Sales Applications Engineer

Unique Opportunity with a Globally Recognized Manufacturing Firm

Kitagawa-NorthTech, Inc., is a well-respected and dynamic manufacturing organization located in Schaumburg, Illinois. For over 50 years, Kitagawa workholding products have inspired trust and confidence with machine tool dealers and customers across the globe. Dating back to 1967 when Kitagawa introduced the first Power Chuck, Kitagawa workholding products have stood the test of time. This job opening represents an outstanding opportunity for the right person to join Kitagawa NorthTech, Inc. and play a key role in our continued success.

Position Summary This on-site position is responsible for generating engineered solution quotations. The Applications Engineer accomplishes this by utilizing appropriate calculations and CAD models or layouts, using technical, organizational, and customer knowledge while applying a consultative approach to influence the decision-making process, and assisting them in applying the products/services to the customer's needs. Estimates and records the cost, selling price and delivery date of Engineered Solutions, generates bid in ERP and proposes the final solution to the customer. Determines the risk management of custom tooling and limits the exposure of the company to unsafe or unprofitable engineered solutions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Inside Sales, Regional Sales Managers, Sales Representatives, and customers to identify application needs and deliver effective technical solutions.


• Analyze product specifications and application requirements to design solutions compatible with existing manufacturing processes and capabilities.


• Prepare detailed proposals, quotations, and supporting documentation for engineered workholding solutions.


• Serve as a technical expert on company products, delivering presentations and sales proposals to customers.


• Create concept drawings, perform engineering calculations, and develop CAD designs to meet project requirements.


• Maintain and organize engineering CAD files and technical data for accuracy and accessibility.


• Work directly with customers to evaluate applications, identify improvement opportunities, and provide timely feedback.


• Stay informed on industry trends, new technologies, and product updates to support business development efforts.


• Communicate effectively with internal teams and leadership, ensuring timely resolution of issues and completion of required documentation.


• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including participation in CAPA processes and adherence to company policies, safety standards, and quality requirements.

Education, Experience & Skills:

1. Bachelor of Science in Engineering, specifically Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering or Equivalent associate degree in related field.


2. Minimum of 3-5 years related experience in a corporate environment.

1. Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.


2. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Ability to use a variety of measuring equipment and gauges.


3. Strategic Thinking - Analyzes market and competition, identifies external threats and opportunities. Adapt strategy to changing conditions.


4. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Meets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.


5. Organizational support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals; benefits organization through outside activities.


6. Ethics - Treats people with respect; respects diversity; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.

What We Offer: Our comprehensive benefits include: medical, dental and vision plans; employee assistance program; 401(k); company paid life insurance; semi-annual discretionary bonus program; paid time off including vacation, fourteen holidays, and six sick days. The annual salary range for this position is $65,000 to $75,000, based on qualifications and experience.

The Essential Duties & Responsibilities listed above are general in nature and are not meant to be all inclusive, as they are examples of what this position is expected to perform. The organization retains the right to add to, or modify, this Position Description at any time.

Kitagawa-NorthTech, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer