Application Engineer - Agriculture

Location: Waukegan, IL

Salary Range: $ 77,000.00 to $ 87,000.00

About SKF:

SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow!

SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030.

We’re guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.

We’re a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.

Learn about SKF at www.skf.com.

Position Summary

SKF is the world leading supplier of products and solutions in the rolling bearing business. In addition, we are one of the leading players in seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and services which include technical support, maintenance services, condition monitoring and training. The inherent skills and competence of our around 40,000 employees help us to fulfill our objective of creating more intelligent, sustainable and innovative customer solutions. SKF is a truly global company with presence in more than 130 countries, serving an extensive range of industries and customers worldwide.

The Application Engineer at SKF is tasked with working closely with a team of engineers to understand, design and propose SKF/PEER product solutions for agriculture machinery like tractors, combines, balers, and other equipment’s. They promote the SKF know-how and value proposition in line with corporate and sales strategy, working closely with Sales and Customer Service as part of the responsible Account Team.  They manage technical relationships with agriculture OEMs and responding to inquiries, handling complaints, and evaluating technical risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Applying knowledge and training in mechanical engineering to contribute substantially in the development and implementation of customized or application specific offers, and to work with customer, for new development projects in Agriculture/Off-Highway industries
• Creating and analyzing design related to bearings/housings using CAE tools for 3D modelling and FEA.
• Performing engineering calculations and running system analysis using bearing life software’s like ROMAX, MESYS, MASTA, KissSoft or SimPro (SKF in-house).
• Work with sales, business development, quality, product development and demand chain, to drive all engineering aspects from technical proposal to final production and ensure it meets quality, cost and performance for the target application.
• Work in coordination with design and product engineering teams to facilitate DFMEA and discuss the same with customer on a specific project or product line
• Analyzing testing methodologies and functionalities of the company’s product designs and recommending changes to improve performance and cost efficiencies.
• Work on damage analysis and root cause evaluation on warranty or product development returns and drive continuous quality improvement initiatives using DFMEA process.
• Be the technical specialist/resource within the Industrial Sales Unit for SKF products and technologies, through relationships with global subject experts.
• Develop frame work for proper project management to gate, track and prioritize projects.
• Participate and contribute to internal and external trainings, assist with the development of training material

Leadership & Team Development 

• Team leadership responsibilities
• Coaching and development expectations

Customer / Stakeholder Engagement 

• Customer interaction scope
• Escalation responsibilities

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Key internal partners
• Collaboration expectations

Operational Excellence 

• Performance metrics
• Process improvement responsibilities

Strategic Communication 

• Communication expectations
• Reporting requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or comparable degree)
• 1+ years of design/application experience in an industrial environment – agriculture machinery, power train applications or rotating equipment, working with customers and designing mechanical systems
• Knowledge of bearings, transmission products or seals is beneficial
• Experience/background in Agriculture or off-highway/construction industries is a plus
• Strong mechanical hands-on and technical aptitude
• Proven proficiency and capabilities with 3D solid modeling software
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and manage projects with attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical, decision making and problem-solving skills
• Track record of proactive and continuous improvement within area of responsibility
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills
• Demonstrated customer service, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
• Outcome oriented, critical thinker capable of prioritizing to achieve results
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Travel Requirements

Up to 30% of the time as customer need dictates

What You’ll Love About SKF:

Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.

Work/Life Integration. SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. Flexible work options available, depending on role.

Diversity in the Workplace. At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation. 

Best in Class Benefits. SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment.  Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more! 

Bonus. SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.

Invest in your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution:  100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.