Crane Cryogenics is seeking an experienced Application Engineer to support our growing semiconductor business from our Brazil, Indiana facility. This highly visible role combines technical sales support, system design, and manufacturing leadership for custom vacuum-jacketed piping (VJP) systems and cryogenic fluid distribution equipment used by semiconductor OEM customers.
The successful candidate will work directly with customers and the sales team to develop engineered solutions while also serving as the engineering lead during first-article manufacturing. This individual will be responsible for ensuring new designs transition successfully from concept to production by providing hands-on support to manufacturing, validating product performance, and driving continuous design improvements.
A licensed Professional Engineer (PE) is preferred. Cryogenic experience is preferred but not required. Candidates with backgrounds in process piping, semiconductor equipment, industrial gases, chemical processing, mechanical systems, or related industries are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Sales Support
- Partner with regional sales managers and business development teams to evaluate customer opportunities and develop technical solutions.
- Serve as the primary engineering contact during the quotation and proposal process.
- Review customer specifications, process requirements, and project documents to determine system scope and technical requirements.
- Provide technical presentations and support customer design reviews.
System Design & Engineering
- Design vacuum-jacketed piping (VJP) systems and related cryogenic fluid distribution equipment for semiconductor OEM and end-user applications.
- Develop system layouts, equipment specifications, pipe routing concepts, and design calculations.
- Evaluate thermal, mechanical, and operational requirements for proposed systems.
- Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, industry standards, and customer specifications.
- Support detailed engineering reviews and design optimization efforts.
Manufacturing Support & Product Validation
- Serve as the engineering lead during fabrication and assembly of first-article systems and new product designs.
- Provide hands-on support to manufacturing teams to ensure designs are built in accordance with engineering requirements and customer specifications.
- Monitor first-article builds, identify design or manufacturability issues, and drive corrective actions.
- Review fabrication drawings, bills of material, weldments, and assembly processes to ensure successful execution.
- Collaborate with production, quality, and supply chain teams to resolve technical issues and minimize production delays.
- Lead design reviews and lessons-learned activities following first builds, incorporating improvements into future designs and standards.
- Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), pressure testing, and system validation activities as required.
- Develop and maintain design standards that improve manufacturability, quality, and scalability of semiconductor product offerings.
- Act as the engineering authority for design changes, deviations, and disposition of non-conforming materials related to assigned projects.
Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Interface directly with semiconductor OEM customers, EPC firms, and end users.
- Coordinate with manufacturing, project management, sourcing, and quality teams to ensure design feasibility and successful project execution.
- Provide engineering support during fabrication, testing, installation, and commissioning when required.
- Travel to customer locations as needed for site visits and technical meetings.
Continuous Improvement
- Support standardization and harmonization initiatives for semiconductor product offerings.
- Assist in developing engineering standards, design practices, and product documentation.
- Contribute to process improvement efforts focused on quote speed, accuracy, and execution efficiency.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of engineering experience in industrial systems, process piping, rotating equipment, industrial gases, chemical processing, semiconductor, or related industries.
- Experience performing engineering calculations and developing technical designs.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with CAD software and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting technical sales or application engineering activities.
- Experience with semiconductor manufacturing facilities, OEM equipment, or ultra-high purity systems.
- Background in process piping design, fluid systems, pressure vessels, industrial gas systems, or thermal systems.
- Familiarity with ASME B31.3, pressure equipment design, and relevant engineering standards.
- Understanding of project cost estimating and proposal development.
- Experience working directly with OEM customers.
- Experience supporting manufacturing environments and new product introductions (NPI).
- Experience supervising first-article builds, prototype development, or engineered-to-order products.
- Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
- Experience resolving fabrication, assembly, and quality issues in a production environment.
Key Competencies
- Customer-focused problem solving
- Technical leadership
- Engineering judgment
- Project prioritization and execution
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Commercial awareness
- Attention to detail
- Strong analytical skills
- Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
- New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Root Cause Analysis and Problem Solving
- Manufacturing Process Improvement
- Technical Leadership on the Shop Floor
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This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Crane Company. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
