Application Engineering Manager - Mounted Bearings

Application Engineering Manager 

Reports to: Application Engineering Department Manager
Location: Simpsonville, SC | On-site
Travel: 15–20% (occasional overnight)

Job Summary:

The Application Engineering Manager  is responsible for leading a team of engineers who support a defined product area. This role combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership to improve customer experience and drive business performance through continuous product and process enhancements. The supervisor plays a key role in developing team capabilities, fostering innovation, and ensuring high-quality customer service.

The position requires a strong understanding of engineering principles, customer applications, and industry standards. The supervisor also collaborates with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, product management, R&D, and quality, to ensure technical accuracy and alignment with business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead a team of Application Engineers, prioritizing work and ensuring high-quality execution.

• Identify technical competency gaps and develop team capabilities to meet current and future business needs.

• Create a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

• Provide coaching and support for critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional growth.

2. Technical & Customer Support

• Serve as the subject matter expert in the defined product area, providing advanced application support.

• Deliver product selection and installation guidance to customers via phone, email, and chat.

• Resolve complex customer issues and provide creative, technically sound solutions.

• Represent the company in legal consultations, audits, and other technical expert scenarios.

3. Innovation & Process Improvement

• Encourage the team to generate new ideas that improve product performance and solve customer problems.

• Lead and support cost reduction, Lean, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Collaborate with product designers to ensure the accuracy of models, drawings, and application materials.

• Promote documentation best practices, including independently written technical reports.

4. Project Leadership

• Manage major Application Engineering projects, from planning through execution.

• Drive technical excellence in project delivery, including lab testing, design input, and validation.

• Teach and mentor less experienced colleagues to improve overall team performance and capability.

5. Cross-functional collaboration

• Work closely with manufacturing, supply chain, R&D, product management, and quality teams.

• Support strategic initiatives that improve customer satisfaction and business outcomes.

• Act as a liaison between engineering and other business units to align on goals and priorities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field

• 10+ years of experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, Leadership, or related technical roles

• Strong product and application knowledge in relevant areas

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Detail-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability

• General understanding of project management principles

• Lean Green Belt certification preferred

• Demonstrated ability to adapt and multitask in a dynamic environment

Physical Requirements:

• Extended periods of sitting and/or standing at a workstation

• Frequent reaching, typing, grasping, walking, climbing, and crawling

• Ability to carry, lift, and pull up to 50 lbs.

• Comfortable presenting in-person or virtually to small and large groups

• Travel up to 15–20% for customer visits, technical support, and strategic meetings

Why Join Us?

• Lead a high-performing engineering team with real impact on customer outcomes

• Shape technical solutions that directly support customer success and business growth

• Work in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment

• Opportunities to influence product strategy and continuous improvement initiatives