
• Host and support customer visits, delivering a professional and engaging experience.

Continuous Improvement & Feedback

• Provide market and product feedback to Product Management.
• Support process improvements and contribute to operational efficiency initiatives.
• Assist with additional responsibilities as needed, including cross-functional support.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Industrial or Mechatronics Engineering.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in Applications Engineering or industrial manufacturing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively multiple tasks at the same time.
• Self-motivated, hands-on approach with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office and ability to learn new systems (CRM/ERP).
• High level of professionalism and responsiveness to internal and external customers.

Preferred

• Project management experience or training.
• Experience in material handling or vacuum automation systems.
• Product management or team leadership experience.
• CAD experience (SolidWorks / AutoCAD).

Work Environment

• Onsite during initial training (Monday–Friday).
• Opportunity to transition to a hybrid schedule.