Application Engineering Manager

About the Organization Kraft Fluid Systems is a 100% employee owned company. The employee-owners at Kraft Fluid Systems are the reason why we are the leading distributor of mobile hydraulic equipment and electric drive solutions in the Midwest United States. Description

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Application Engineering Manager will serve as the leader of applications engineering at Kraft Mobile Systems, driving both the management of the engineering team and the advancement of existing, new, and emerging technologies throughout the organization and to our customers. This role focuses on delivering cost-effective, innovative solutions in hydraulics, electric drives, and electronic controls to support the off-highway mobile equipment market, enhancing customer success and aligning with sales objectives. The manager will support a collaborative, employee-owned culture while championing technical solutions that meet market demands.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS

Manage the application engineering team, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations, with a focus on fostering employee development through mentorship and skill-building. Plan and allocate resources effectively, balancing workloads to ensure engineering projects are completed on time, within budget, and to customer specifications. Execute the agreed-upon team budget, ensuring it meets company needs and supports operational goals. Stay informed of industry trends, proactively engaging with the industry and suppliers through supplier visits, attendance at industry/technology trade shows, etc. to advocate for our needs, evaluate offerings, and source innovative solutions in hydraulics, electronic machine controls, and electric drives. Promote and develop team skills to adopt new technologies, aligning technical offerings with the evolving needs of the off-highway mobile equipment market. Collaborate with sales and customers to translate needs into engineering solutions that foster satisfaction, supporting customer adoption of new technologies and fostering understanding of their value. Operate autonomously to set team goals, working with the VP of Sales & Marketing on key outcomes and initiatives. Coordinate efforts with diverse stakeholders-team, sales, suppliers, customers-to deliver impactful solutions. Troubleshoot technical issues to a successful resolution for customers, assisting the team in securing design specifications and collateral materials as needed. Participate in and support client system start-ups at client-requested sites. Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed onsite at Strongsville, OH, with occasional travel to customer sites, supplier meetings, and industry events as needed. The environment is fast-paced and responsive, balancing multiple priorities based on customer and market demands, with regular collaboration across the engineering team, sales leadership, and external partners.

EFFORT:

Must be self-starting and able to bring projects to completion without constant oversight, demonstrating strategic thinking and adaptability in a dynamic, customer-driven setting.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT

Equipment typically used includes laptop computer, CAD software (Solidworks or AutoCAD), programming platforms (Danfoss Plus+1 Guide), CRM systems for workload coordination, Microsoft Office. Hydraulic and electrical test equipment and tools are also used.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in application engineering or a related field, with at least 5 years of leadership experience managing technical teams, budgets, and resources. Strong proficiency in hydraulic systems (design, troubleshooting, principles) and electric drive systems (architecture, motor control, sizing, interfacing) for off-highway mobile applications. Proficiency in programming electronic controls (e.g., Danfoss Plus+1 Guide) and familiarity with CAD software (Solidworks or AutoCAD). A combination of education, training, and experience may be substituted when competency in the role is demonstrated. Successful performance on pre-employment tests is required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to those who can perform the essential duties of the job. The incumbent must pass any required drug test, new hire physical examination, and background check, maintaining confidentiality of all encountered information.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Certified Fluid Power Hydraulic Specialist certification from the International Fluid Power Society is highly preferred. Exceptional organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage and motivate a technical team while fostering employee development. Strong technical expertise in hydraulics, electronic machine controls, and electric drives, with the ability to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies. Excellent communicator with a collaborative mindset, adept at working with sales, customers, and suppliers to align technical offerings with market needs. Well-organized, self-directed, and proactive Forward-thinking professional with high ethical standards, capable of operating autonomously in a customer-focused, employee-owned environment. The Company reserves the right to revise and alter this job description as needed. Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Shift Days EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. This position is currently accepting applications.