Fenner Dunlop, a Michelin Group company, designs and manufactures the widest range of bulk material handling conveyor belts in the world. We strive to be the premier provider of the safest and most reliable conveyor belting and services to a variety of heavy industrial markets such as coal mining, hard rock mining, sand, gravel, wood handling, power generation, pulp and paper. Fenner Dunlop provides North American made belting, manufactured at our facilities located throughout the United States and Canada. For over 150 years, Fenner Dunlop has researched, designed, developed, manufactured, and tested its conveyor belting products, supporting nearly any type of conveyor application, and providing the right solutions to protect conveyor system investments in the harshest conveying environments.
We are seeking an Application Engineering Specialist to conduct on-site conveyor belt surveys and technical assessments in the field at customer locations. This position supports the sales organization by collecting accurate field information, evaluating conveyor belt and system conditions, strengthening customer relationships, and identifying opportunities for belt replacement, technical services, and related products. This role works closely with outside sales representatives, inside sales, distributors, technical teams, service personnel, and customers to document field conditions and provide the information needed to develop technical recommendations, quotes, and long-term customer solutions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Conduct conveyor belt surveys and inspections at customer locations, including manufacturing plants, mines, quarries, terminals, and other industrial facilities.
- Inspect and document conveyor belt and system conditions, including belt specifications, belt construction, covers, splices, tracking, wear patterns, damage, conveyor components, and operating conditions.
- Collect accurate field measurements and application information, including belt width, belt length, carcass type, cover gauges, pulley diameters, take-up configuration, troughing angle, conveyor layout, operating speed, capacity, and other relevant technical details.
- Evaluate current belt performance and identify observed or potential failure points, maintenance concerns, abnormal wear, and opportunities to improve belt life or performance.
- Gather available information regarding historical belt life, operating conditions, and competitive belt performance.
- Inspect customer-owned belt inventory and document belt specifications, storage conditions, age, condition, and suitability for anticipated applications.
- Assist with the field investigation and documentation of warranty claims, including photographs, measurements, operating information, product identification, and other relevant evidence.
- Prepare complete, accurate, and timely survey reports containing photographs, measurements, observations, and technical information needed to support quotes, product recommendations, warranty evaluations, and customer follow-up.
- Work alongside sales representatives and distributors during customer visits, conveyor inspections, technical reviews, product evaluations, and business-development activities.
- Identify potential customer needs and communicate sales opportunities involving replacement belts, lagging, splicing materials, conveyor accessories, field services, or other related products and services.
- Provide field information and observations to technical and sales personnel to support belt selection, application analysis, troubleshooting, and product recommendations.
- Communicate professionally and effectively with customers, distributors, contractors, and internal personnel while representing the Company in a knowledgeable, safety-conscious, and service-oriented manner.
- Document customer interactions and site findings using Company-approved reporting tools, templates, customer relationship management systems, and other business platforms.
- Assist with customer and distributor training by sharing product knowledge, field observations, and recommended practices related to conveyor belt selection, operation, inspection, and maintenance.
- Comply with all Company and customer safety requirements, including required personal protective equipment, hazard assessments, lockout/tagout procedures, confined-space restrictions, and site-specific safety protocols.
- Travel domestically and internationally to customer, distributor, and Company locations, generally up to 50% of working time, including overnight travel.
- Support other technical investigations, field evaluations, training activities, and analyses consistent with the responsibilities of the position.
- Perform other related duties as assigned based on business needs.
Required Qualifications
- Technical, mechanical, industrial, engineering, or maintenance-related education, training, certification, or equivalent practical experience.
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand industrial equipment, conveyor systems, and technical applications.
- Ability to accurately inspect, measure, photograph, document, and communicate technical field information.
- Ability to read and understand technical specifications, product information, equipment documentation, and measurement instruments.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with customers, distributors, sales representatives, technical personnel, and contractors.
- Ability to work independently in the field while maintaining timely communication and coordination with the sales and technical organizations.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, judgment, and follow-through.
- Proficiency with standard business technology, including mobile devices, digital photography, email, Microsoft Office, reporting tools, and customer relationship management systems.
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including overnight travel, up to 50% of working time primarily in the United States.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport for international business travel.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to satisfy applicable Company driving requirements when operating a motor vehicle.
- Ability to satisfy lawful, job-related customer and Company site-access requirements, which may include safety orientations, training certifications, identity verification, background screening, drug and alcohol testing, respiratory-clearance evaluations, fit testing, and the use of required personal protective equipment. All requirements will be administered in accordance with applicable law, Company policy, and reasonable accommodation obligations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with conveyor belts, conveyor systems, bulk material handling, mining, aggregates, terminals, industrial maintenance, field service, or a related industry.
- Experience conducting conveyor belt surveys or performing belt installation, splicing, inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, or repair.
- Knowledge of conveyor belt construction, covers, carcass types, splice methods, conveyor components, and common belt damage or failure modes.
- Experience supporting a sales organization, distributor network, or customer-facing technical-service function.
- Experience identifying customer needs and communicating product or service opportunities to sales personnel.
- Experience preparing technical field reports, warranty documentation, inspection reports, or customer recommendations.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
- The following requirements reflect the physical activities and work environments that may be encountered while performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Regularly walk through industrial and customer operating sites, including uneven, elevated, wet, dusty, noisy, hot, cold, or outdoor work areas.
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and position measurement equipment in and around conveyor systems.
- Ascend and descend stairs and ladders and access authorized conveyor inspection areas.
- Safely lift, carry, push, or pull equipment and materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Wear required personal protective equipment, which may include a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, fall-protection equipment, or respiratory protection where legally permitted and job-related.
- Travel by automobile and commercial aircraft and remain at customer locations for extended periods as business needs require.
- Work around operating industrial equipment only when permitted by applicable safety procedures and site authorization.
- Comply with Company and customer safety rules, security procedures, and site-access requirements.
What We Offer
At Fenner Dunlop, a Michelin Group company, we care about work/life balance as well as the health and financial wellbeing of our employees and their families. So, whether you're considering family planning, trying to decide how to best care for your family, or want to make a difference through volunteerism, you're sure to find Fenner Dunlop's competitive and comprehensive employee-focused benefits package helpful.
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- Medical Travel Reimbursement for critical healthcare travel
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Volunteer, Caregiver, and Bereavement Leave
- Education Reimbursement
- Family Planning Reimbursement
- Competitive Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
- Retirement Savings Plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 6% of your salary
- Extensive Paid Parental Leave in the event of birth or adoption
- Opportunities to purchase Michelin Stock at a discounted rate
- Michelin Tire Rebates
- Employee Assistance Program that provides health, financial, and legal counseling among other resources
Interested in more details on our comprehensive employee benefits package? Just ask!