Applications Engineer 3

Ascential Technologies; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascential Technologies is seeking an experienced Applications Engineer to lead large-scale automation projects, deliver robust technical solutions, and ensure customer success. You will collaborate with sales to identify opportunities, develop ROM and firm-fixed-price proposals, and coordinate with engineering and manufacturing for feasibility.

A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 5+ years in automation or engineered solutions are required; SolidWorks and PandaDoc proficiency is preferred,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; 5+ years in applications engineering, project management, or proposal writing.
• In-depth knowledge of automation systems in the Medical & Life Sciences sectors.
• Proven track record managing complex technical projects from concept to delivery.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks 3D modeling and capital equipment cost estimation.
• Experience managing pre- and post-sale customer relationships, including change orders, scope tracking, and MBR/QBR delivery.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and PandaDoc or equivalent platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale automation projects ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Provide expert technical consultation for complex customer challenges.
• Develop ROM, budgeting, and firm-fixed-price proposals with cost estimates and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with sales to identify opportunities and gather requirements.
• Present solutions to customers and communicate value propositions.
• Mentor junior applications engineers to ensure quality and consistency.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Negotiation

Time management

Leadership

Mentoring

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

5+ years experience in applications engineering / project management / proposal writing

Tools

SolidWorks 3D

Capital equipment cost estimation

PandaDoc

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details

• Project Leadership: Manage large-scale automation projects ensuring timely delivery, technical accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
• Technical Consultation: Provide expert-level support for complex customer challenges; develop innovative concepts to meet technical and commercial requirements.
• Proposal Development: Lead creation of ROM, Budgetary, and Firm Fixed Price proposals with detailed technical concepts, cost estimates, and risk assessments. Manage PandaDoc changes and meet SLA/TAT requirements.
• Sales Collaboration: Partner with sales to identify and qualify opportunities; attend customer meetings to gather requirements and assess project fit.
• Customer Engagement: Present solutions to customers, highlight Ascential’s value propositions, and manage feedback.
• Cross-functional Coordination: Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing to ensure proposal feasibility; liaise between internal technical teams and customers.
• Mentorship: Guide junior applications engineers and ensure consistency in work quality.

Core Applications Engineering

• Project Leadership: Manage large-scale automation projects ensuring timely delivery, technical accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
• Technical Consultation: Provide expert-level support for complex customer challenges; develop innovative concepts to meet technical and commercial requirements.
• Proposal Development: Lead creation of ROM, Budgetary, and Firm Fixed Price proposals with detailed technical concepts, cost estimates, and risk assessments. Manage PandaDoc changes and meet SLA/TAT requirements.
• Sales Collaboration: Partner with sales to identify and qualify opportunities; attend customer meetings to gather requirements and assess project fit.
• Customer Engagement: Present solutions to customers, highlight Ascential’s value propositions, and manage feedback.
• Cross-functional Coordination: Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing to ensure proposal feasibility; liaise between internal technical teams and customers.
• Mentorship: Guide junior applications engineers and ensure consistency in work quality.

Client Experience Management (CXM)

• Pre-Sale
  • Generate and manage proposals from scope definition through delivery.
  • Provide technical support including customer and internal site visits.
  • Ensure a clear, well-defined scope of work with every proposal.
  • Act as gatekeeper for internal Ascential staff client engagements.
• Post-Sale
  • Lead MBRs, QBRs, status updates, and milestone check-ins.
  • Manage change orders—issue PD notices and confirm PO receipt.
  • Escalate project issues to internal teams; ensure timely resolution.
  • Work alongside project execution teams for on-time, on-budget delivery.
  • Conduct 30- and 90-day post-delivery check-ins (service, OEE, new work).
  • Track scope changes and ensure proper revenue capture.
  • Prospect for expansion opportunities within assigned accounts.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; 5+ years in applications engineering, project management, or proposal writing in custom automation or engineered solutions.
• In-depth knowledge of automation systems in the Medical & Life Sciences sectors.
• Proven track record managing complex technical projects from concept to delivery.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks 3D Solid Modeling and capital equipment cost estimation.
• Experience managing pre- and post-sale customer relationships, including change orders, scope tracking, and MBR/QBR delivery.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and PandaDoc or equivalent platforms.

Skills & Other Requirements

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; ability to present technical information to both customers and internal teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Leadership qualities with experience mentoring junior staff.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% (primarily air travel).
• Regular computer use; periodic walking, standing, bending. Occasional machine shop environment exposure.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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