Application Engineer

Location: Elgin, Illinois

Compensation: Approx. $85k/yr+, DOE

Hours: Full-Time

Employment Type: Permanent, On-site

Language: Japanese language ability strongly preferred

Travel: Domestic/international travel required, including approximately 3 months of training in Japan

※Applications will only be considered from candidates who meet the listed job-related qualifications. Please review thoroughly before submitting your application.※

Company Overview

An established industrial technology company specializing in precision motion-control and gearing solutions for manufacturing and automation applications. The organization supports OEMs, distributors, and end users with engineered products, technical application support, product customization, and commissioning.

Position Summary

The Applications Engineer supports customers in selecting, applying, and commissioning precision gearing products for machinery and process applications. This role combines mechanical engineering, customer-facing technical support, product selection, design adaptation, troubleshooting, and coordination with engineering teams in Japan.

Japanese language ability is strongly preferred due to regular technical communication with Japan-based headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to OEMs, distributors, end users, sales, and internal teams regarding gearing selection, sizing, and application.
• Analyze customer requirements and prepare technical specifications, proposals, and engineered solutions.
• Support product demonstrations, presentations, trade shows, customer visits, and sales calls.
• Evaluate product/design changes and prepare supporting engineering documentation.
• Coordinate with engineering headquarters in Japan regarding new products and product modifications.
• Create and maintain BOMs, repair-part drawings, and modification requirements.
• Diagnose recurring product issues and failure mechanisms and recommend corrective solutions.
• Support development of technical literature, manuals, catalogs, and product information.
• Prepare warranty and repair documentation.
• Maintain current technical knowledge through training and industry education.

Qualifications

Required:

• Mechanical engineering, gear technology, gear design, or closely related technical education/experience.
• Strong mechanical engineering, analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and develop technical drawings and engineering documentation.
• Experience with AutoCAD, 3D modeling software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong technical communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Ability to complete approximately three months of training in Japan; timing/duration may have some flexibility based on candidate circumstances.

Preferred:

• Japanese language ability sufficient for technical/business communication.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 3+ years of related industry experience.
• 2+ years of gearing-industry experience, demonstrated gear-design experience, or formal education in gear technology.

※This role may include additional responsibilities as needed based on business needs.※