Application Engineer

Responsibilities / Tasks

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses
  
  

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $75,000 - $85,000 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not guaranteed compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Position Overview

The Application Engineer is a key member of the North American Technical Offer Management (TOM) team, specializing in GEA's Liquid and Filtration technology offerings. This role supports the Regional Sales Manager in developing technical solutions, preparing proposal packages, and generating accurate cost estimates.

The Application Engineer may collaborate with process engineers or work directly with customers to fully understand technical requirements. Acting as the primary point of contact for all external technical inquiries, this role ensures the technical accuracy of proposals and sales documents, creates Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), and coordinates with the Project Management Office (PMO) for smooth project handovers.

This Position Requires Collaboration Across Multiple Departments—including Purchasing, Sales, And Engineering—to Develop Cost-effective And Technically Sound Proposals For a Wide Range Of GEA Equipment, Services, And Systems. Work May Span Various Industries Such As Food, Dairy, Beverage, Home/Personal Care, And New Food Technologies, Including But Not Limited To

• Filtration
• Pasteurizers (HTSTs, UHTs)
• CIP Systems
• Centrifuges and Separation Systems
• Batching Systems (Mixers and Blenders)
• Brewing Systems
• Fermentation and Cell Culture Systems
• Customized Liquid Processing Systems
• Heat Recovery Systems
  
  

Roles And Responsibilities

• Review customer RFQs and specifications to determine suitability for GEA offerings, identifying any exceptions or exclusions.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and clear, well-structured proposals while coordinating with Purchasing, Sales, and Engineering.
• Draft equipment specifications and obtain vendor component pricing. Coordinate with GEA’s sales, process, mechanical, and electrical design teams.
• Develop sales project cash flow analysis to support negotiation phases.
• Participate in technical reviews, including process calculations, heat and mass balances, PFDs, P&IDs, and GAs; coordinate with discipline leads.
• Follow TOM governance processes to ensure proposals meet required thresholds for project phase transitions.
• Prepare project cost breakdown structures (CBS).
• Complete training to learn GEA’s sales business, including hands-on technical training, classroom instruction, remote training at European centers of competence, and independent learning via GEA’s Learning Center portal.
• Identify and log risks in the opportunity risk template.
• Coordinate and prepare for Phase Gate Reviews.
• Attend internal and customer meetings.
• Maintain historical pricing databases.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while following all GEA procedures.
• Annual travel: typically, ~10%, up to 20% as needed.
  
  

Your Profile / Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in similar roles, preferably with Liquid technologies and equipment.
  
  

Required Skills And Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications and drawings.
• Creativity in developing innovative and competitive solutions.
• Strong English verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent coordination and project management abilities.
• Understanding of GEA process designs.
• Strong mathematical aptitude.
• Self-motivated, with strong interpersonal skills; able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Effective time management with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks effectively.
• Ability to perform well in a fast-paced, sometimes high-pressure environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  
  

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

#engineeringforthebetter

GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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