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Applications Engineer Mold Release

Illinois Tool Works · Work At Home, IL · Remote available · Full time

Posted Aug 28, 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 ran a product trial at a customer plant. How did you set it up and measure results?

What they are checking: Whether they run trials with clear baselines and data that prove value.

This role is remote with travel to customers. How do you organize your week?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage their own schedule across plant visits, trials and follow-up.

Tell me about a technical problem you solved that the customer had been living with for a long time.

What they are checking: Whether they bring curiosity and persistence to stubborn production issues.

What would you do

How do you support a direct sales rep so the customer sees you as a consultant, not just a supplier?

What they are checking: Whether they bring real technical value to sales calls instead of reciting product sheets.

A customer wants to switch to a cheaper release agent. How do you show the total cost difference?

What they are checking: Whether they can quantify scrap, cycle time and maintenance savings in terms a plant manager trusts.

How do you feed what you learn in the field back to the lab and product team?

What they are checking: Whether they share customer insight that helps improve formulations and products.

About the work

What do you know about how mold release agents work, and what goes wrong when the wrong one is used?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the chemistry and process issues behind release agent selection.

A customer's die cast parts are sticking and showing surface defects. How would you troubleshoot it?

What they are checking: Whether they consider application rate, temperature, dilution and process variables before blaming the product.

How do you explain safety and handling requirements for a chemical product to plant workers?

What they are checking: Whether they take chemical safety seriously and communicate it clearly on the plant floor.

What industries have you supported, such as automotive, metal stamping or food processing, and how do their needs differ?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that requirements like food safety change which products can be used.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Illinois Tool Works.

Job Description: Job Title: Applications Engineer – Mold Release Reports to: Sales Manager, Mold Release and Metal Stamping Exempt Status: Exempt Full Time / Part Time: Full Time Location: Remote Company Overview: ITW Pro Brands is a manufacturer of lubricants, cleaning chemicals, and corrosion preventatives formulated to maximize equipment productivity and product quality for customers. We go to market through B2B with a focus on the automotive, aviation, fabricated metal, food processing and machinery manufacturing market segments. Offering a brand portfolio that is well recognized within these industrial channels, our premium products address customer pain points and our direct sales team provide expert value-added consulting at the customer level. ITW Pro Brands has 250 employees and 4 manufacturing facilities in: Olathe, KS, Tucker, GA, Easton, MD, and DeWitt, IA. Our Values: • Simplicity : focusing on the essential core of each business opportunity, guided by the “80/20” rule to streamline processes, systems and structures. • Shared risk : collaborating as a team, taking joint responsibility, and learning from trial and error to drive innovation. • Integrity : honesty, transparency, and doing the right thing in all business dealings, regardless of brand and location. • Respect : valuing diversity in cultural backgrounds and fostering an open environment where innovation can thrive. • Trust : relying on employees to uphold the highest professional standards and act in the company’s best interests. What we offer: ITW’s benefits package is designed to provide comprehensive support for physical, mental, and financial well-being including: healthcare, retirement planning, paid leave, wellness programs, and opportunities for charitable involvement. Position Summary : The Applications Engineer is responsible and accountable for all technical aspects related to the Mold Release Agents product line. This role primary responsibility is providing technical expertise and product knowledge support to the ITW Pro Brands R&D, Marketing, and Sales teams. This position will assist through understanding, training, and defining solutions for customer needs and problems. The Senior Applications Engineer supports product knowledge, safety, and training initiatives and collaborates effectively with other functional areas to support the division's strategy. Core Responsibilities: • Lead technical application support for customers, translating their needs into practical product and process solutions. • Troubleshoot application, product, and process issues and recommend corrective actions. • Work closely with Sales, R&D, Operations, Quality, and customers to develop and commercialize solutions. • Conduct product trials, evaluate results, and translate technical findings into actionable recommendations. • Identify opportunities to improve product performance, expand applications, and support new business development. • Provide technical guidance to customers and internal teams on product selection, processing, and performance. • Travel up to 30% (including internationally) to customer sites, manufacturing facilities, and industry events as needed. Qualifications / Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering, or a related technical field. • 10+ years of experience in technical sales, applications engineering, technical service, or a related customer-facing role. • Advanced experience with Salesforce; (Administrator preferred) • Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate customer needs into practical business solutions. • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage customers and colleagues at all levels. • Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills. • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across Sales, R&D, Operations, Quality, and other functions. • Strong organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook; strong Excel skills required. • Demonstrated ownership, accountability, initiative, and ability to drive results in a changing environment. • Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify opportunities, build alignment, and drive strategic initiatives. • Experience in the chemical, specialty chemical, materials, or related industrial sector. ITW Pro Brands is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Compensation Information: $115,000 Plus Bonus ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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