Technical Sales Support 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 Summary
The Application Engineer plays a critical role in translating customer needs into technically sound and commercially viable solutions. This position supports sales efforts by developing tailored equipment recommendations, preparing technical proposals, and offering ongoing engineering support. The Application Engineer collaborates closely with customers, sales, product development, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless delivery of engineered solutions.

Responsibilities

• Customer Requirement Analysis: Review RFQs, customer specs, and application data to assess project feasibility and recommend solutions.
• Solution Design: Configure equipment selections and systems tailored to customer processes using internal tools and technical expertise.
• Proposal Development: Prepare quotations, technical descriptions, general arrangement drawings utilizing 2D and 3D cad software, and equipment lists.
• Collaboration: Act as a technical liaison between sales, engineering, operations, and the customer to ensure project alignment and successful execution.
• Presentations & Demos: Support sales during customer presentations and equipment demonstrations. Explain features, benefits, and integration strategies.
• Costing and Sizing: Accurately calculate system capacities, power requirements, and cost estimates.
• Testing & Validation: Support product trials, lab tests, and evaluations to verify performance criteria when necessary.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and propose updates to design tools, processes, or systems to increase speed, accuracy, or clarity of deliverables.
• Documentation and Systems: Maintain accurate records of application engineering activities, project documentation, and CRM inputs.
• Technology Integration: Support the use of engineering software, automation tools, and AI-driven platforms to improve technical output and decision-making.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (Competencies):

• Knowledge of bulk solids, food processing or materials handling industry
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems and process flow design
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, technical drawings, and specifications
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience with CAD (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and ERP/CRM systems
• Familiarity with bulk materials, mixing, conveying, or drying equipment preferred
• Exposure to AI-based design tools or digital transformation projects is desirable

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Discipline is required
• Experience in Application Engineering is preferred
• Background in Bulk Solid Processing Equipment is preferred

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

Akona Process Solutions ("Akona") 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. Akona 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

Benefits:

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

Compensation Package:

• Bonus opportunities

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• bulk solids or food processing: 3 years (Required)
• application engineering: 3 years (Required)
• bulk material, mixing and or conveying: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Monroe, NC 28110 (Required)

Work Location: In person