Application Engineer - Electrical Vehicle - ITW

Established in 1985, Electro Static Technology-ITW, Inc. is the leading global manufacturer of shaft grounding ring, AEGIS® SGR. AEGIS® SGR is used in the motors with variable frequency drives to minimize the bearing failures due to the bearing currents.  Major applications of AEGIS® SGR are EV (Electric Vehicles), generators, and HVAC/Heating systems. In 2000, Electro Static Technology (EST) was acquired by Illinois Tool Works and became part of ITW’s Electronics segment. ITW is a leading diversified manufacturing company with over 100 years of history and over 800 individual business units.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) is a global Fortune 200 diversified manufacturing company that delivers specialized expertise, innovative thinking and value-added products to meet critical customer needs in a variety of industries.   ITW, with approximately 16.1 billion dollars in global revenues, operates 8 major segments with businesses in 57 countries that employ approximately 49,000 women and men. These talented individuals, many of whom have specialized engineering or scientific expertise, contribute to our global leadership in innovation. We are proud of our broad portfolio of more than 16,000 active patents.

POSITION SUMMARY:  The Electrical Vehicle (EV) Application Engineer is responsible for identifying customer requirements, understanding highly technical electrical and basic mechanical specifications, and partnering with the Account Management team to present technical solutions to EV customers. In addition, this role will contribute to the ITW CBI (Customer Back Innovation) process for maintaining a robust new product pipeline. The EV Application Engineer shares complex and nuanced electrical knowledge with the customer across a very narrow product-specific scope.  The EV Application Engineer acts as the voice of the customer, proactively identifying customer pain points and advocating for EV shaft grounding product improvements in collaboration with the Research and Development team over the entire product lifecycle (from conception to launch and post launch activities) of shaft grounding products used for the EV market.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learns and understands in detail the purpose and complex electrical function of the product, the underlying electrical principles, reasons and mechanisms of its use, and appropriate application as a solution to the customer’s problem.
• Guides the customer in why the product is needed, the critical parameters of devices in the market, and how to evaluate suitability and efficacy of shaft grounding devices. Leads sample feedback process with customer.
• Uses access to internal subject matter expert resources sparingly to assist with customer communications and learns from every interaction to increase technical knowledge for self-sufficient future customer communications, as Voice of Customer in the CBI process “Discover”
• Reviews product application designs for compliance with engineering principles, customer contract requirements and related specifications.
• Customizes product for customer applications using available tools.
• Addresses any product or applications issues or concerns with the customer as they arise.
• Prepares new product cost breakdown with the support of operations.
• Coordinates with R&D and testing resources to address requests for customized data and testing services, including providing appropriate reports, negotiating schedules and prioritizing efforts across multiple programs.
• Helps the customer understand and interpret the contents of technical testing reports.
• Leads the evaluation and approval of simple mechanical design changes, specifications, and drawing creation and releases.
• Assists and understands the corrective action process related to manufacturing and design. Interacts with customers and vendors through the customer product launch cycle, coordinating between the Customer, Engineering, Sales, and Manufacturing.
• Acts as the internal and external trusted advisor to address customer product/application needs, including training, tech shows, account management support, customer visits, etc.
• Proactively seeks and identifies product improvement and evolution opportunities. Works cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, and Research and Development team to help implement new products.
• Contributes meaningfully to market research, defining product requirements, tracking trends, predicting customer pain points, and supporting product engineers in managing the product roadmap.
• Identifies new opportunities through customer insight activities.
• Assists with competitor mapping/research, any FTB or commercial activities/initiatives when applicable.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned.
• Travel expectations: 25%

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, engineering technology, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years engineering work experience.
• Working knowledge of CAD (Inventor Preferred).
• Project Management experience required.
• Excellent organization and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of the automotive industry.
• Ability to convert customer specifications to value added solutions.
• Ability to lead and influence.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.