JOB SUMMARY:
The Project Application Engineer serves as a key technical and customer-facing resource, responsible for evaluating machine modification opportunities, preparing formal quotations, and supporting the qualification of projects, including on-site customer engagement when needed. This role collaborates closely with Sales, Engineering, and cross-functional teams to manage project schedules, resolve issues, and ensure customer expectations are met through project acceptance. Acting as a liaison throughout the project lifecycle, the Project Application Engineer helps drive successful outcomes by aligning customer needs with Douglas’s capabilities and values.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
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Actively steward Douglas’s mission—to enrich lives by providing differentiated packaging automation and services—and exemplify our core values: unwavering integrity, servant’s heart, ownership spirit, and continuous innovation and improvement.
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Review customer Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to determine whether Douglas has the technology and capability to pursue the project. Travel to customer sites as needed to support quoting and project qualification efforts.
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Partner with the sales team to assess capabilities, develop proposals, and follow up with customers to gauge interest and respond to questions throughout the sales process.
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Serve as a technical resource for customers by offering detailed expertise to support project development and engagement.
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Prepare formal quotations and respond to changes in customer specifications in a timely and accurate manner.
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Collaborate with the Field Modifications Facilitator and team leaders to develop and manage a formal project schedule, covering all key events from machine order through acceptance.
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Work closely with Accounting, Field Service, and other business units to resolve payment, warranty, or integration issues and ensure successful project outcomes.
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Provide timely updates to customers, project teams, and Douglas leadership. Resolve concerns promptly, escalating critical issues when necessary.
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Oversee all facets of test product requirements and participate in design reviews and exit meetings to ensure customer expectations are met.
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Travel to customer sites as needed to support project milestones, address issues, and ensure alignment with customer and company expectations.
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Maintain a clean and organized work area to positively represent Douglas to customers.
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Adhere to all safety policies and procedures.
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Assist with warranty and goodwill matters as needed.
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Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by department leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills
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Able to prioritize and complete work in a timely and accurate manner
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Proficient in the use of Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, Outlook, Internet/Intranet
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Strong commitment to building trust and maintaining lasting customer relationships through clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and solutions-focused service throughout the project lifecycle
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Technical knowledge of Douglas Machine Inc.’s product lines and Douglas Machine Inc.’s sales procedures is desired
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
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Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment or Associate’s degree and 4 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
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Must have sound trade knowledge and have demonstrated above average organizational and leadership skills
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Experience with Douglas’ project documentation system is desired
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Experience reading technical drawings of packaging machinery is desired
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Experience with accessing and manipulating information via databases (Infor XA preferred)
OTHER INFORMATION:
All full-time positions offer attractive compensation and benefits that include ESOP stock allocation, 401(k) match, a company health clinic, medical, dental, life and disability insurance, volunteer time off, along with holiday pay and paid time off.
