Company Background:
For 50+ years, ABEC has been a leading supplier to the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. ABEC’s unique value is based on combining long experience with the ability to engineer, design, manufacture, commission, qualify, and service the entire bioprocess to reduce overall cost, shorten time to market, and maximize productivity. ABEC’s products include process and equipment engineering/consulting services, comprehensive site services, bioreactors and fermenters, filtration and chromatography systems, prep and hold systems, and cleaning/sterilization systems.
Position Summary:
The Applications Engineer is a technical expert in biopharmaceutical clinical and commercial manufacturing processes and process equipment, with experience in fields such as Process Engineering, Process Equipment Engineering & Design, Process Equipment Manufacturing, and skilled in cost estimating and technical writing. S/he will be delivering consulting services to global customers, either as independent efforts or as part of larger ABEC projects. The Applications Engineer is responsible for interfacing with customers and internal functions including engineering, design, automation, supply chain, manufacturing, quality, project management and applications management to define and cost custom designed solutions and services for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The role is part of the Applications function globally and participates in driving profitable ABEC growth for the SSE/Hybrid/IS Business Unit. The Applications Engineer works as part of a direct team reporting to the VP of Applications and is supported by matrixed resources with specific subject matter experts. The Applications group is part of ABEC’s business development team and supports Sales to close opportunities while ensuring that the technical and commercial terms meet ABEC’s overall business needs. The focus will be to grow SSE/Hybrid/IS Business Unit revenue and the customer base globally. The candidate can be based in Ireland (Fermoy) or the US (Bethlehem, PA) and should have the ability to travel on a regular basis.
Responsibilities:
Work within pre-established guidelines and instructions to perform the tasks required including:
Collaborate with colleagues in the definition and development of technical and commercial proposals often within tight deadlines. Ensure timely review and response to client requests for proposals. Interpret customer performance requirements, specifications & expectations and develop optimal technical solutions. Interface with internal functional groups including engineering, design, automation, supply chain, manufacturing, quality, project management to communicate customer needs and obtain appropriate cost estimate and proposal content.Generate budgetary and definitive cost estimates to support business development opportunities.Generate budgetary and fixed price proposals in support of business development opportunities.Exercise judgement and good communication in resolving conflicting customer expectations in terms of technical requirements, equipment performance, price and/or schedule.Sales Support – Ensure effective support of Sales including advice on product strategies for identified opportunities, ABEC expertise at meetings with clients, training on product capabilities/differentiation, and bid decisions. Work with customers to thoroughly understand what they want to achieve and determine a fit for ABEC products. Clearly articulate the ABEC value proposition in a way that is relevant to the specific customer need. Marketing and Product Management – Provide technical content for marketing tools (presentations, brochures, website content, etc.) for effective communication of ABEC product features, benefits, and differentiation. Support new product launches by obtaining training from Product Engineering and support training Sales, and interfacing directly with potential customers.Support the training of Sales on product capabilities and differentiation. Support sales as a product expert at meetings with customers remotely and face-to-face in the field. Support other functions such as Service, Project Management, Project Controls, Product Engineering and others as required from time to time.Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives relative to Applications and/or other functions. Track competitor capabilities and activities.Track material and labor estimate information and project budget performance.Other duties as assigned.Will play an active role in identifying and driving Continuous Improvement (CI) opportunity.Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science.Minimum 5 years’ experience in biopharma capital equipment engineering/design, bioprocess sciences, and/or applications/product management. Demonstrated ability to understand and navigate both technical issues and commercial situations.Strong communications and interpersonal skills.Prior experience in Applications/Product Management/Bioprocess Engineering is preferred.Understanding of planning and execution of cGMP biopharmaceutical capital projects, from the early conceptual phase through qualification.Knowledge of bioprocess equipment (fermenters, bioreactors, filtration, chromatography, CIP, Single Use Systems, etc.).Ability to travel approximately 30% globally. Ability to speak a foreign language, a plus.Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of applications, especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint.Familiar with ERP systems. Syteline experience is preferred.Awareness of and prior experience with implementing Continuous Improvement (CI) a plus. Prior Lean/Six Sigma experience a plus.