Application Engineering Manager

Horizon Systems; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizon Systems is seeking an experienced Application Engineering Manager to lead our Application Engineering team while supporting sales growth through technical expertise, proposal development, and customer engagement.

You will oversee proposals, mentor engineers, collaborate with sales, engineering and production, and ensure accurate, profitable solutions. This role blends leadership, technical problem-solving, and customer-focused design to shape Horizon's future.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and team development abilities.
• Strong technical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in engineered systems or manufacturing environments.
• CRM, estimating, and sales-support experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Application Engineering team to achieve departmental goals.
• Oversee accurate proposal packages for engineered systems and component opportunities.
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, and production to develop customer solutions.
• Review concept flow drawings, stack-up drawings, and technical documentation using AutoCAD.
• Research suppliers and pricing information for proposals.
• Maintain strong customer relationships throughout the proposal and sales process.
• Promote Horizon Systems' fabrication capabilities and engineered solutions to customers and partners.
• Identify process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

AutoCAD

MS Office

Communication

Project management

CRM experience

Estimating

Proposal development

Sales support

Job description

If you are a technical leader who enjoys developing people, driving innovation, and helping customers solve complex engineering challenges, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact. Horizon Systems is seeking an experienced and motivated Application Engineering Manager to lead our Application Engineering team while supporting sales growth through technical expertise, proposal development, and customer engagement. This role is ideal for someone who excels at balancing team leadership, technical problem-solving, and customer-focused solution development.

The Role: Leading Technical Excellence and Business Growth

As the Application Engineering Manager, you will oversee the development of engineered system proposals, mentor and develop application engineers, and serve as a key resource to sales teams, customers, and external sales representatives. You will play a critical role in transforming customer requirements into innovative and cost-effective solutions while ensuring proposal accuracy, consistency, and profitability. This position offers the opportunity to deepen your expertise in material handling and process systems while helping shape the future growth of Horizon Systems.

Your primary responsibilities include:

• Lead and develop the Application Engineering team to achieve departmental goals
• Oversee the preparation of accurate proposal packages for engineered systems and component opportunities
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, and production teams to develop effective customer solutions
• Review and support concept flow drawings, stack-up drawings, and technical documentation utilizing AutoCAD and related technologies
• Research suppliers and vendors to obtain pricing and technical information for proposals
• Maintain strong customer relationships throughout the proposal and sales process
• Support and strengthen relationships with OEMs and external sales representatives
• Ensure CRM and company databases accurately reflect opportunity and proposal status
• Identify process improvements that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction
• Promote Horizon Systems' fabrication capabilities and engineered solutions to customers and partners

Core Competencies

Success in this role requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership capability, business acumen, and strong communication skills. We’re looking for a professional who demonstrates:

• Proven leadership and team development abilities
• Strong technical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Experience collaborating across sales, engineering, and manufacturing functions
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Understanding of manufacturing and engineered systems environments
• Estimating, proposal development, and sales support experience
• CRM experience is a plus

About Horizon Systems

Horizon Systems is a recognized provider of engineered ingredient handling solutions, specializing in the design, manufacturing, and integration of pneumatic conveying and process systems. Serving industries such as plastics, food, pet food, and chemicals, we are committed to delivering high‑performance solutions that meet complex customer needs.

At Horizon Systems, we believe in staying curious, becoming better every day, getting it done, doing the right thing the right way, and fostering teamwork—because nobody does it alone. As an Application Engineering Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a talented team, influence strategic growth initiatives, and contribute directly to the success of our customers and organization.