Jobs › Pentair

Application Engineer

Pentair · North Aurora, IL · $71,000–$131,800 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you explained a technical issue to someone without an engineering background.

What they are checking: Whether they can help distributors and sales teams understand engineering answers.

How do you manage many requests from distributors, OEMs and internal teams at the same time?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize and keep everyone informed in a high-volume support role.

What would you do

A spec calls for a material of construction that seems wrong for the fluid. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they question the spec and help the customer instead of quoting something that will fail.

You need to quote a custom configuration for a bid due tomorrow. How do you make sure it is accurate and priced right?

What they are checking: Whether they balance speed with accuracy on both engineering and pricing.

How do you handle a sales rep pressuring you to approve an application you think is marginal?

What they are checking: Whether they protect the customer and the company from a bad fit even under sales pressure.

About the work

A distributor sends you a spec for a pump application. Walk me through how you would select a pump from a curve.

What they are checking: Whether they can read pump curves and match flow, head and efficiency to the application.

How do you calculate total dynamic head for a system?

What they are checking: Whether they understand static head, friction losses and pressure, the core hydraulic calculation for this role.

What is NPSH, and why would you worry about it on an application?

What they are checking: Whether they can spot cavitation risk before a pump fails in the field.

A pump shipped three months ago is reported failing in the field. How do you investigate?

What they are checking: Whether they gather operating data and look at the application, not just assume a defective pump.

A customer needs a replacement for an old competitor pump. How do you find an interchangeable model?

What they are checking: Whether they match performance, dimensions and connections, which the posting lists as part of the job.

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The full job description

As published by Pentair.

Job Description: At Pentair, you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice, helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life's most essential resource. From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our 9,000 global employees serve customers in more than 150 countries, working to help create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions. We have an opportunity for an Application Engineer to join our North Aurora, IL team. You will provide technical assistance to internal & external personnel (including distribution partners & OEM’s) related to the application and engineering of our products. This position will perform / support specification review & interpretation, hydraulic requirements, engineering calculations, materials of construction, special requirements, pricing, replacement & interchangeability, and some system design & evaluation. You will: • Provide technical information, calculations, and cost estimates relating to bids on new equipment; this includes determining special requirements for order processing. • Design and engineer custom quotations (as needed) to meet customer specifications & requirements. • Investigate and resolve reported field problems after shipment (including issues that are not necessarily considered warranty-covered issues). • Provide technical information in response to field inquiries. • Propose and coordinate design improvements to resolve repeated problems. • Obtain quotes from approved vendors to develop project cost packages. • Use Pentair proprietary sizing programs to determine application specific product information, generate guidelines and data sheets. • Assist Manufacturing to resolve problems that arise out of assembly or testing of pumps. • Recommend conceptual design for special orders to meet customer requirements. • Serve as the initial point of contact for pump selection submittals; this involves responding to customers directly with recommendation(s), if suitable, and/or coordinating with the Sales team. • Take on additional duties, as needed. Key Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field. • 2+ years of experience in product development, design, applications engineering, testing, or technical support. • Ability to travel up to 10%. • Strong knowledge of fluid handling systems, including pumps, piping, valves, controls, and drives. • Experience with electro-mechanical product development and manufacturing; pump industry experience preferred. • Familiarity with industry standards such as NSF and UL. • Experience with 3D CAD modeling preferred. • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and mechanical aptitude. • Working knowledge of materials, structural design, welding, vibration, and electrical systems. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. • Self-motivated, collaborative, and committed to continuous improvement. Compensation: For this full-time position working at this location, the anticipated annualized base pay range will be from $71000 - $131800 / year. At Pentair, it is not typical for an individual to be hired near the bottom or top of the pay range. Pentair considers various factors in determining actual compensation for this position at the expected location. Actual compensation will be commensurate with demonstrable level of experience and training, pertinent education including licensure and certifications, work location, and other relevant business or organizational needs. This position may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as, annual incentive bonus. Benefits: As a Pentair employee, you would enjoy a wide array of benefit options to help keep you and your family healthy and protected, health benefits, a generous 401(k), employee stock purchase program, disability benefits, life insurance, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, parental leave, caregiver leave, tuition reimbursement, plus paid time off and wellness programs to encourage a healthy work/life balance. Equal Opportunity Employer Pentair is an Equal Opportunity Employer. With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day.

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