Application Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY:

The Application Engineer reviews the project requirements/specifications, identifies appropriate machine concepts and/or integration solutions, and prepares formal project proposals for the customer. The Application Engineer maintains a positive relationship with the Sales Managers, Sales Engineers, Sales Representatives, and Customers to ensure continuous customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Steward our mission (to enrich lives by providing differentiated packaging automation and services) and values (unwavering integrity, servant's heart, ownership spirit and continuous innovation and improvement).
• Receives and processes Requests for Proposals (RFP's) from Sales Managers, Sales Engineers, Sales Representatives, or Customers. Works in close cooperation with Sales Manager, Sales Engineer, Sales Representatives, and Engineers to ensure good teamwork to meet customer expectations.
• Responds to all assigned customers RFP's in a timely and highly presentable manner.
• Develops preliminary concepts for all inquiries received.
• Communicates with outside vendors to identify and determine pricing for solutions to meet customer requirements.
• Prepares price estimates, formal price quotations/proposals and projected delivery dates in both general formats, as well as, focused customer proposals. Is sensitive to machine costs as they relate to price build-ups from available databases and assures that proposals meet appropriate profit margins established by management.
• Prepares the formal price breakdown of each project sold and maintains pricing according to established policy.
• In cooperation with Sales Manager/Engineer and Product Engineers, conducts commercial and technical risk analysis of potential orders.
• Maintains contact with active assigned projects, both directly and indirectly through outside sales and the representative network to ensure continued customer satisfaction.
• Ensures customer's expectations are documented into a formal scheduling specification including customer's project information, product information and Douglas equipment specification.
• Attends design review, scheduling, and production meetings as required.
• May assist in expediting a customer's special needs and/or requirements.
• Issues either directly, or in coordination with Project Management, additional specifications
  (referred to as "PCRs") to meet the customer's needs and/or requirements.
• Conducts sales presentations for customers with manufacturing representatives when requested and schedule permits.
• Travels to customer locations on an "as needed" basis and as work schedule permits.
• Keeps informed of all manufacturing activities and machine status in relation to scheduled customer visits and inspections.
• Assists in the coordination and entertainment for customers visiting the Douglas facilities.
• May assist in the coordination of customer inspections of machines prior to shipment.
• May assist in coordinating shipment of machine.
• Maintains a high standard of communications with all departments.
• Maintains and reviews, on a regular basis, the formal departmental customer machine files to ensure they are current and up to date.
• Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the department manager.
• Keep work area clean and organized, ensuring we make a positive impression on our customers.
• Responsible for complying with all safety policies and procedures.

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must show great attention to project details and pricing
• Proficient with all Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Ability to obtain sound trade knowledge and have demonstrated above average organizational skills and leadership skills.
• Ability to learn and understand Douglas' documentation system
• Ability to create, read and understand packaging machinery blueprints
• Ability to organize, plan, and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, follow-up, and documentation skills
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Capable of utilizing CAD software

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

This position normally requires a Bachelor of Science degree or its evaluated equivalent, which include applying technical solutions to packaging industry requirements. Technical knowledge of Douglas Machine Inc.'s product lines and Douglas Machine Inc.'s sales procedures is desired.

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.