Jobs › Generac

Director, Application Engineering

Generac · Sussex, WI · Full time

Posted Oct 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 built or developed a technical team. What did you change?

What they are checking: Whether they can coach and grow engineers and specialists, which the role leads with.

Tell me about a time you worked with a dealer network to fix a recurring problem.

What they are checking: Whether they can lead through partners they do not directly control.

What would you do

How would you organize Sales Engineers, Application Engineers and Technical Support so dealers get fast, correct answers?

What they are checking: Whether they can design a team structure that balances speed, depth and workload.

A national account needs a special engineering quote on a tight deadline. How do you make sure it is right and on time?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage risk on custom work without losing the deal.

Sales wants an aggressive application that your engineers think is risky. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they protect the customer and the brand while staying a partner to sales.

How do you make sure your team stays technically current as products change?

What they are checking: Whether they keep sales enablement and skills fresh.

About the work

How do you decide which application sizing tools or installation guidelines to update first?

What they are checking: Whether they prioritize based on where errors and dealer pain are greatest.

How do you take what your team hears from the field and get it to Product Management and Engineering?

What they are checking: Whether they turn field feedback into product and process improvements.

What do you know about sizing industrial generators for things like data centers or hospitals?

What they are checking: Whether they have deep enough technical knowledge to lead the experts.

What goals and metrics would you set for this team?

What they are checking: Whether they measure what matters, like response time, quote accuracy and dealer satisfaction.

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? The Director of Application Engineering leads Generac's Industrial Power Generation Application Engineering and Technical Support functions. This role is responsible for managing a team of Sales Engineers, Application Engineers, Technical Support Specialists, and Subject Matter Experts who provide technical sales support, application guidance, special engineering quotations, and internal tool support for dealers, customers, national accounts, and sales teams. The Director serves as a strategic partner to Product Management, Engineering, Sales, and the Industrial dealer network, ensuring customers receive timely technical expertise while driving continuous product and process improvements. This leader also oversees technical sales enablement resources, application sizing tools, installation guidelines, and special engineering solutions that support business growth and customer success. Responsibilities Leadership & Team Development • Lead, coach, and develop the Application Engineering, Technical Support, and Sales Engineering teams. • Establish team goals and performance objectives aligned with company strategy. • Drive talent development through performance management, succession planning, and employee growth initiatives. • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and customer focus. • Ensure consistent feedback, recognition, and development opportunities across the organization. Technical Sales & Customer Support • Oversee technical sales support provided to Industrial dealers, sales teams, national accounts, and end customers. • Ensure prompt and accurate response to technical inquiries via phone, email, and other support channels. • Support strategic national accounts with application engineering, technical training, and product expertise. • Provide resources and guidance for technical training programs, marketing initiatives, and customer events. Application Engineering & Product Support • Lead Power Generation Subject Matter Experts in areas including: • Generator sizing and application design • Alternators and controls • Electrical codes and standards • Product applications and configurations • Manage special engineering quotation processes and coordinate custom solution requests between dealers, engineering, and product management teams. • Partner with Product Management to advocate for product enhancements and configured product offerings based on customer and market needs. • Drive resolution of complex customer technical issues. Technical Tools & Sales Enablement • Oversee Power Design Pro sizing tool updates associated with new product releases. • Manage GenConnect submittal updates and related technical documentation. • Own and maintain Installation Guidelines documentation for Industrial generators. • Develop and expand technical sales enablement materials, including white papers and application resources. • Support creation of sales drawings, 3D models, BIM files, and future digital sales support tools. Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree required. • 12+ years of experience in Power Generation, Controls, Alternators, Application Engineering, or a related technical field. • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience managing technical and engineering teams. Preferred Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. • Professional Engineer (PE) registration preferred. • MBA or Master's degree in Engineering or a related field. • Previous experience with SAP or equivalent ERP systems. • Strong understanding of power generation systems, applications, and customer support processes. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and customer relationship management skills. • Ability to effectively lead teams while operating independently in a fast-paced environment. • Experience supporting industrial dealer networks, technical sales organizations, and national account customers. • Demonstrated success partnering with product management and engineering teams to influence product roadmaps and technical solutions. • Strong knowledge of generator sizing, power system applications, controls, electrical codes, and alternator technologies. “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

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