Application Engineer Supervisor PTS Sanitary

GEA Group; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

12 paid holidays + 136 hours PTO

7% 401(k) employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Health Savings Account

Job summary

GEA Group in the United States seeks an Application Engineering Supervisor to lead the TOM‑PTS Sanitary team, coordinating priorities across Sales, Process Engineering, and TOM leadership. You will mentor engineers, review proposals, and ensure compliant, accurate costing and documents.

You will guide technical proposals, perform pricing checks, and foster continuous improvement while ensuring timely delivery in a fast-paced environment. Strong English communication and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Mechanical or chemical engineering degree or equivalent experience required.
• More than 5 years of experience in Application Engineering, Process/Project Engineering, Project Management, and/or Estimating.
• Background in chemical, industrial, environmental and/or pharmaceutical industries is highly desirable.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the TOM‑PTS Sanitary application engineering group by coordinating priorities, deliverables, and due dates.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and training for current and future engineers; serve as escalations point.
• Review proposals, costing and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Support adoption of new processes and ensure adherence to governance and policies.
• Coordinate with Sales, Process Engineering, and Procurement to prepare accurate equipment specifications and pricing.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and written proposals with cross‑functional teams.
• Maintain historical pricing data and update offer tracking list.
• Foster a collaborative and high‑performance team culture.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Problem solving

Reading P&IDs/drawings

English proficiency

Time management

Self-motivation

Education

Mechanical or chemical engineering degree

Engineering degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Your responsibilities and tasks

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $115,000 to $145,000 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not guaranteed compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Job Summary:

The Application Engineering Supervisor supports the Director of Technical Offer Management (TOM) - PTS with the daily operations of the PTS-Sanitary application engineering group by coordinating priorities, deliverables, and due dates across Sales, Process Engineering, and TOM leadership. The role provides functional leadership through coaching, mentoring, and training for current and future application engineers. The Supervisor serves as a first point of escalation for team members and supports adherence to TOM governance, policies, and procedures. Additionally, this role includes fulfilling Application Engineering responsibilities for assigned opportunities.

• Formal authority over team members.
• Leadership activities to be half of working time
• Coordinate day-to-day workload and priorities with the Director of TOM – PTS; assign tasks, establish deadlines, and track progress to ensure on-time completion of deliverables.
• Ensure the team’s work is in compliance with Company requirements and TOM governance, policies, and procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and support to team members by providing clear expectations and feedback. Serve as the first point of escalation to resolve issues and elevate further when appropriate.
• Support adoption of new processes and expectations by communicating changes, clarifying requirements, and reinforcing standard work.
• Review team deliverables (proposals, costing, and supporting documentation) for accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to submission
• Foster a positive working environment that supports collaboration, professional development, and continuous improvement.
• Identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in workflows and processes; recommend and support implementation of approved changes to improve efficiency, quality, and competitiveness.
• Other Supervisor responsibilities as assigned
• Review customer RFQ documents, including engineering specifications, to determine what is appropriate for GEA’s offer to the client as well as identify any exceptions or exclusions.
• Prepareaccuratecost estimates and clearly written proposals for a variety of GEA equipment, services, and systems while working with Procurement, Sales, Engineering, and other Departments
• Ensure proper review and approval of technical proposals, costing and other deliverables according to TOM governance, policies, and procedures.
• Efficiently research past customer opportunities and projects to find comparable pricing.
• Prepare equipment specifications and obtaincomponentpricing from vendors.
• Check process calculations, heat and mass balances, PFDs, P&IDs, and GAs.Coordinatedevelopmentof these documents with discipline leads.
• Complete a variety of training to learn the GEA sales business, including hands-on technical training, classroom setting, remote training at European centers of competence, and independent learningthru GEA’slearning center portal.
• Participate in customer and internal meetings.
• Maintain historical pricingdatabase.
• Update Offer Tracking List
• Develop and share ideas with team members.
• Work efficiently and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Follow all GEA procedures.
• Support sales activities with presentations to customers
• Other tasks as assigned.

Your profile and qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to support team members and communicate with stakeholders inside and outside the team.
• Demonstrated ability to provide functional leadership through influence (coaching, mentoring, prioritization, and coordination of work).
• Technical-commercial awareness with the ability to identify risks and opportunities in proposals and project estimates.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; breaks down complex issues and drives action to remove roadblocks.
• Wantsto do the job well. Strives for higher standards.
• Ability to handle teams of engineersestablishing clarity and direction as well as building a good positive team.
• Relevant technical experience within the PTS portfolio (evaporation, drying, CIP, powder handling, etc.) and experience estimating projects in the NPE – NAM PTS portfolio.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, P&IDs, and drawings.
• Creativity to develop innovative and competitive solutions.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated, possess good interpersonalskillsand work well in a team setting as well as independently.
• Strong customer focus, organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management with proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate/coordinate work when appropriate; able to function well in a fast-paced and, at times, stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• Mechanical or chemical engineering degree or equivalent experiencerequired
• More than5years of Experience in Application Engineering, Process/Project Engineering, Project Management, and/or Estimating
• Background experience in the chemical, industrial, environmental and/or pharmaceutical industriesarehighly desirable.

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted, and valued.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

About GEA

GEA is one of the largest suppliers for the food and beverage processing industry and a wide range of other process industries. Approximately 18,000 employees in more than 60 countries contribute significantly to GEA’s success – come and join them! We offer interesting and challenging tasks, a positive working environment in international teams and opportunities for personal development and growth in a global company.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader.

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader.

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader.

GEA is certified as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute in 19 countries in APAC & Europe. We have high scores for Leadership, Ethics & Integrity and Sustainability. Outside APAC & Europe we are also certified in Colombia and Mexico.

GEA’s heritage stretches back more than 140 years. Today, we operate in resilient customer industries with a dedicated workforce of more than 18,000 employees and conduct business with more than 150 countries.