Application Engineer Crane&Industrial

Bekaert; Hanover, Northern (York County, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Bekaert is seeking a seasoned Field Service Specialist to support the commercial team by delivering application expertise, resolving quality claims, and leading rope design innovations. You will perform on-site inspections and drive service growth across North America, working closely with Ropes Technology Centre and field personnel.

Travel up to 40% is required, with a preference for a remote location. The role emphasizes training, technical reporting, and collaboration with OEMs to expand

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Mechanical, Mining, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in wire rope applications, heavy equipment maintenance, or technical field service.
• Hands-on experience with cranes, draglines, rope shovels, drilling rigs, or similar heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of wire rope inspection standards (OSHA 1926.1413, ISO 4309, ASME B30) and discard criteria.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical resource for the sales team during customer visits, demos, and troubleshooting.
• Investigate and resolve quality claims: field sample collection, root cause analysis, and customer-facing reports.
• Conduct on-site inspections of wire ropes, sheaves, drums, and reeving systems on cranes, draglines, shovels, and oil rigs.
• Lead innovation efforts: new rope designs, product trials, and collaboration with our Ropes Technology Centre.
• Own, deploy, and grow Ropes 360 services in NAM (VisionTek, MRT, lubrication, installation, splicing).
• Drive Bridon specification in OEM equipment designs (Caterpillar, Komatsu, Liebherr, P&H, NOV) and convert competitive rope usage to Bridon at end users.
• Develop and deliver training programs for customers, distributors, and internal teams (classroom and field).
• Author white papers and technical bulletins positioning Bekaert as the industry authority.

Skills

Technical Proficiency

Problem-Solving

Communication

Hands-On

Adaptability

Teamwork

Education

BS/BA in Mechanical, Mining, Materials Science, or related technical field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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As the world and the way people live is changing, we at Bekaert believe it’s our responsibility to contribute to finding new solutions for the future. With a 140+ year old heritage of excellence, innovation, and a future-focused mindset, we strive to create value for our customers and society. We aim to do this through innovative solutions and sustainable practices. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of steel wire transformation and coatings whilst also leveraging our expertise to develop innovative solutions with new materials and services in a safe, smart, and sustainable way. Our focus extends to markets such as new mobility, low-carbon construction, and green energy.

As a dynamic and growing company with over 19 000 employees worldwide, 75 nationalities, a retention rate above 90% and € 3,7 billion in combined revenue in 2025, we are looking for someone like you to join our team as we continue to shape a safer, more efficient, and connected world!

Purpose and Mission

ABOUT THE ROLE You are the technical backbone of the commercial team. You bring application expertise directly to the field, resolving quality claims, conducting equipment and rope inspections, driving innovation through new rope designs and customer trials, and owning the deployment and growth of our Ropes 360 advanced services platform.

Key Activities and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical resource for the sales team during customer visits, demos, and troubleshooting.
• Investigate and resolve quality claims: field sample collection, root cause analysis, and customer-facing reports.
• Conduct on-site inspections of wire ropes, sheaves, drums, and reeving systems on cranes, draglines, shovels, and oil rigs.
• Lead innovation efforts: new rope designs, product trials, and collaboration with our Ropes Technology Centre.
• Own, deploy, and grow Ropes 360 services in NAM (VisionTek, MRT, lubrication, installation, splicing).
• Drive Bridon specification in OEM equipment designs (Caterpillar, Komatsu, Liebherr, P&H, NOV) and convert competitive rope usage to Bridon at end users.
• Develop and deliver training programs for customers, distributors, and internal teams (classroom and field).
• Author white papers and technical bulletins positioning Bekaert as the industry authority.
• Onboard and mentor new technical and sales team members.
• Maintain detailed visit reports and technical recommendations for all field activities.

Skills

• Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of T&I processes, machinery operation, and production technologies.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills to identify and resolve issues.
• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate technical information to non-technical staff.
• Hands-On Expertise: Proficiency in operating and steering various types of machinery.
• Adaptability: Ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and processes.
• Teamwork: Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with R&D teams and plant personnel.

Previous Experience

• BS/BA in Mechanical, Mining, Materials Science, or related technical field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in wire rope applications, heavy equipment maintenance, or technical field service.
• Hands-on experience with cranes, draglines, rope shovels, drilling rigs, or similar heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of wire rope inspection standards (OSHA 1926.1413, ISO 4309, ASME B30) and discard criteria.
• Experience with non-destructive testing (MRT, VisionTek, ultrasonic) preferred.
• Proven ability to investigate quality claims and deliver root cause analysis reports.
• Strong presentation and training delivery skills (classroom and field).
• Experience in steel ropes is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to author technical white papers and thought-leadership content.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Qualifications and Education

TRAVEL & LOCATION

• Willingness to travel 40% throughout North America.
• Preferred location: Remote

WHAT YOU'LL DELIVER

• Faster quality claim resolution (85% within 30 days)
• Min. 20 field inspections per quarter
• 25%+ Ropes 360 revenue growth YoY
• Bridon specification in min. 3 OEM platforms per year
• Min. 2 published white papers per year

Be bold and take the leap!

We're looking for individuals who are not afraid to take risks and explore new ideas. If you are passionate about personal growth and bringing your authentic self to work, we want you on our team!

At Bekaert, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment.

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.