Applications Engineer

Location: Glendale Heights, IL

Compensation: Approximately $85,000+/year, depending on experience

Hours: Full-time, standard business hours

Employment Type: Full-time, Onsite

Japanese language ability required.

※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 manufacturer of precision motion-control and gearing products serving industrial customers and equipment manufacturers. The organization provides engineering-driven solutions for demanding machine and process applications.

Position Summary

The Applications Engineer provides technical support to customers, distributors, and internal teams regarding the selection, sizing, application, and commissioning of precision gearing products. This position evaluates customer requirements, develops technical solutions and proposals, supports product demonstrations, and coordinates with engineering, sales, manufacturing, and Japan-based headquarters.

Professional Japanese proficiency is required for technical and business communication with colleagues and headquarters personnel in Japan.

Key Responsibilities

• Recommend and size precision gearing products based on customer applications and technical requirements.
• Develop technical specifications, proposals, and application solutions.
• Answer technical inquiries from OEMs, distributors, end users, sales, and customer service teams.
• Support product demonstrations, customer presentations, trade shows, and occasional sales calls.
• Coordinate special-specification projects across R&D, sales, manufacturing, and other teams.
• Evaluate product designs and modifications and prepare supporting technical documentation.
• Communicate with Japan headquarters regarding product approvals, modifications, and technical matters.
• Create and maintain bills of material, repair drawings, and related engineering documentation.
• Diagnose recurring product issues and recommend solutions to improve quality and performance.
• Support technical catalogs, manuals, product literature, warranty/repair documentation, and training.
• Travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline plus 1+ year of relevant industry experience, or significant education/experience in gear technology or gear design.
• Professional Japanese proficiency required for technical and business communication and documentation.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, 3D modeling software, Microsoft Office, and ERP systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, mathematical ability, analytical skills, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with strong attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Preferred:

• Experience with precision gearing, gear design, motion control, or related mechanical products.
• Experience supporting OEM or industrial equipment applications.
• Familiarity with technical product selection and sizing software.

Other Details

• Role may require extended technical training in Japan.
• Customer-site visits, trade shows, and domestic/international travel may be required.
• Must be able to handle confidential technical and business information appropriately.

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