Application Engineer

SKF Group; Whitpain Township (PA); Remote; USD 93,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking an experienced Application Engineer to conduct lubrication system audits and provide technical support. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of relevant experience, preferably in the pulp and paper industry. This role requires proficiency in AutoCAD and basic PLC understanding, along with effective communication skills. The position offers flexible work options and a strong benefits package, including generous PTO and a 401K plan.

Benefits

Generous PTO policy

Flexible work options

Comprehensive healthcare options

401K with employer contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in industrial settings related to lubrication systems.
• Hands-on experience in machinery maintenance and preventive maintenance.
• Basic understanding of control system operations and introductory programming skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct onsite lubrication system audits and analyze findings.
• Collaborate with sales teams to present tailored SKF solutions.
• Provide technical support for lubrication systems.
• Train customer personnel on automated lubrication systems.

Skills

AutoCAD or equivalent 2D & 3D modeling software

Basic understanding of PLC programming

Effective communication and presentation skills

Report writing emphasizing system details

Understanding basic machinery lubrication requirements

Education

BSME/BSMET or Associate degree in mechanical trades

Tools

Microsoft Office products

Job description

Location: US Remote

Salary Range: $ 93,000.00 to $ 110,000.00

About SKF: SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow!

SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030.

We’re guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.

We’re a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.

Learn about SKF at www.skf.com.

Job Summary

We are seeking an Application Engineer with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in an industrial setting as it relates to designing, troubleshooting, and specifying lubrication systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in machinery maintenance, including preventive and predictive maintenance practices, as well as involvement in specifying and installing new equipment.

A comprehensive working knowledge of equipment commonly utilized in the pulp and paper industry is preferred, but not required. This includes familiarity with machinery and systems involved in wood and chip processing, paper recycling, mechanical and chemical pulping, utilities operations (including steam, power, and water systems), stock screening and bleaching, market pulp processing, paper manufacturing, and paper finishing.

The candidate will also possess fundamental knowledge of PLCs and experience with system controllers. This includes a basic understanding of control system operations, introductory programming skills, and the ability to perform routine troubleshooting tasks.

Key Competencies

• Proficient with AutoCAD or equivalent 2D & 3D modeling software.
• Understanding basic machinery lubrication requirements and methods of lubrication.
• Interpret piping drawings, P&ID’s, civil and mechanical drawings.
• Basic understanding of PLC programming logic and controllers.
• The ability to learn and become proficient at conducting paper machine lubrication audits first as a team and eventually on your own.
• Be proficient at report writing with emphasis on system details.
• Perform calculations for piping pressure loss.
• Be able to lay out piping and equipment at customer location and/or from mechanical drawings.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products and related software.
• Develop detailed mechanical drawings for piping and equipment installation of automatic lubrication systems.
• Have a working knowledge of 24VDC and 110VAC control systems.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct onsite lubrication system audits on customer machinery. This process involves collecting operational data and observing existing lubrication equipment to assess system performance. Based on the findings, the Application Engineer will perform detailed analysis, calculations, and research to develop a comprehensive report identifying deficiencies in the current lubrication system. The report will include actionable recommendations for system improvements.
• The Application Engineer will collaborate with the local SKF system house sales team to present and promote SKF solutions tailored to the customer’s needs. Additionally, the role includes responding to customer technical inquiries related to oil circulation systems, oil flow meters, and automatic grease systems, providing effective solutions and relevant technical information as required.
• Perform virtual and onsite troubleshooting of an entire SKF oil circulating system including periphery equipment such as Flowline monitors and Safeflow flow meters, heat exchangers and pumps.
• Assist SKF distributors with ALS systems and applications related to the pulp and paper industry. Provide virtual and on-site technical support for ALS installations and system commissioning.
• Conduct both virtual and on-site training sessions for customer maintenance and operations personnel, focusing on the proper use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated lubrication systems.
• Responsible for the design of in-plant circulating oil piping systems and automatic grease piping systems to ensure proper installation and optimal performance of SKF components, delivering the most effective lubrication solutions for our customers.
• Participate in joint sales calls with SKF Regional Managers and System Houses upon request. In this capacity, the Application Engineer will provide technical expertise and industry-specific knowledge of the pulp and paper sector to support customer engagement and solution development.
• Deliver technical presentations to professional organizations and industry groups to promote SKF as a leading provider of advanced lubrication solutions, showcasing the company’s expertise and capabilities in delivering reliable, high-performance equipment.

Travel

This position requires travel to customer sites to provide field support and ensure effective implementation of lubrication systems. Estimated travel time: 30-40%

Educational Requirements

BSME/BSMET or two-year associate degree in mechanical trades with additional experience.

What You’ll Love About SKF: Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.

Work/Life Integration. SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. Flexible work options available, depending on role.

Diversity in the Workplace.?At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation.

Best in Class Benefits. SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment. Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more!

Bonus. SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.

Invest in your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution: 100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.

Reports to: Application Engineering Manager

Location: US Remote

Job ID: 23080

SKF provides equal employment [and affirmative action] opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

By applying to this job you acknowledge how SKF treats candidate data. Click HERE to review the SKF Data Privacy Consent Statement.