Application Engineer Supervisor - PTS Chemical and Pharma

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.

Responsibilities / 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.   

Supervisor Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• 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 escalate 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 

Application Engineer Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 

• 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.  
• Prepare accurate cost 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 obtain component pricing from vendors.  
• Check process calculations, heat and mass balances, PFDs, P&IDs, and GAs.  Coordinate development of 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 learning thru GEA’s learning center portal. 
• Participate in customer and internal meetings. 
• Maintain historical pricing database. 
• 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 / 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.
• Wants to do the job well. Strives for higher standards. 
• Ability to handle teams of engineers establishing 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 interpersonal skills and 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 experience required   
• More than 5 years of Experience in Application Engineering, Process/Project Engineering, Project Management, and/or Estimating
• Background experience in the chemical, industrial, environmental and/or pharmaceutical industries are highly desirable. 

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

#engineeringforthebetter

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.

#LI-LS

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