Senior Manager Application Engineer

About Us

Akona Process Solutions is the result of bringing together four well-established companies—Spiroflow, Kason, Cablevey, and Marion—each with a legacy of expertise in material handling and processing. With more than 200 years of combined experience, Akona provides comprehensive equipment solutions designed to meet the unique needs of its customers.

Specializing in mixers, blenders, dryers, screeners, tubular drag conveyors, and bulk material handling systems, Akona delivers integrated solutions that streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve hygiene in demanding environments. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with global centers of excellence in the USA, UK, and Germany, Akona works closely with customers across industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and chemicals.

Job Overview
The Senior Manager Application Engineering is a key leader responsible for overseeing worldwide application engineering operations. This role manages a team of engineers across multiple regions, ensuring the effective development and delivery of technical solutions that meet customer needs. The position requires a strategic leader with expertise in application engineering, customer engagement, and cross-functional collaboration to drive innovation, efficiency, and business growth on a global scale.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a global team of application engineers and technical support staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement. Establish clear goals, conduct performance evaluations, and drive accountability.
• Strategic Planning and Execution: Develop and implement global application engineering strategies that align with business objectives, optimizing team performance and enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Customer-Focused Solutions: Oversee the development of tailored engineering solutions that align with product capabilities, customer needs, and market demands. Act as an escalation point for critical customer issues and drive resolution.
• Application Engineering & Technical Support: Direct the design, implementation, and optimization of technical solutions while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage key metrics, customer feedback, and Pareto analysis to identify trends, optimize processes, and enhance engineering solutions globally.
• Process Improvement & AI Utilization: Implement best practices to enhance efficiency, reduce response times, and improve overall technical support. Develop and integrate AI-driven tools to automate routine tasks and improve decision-making.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with sales, product development, manufacturing, and customer service teams to ensure seamless integration of application engineering solutions. Provide input on product performance and emerging market trends.
• Training & Development: Oversee technical training programs, ensuring teams have the skills and knowledge needed to excel. Promote continuous learning and professional development.
• Budget & Resource Allocation: Manage global budgets, optimize resource distribution, and prioritize projects to support business goals effectively.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (Competencies):

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Managing technical teams and delivering exceptional customer support
• Proven experience managing engineering teams across multiple countries and region: ability to execute strategic plans and manage multiple priorities
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in bulk materials processing industry; food, nutraceutical, or specialty chemical preferred.
• Familiarity with digital transformation initiatives, automation, and AI-driven tools in engineering.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field
• 7 years in technical support and application engineering with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Background in Bulk Solid Processing Equipment is preferred
• Travel up to 25%

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change at any time with or without notice.

We Value Diversity

Candidates applying to job openings posted in US: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Spiroflow Systems (Automated Handling Solutions) maintains a drug free workplace.

Applicants With Disabilities

To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know during the application process.

Please be advised that this Job Description or any other document should not be construed in any manner as a contract of employment. AHS maintains an employment at will relationship with its employees. This means that both you and the employer retain the right to terminate this relationship at any time for any reason.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $155,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Application Engineering: 7 years (Required)
• Managing direct reports: 3 years (Required)
• data driven management philosophy: 3 years (Required)
• Bulk/Powder Material Processing: 3 years (Required)
• Performance Managing: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Monroe, NC 28110 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Monroe, NC 28110