FP Application Engineer, Industrial First Fit

What to expect

Working on a full-time basis, either remotely or on-site at Gates GmbH in Aachen, the FP Application Engineer will serve as the technical interface between Gates and strategic Industrial OEM customers across Europe. As part of our European Application Engineering team, you will support our Industrial First Fit (IFF) business, developing fluid power and conveyance solutions that become part of OEM equipment from the earliest design stages. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with leading customers, influence product design, support innovation, and help bring new solutions to market. 

You will provide expert application engineering support, investigate customer requirements, recommend optimal product solutions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative fluid power solutions. You will play a key role throughout the product development lifecycle—from concept and design support to product commercialization and customer implementation—helping ensure technical excellence, customer satisfaction, and business growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide application engineering support for Industrial First Fit customers across hydraulic, industrial hose, and engine conveyance product lines.
• Develop strong technical relationships with OEM engineering teams and act as a trusted advisor on product selection, system performance, and application requirements.
• Analyze customer applications, operating conditions, and technical specifications to recommend optimal Gates solutions.
• Collaborate with GPLM, Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Sales teams to develop new products and customized solutions when standard offerings do not meet customer requirements.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and bills of materials (BOMs) and support quotation activities through the CPQ system.
• Lead and support technical discussions throughout the Product Commercialization Process (PCP), including concept development and implementation activities.
• Support product validation, testing, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis activities.
• Identify opportunities for product standardization, value engineering, and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical guidance and training to customers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Travel to customer sites and manufacturing locations to support project execution, product validation, and customer engagement.

Keys to Success

• Acquires general knowledge of principles and practices of related fields, and ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
• Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate the company in the market

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None
• Acts as a resource for other team members; may lead projects with limited risks and resource requirements

Requirements and Preferred Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Fluid Power Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in application engineering, product engineering, technical support, or a related engineering role.
• Experience within Fluid Power, Hydraulics, Industrial Hose, Conveyance Systems, or related industrial markets is strongly preferred.
• Experience working directly with OEM customers is highly desirable.
• Strong technical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Sound understanding of hydraulic systems, fluid conveyance products, and industrial applications.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and customer requirements.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong project coordination and organizational capabilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a global, cross-functional environment.
• Proficiency with engineering and business systems, including Microsoft Office and ERP/CPQ tools.
• Fluent English and German is required; additional European languages are an advantage.
• Willingness to travel across Europe as required.