Jobs › GEA

Technical Applications Engineer

GEA · Janesville, WI · $86,718–$105,096 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 11, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at GEA

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 matched a piece of process equipment to a customer's application.

What they are checking: Whether they can translate a customer's product and process needs into the right equipment.

Tell me about a time you had to learn a new technology fast to support a project.

What they are checking: Whether they can ramp up quickly on equipment and applications that are new to them.

How do you manage several customer trials and requests at the same time?

What they are checking: Whether they keep many requests organized and set clear expectations on timing.

What would you do

How do you explain a technical recommendation to a salesperson or a customer without an engineering background?

What they are checking: Whether they can make engineering clear to the people who make buying decisions.

Sales wants you to say the equipment will meet a spec you're not sure about. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay honest about limits even when a deal is on the line.

About the work

A customer wants to separate a product they've never processed with us before. How do you decide if our equipment will work?

What they are checking: Whether they would test and gather data before promising results to the customer.

How would you plan a test trial in the Janesville application center so the results are useful for a sale?

What they are checking: Whether they design trials that answer the customer's real question and hold up to scrutiny.

What process variables do you look at first when separation results are poor?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how feed rate, temperature, solids and speed affect separation.

How do you document trial results and turn them into a recommendation report?

What they are checking: Whether their reports make clear what was tested, what happened and what they recommend.

What do you know about the hygiene and regulatory needs of dairy, beverage or pharma processing?

What they are checking: Whether they account for sanitary design and cleaning rules when recommending equipment.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at GEA from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by GEA.

Responsibilities / Tasks GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide. • Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day • Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore • Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster • Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset • Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits • Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance • Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact. Your responsivities will include: • Advise our existing and future end-Customers, Integrators, Distributors, V&P RSM’s and TSE’s on the proper and optimal application of primarily our Hygienic and Aseptic valves and technologies, but also our pump technologies, into Food, Dairy and Beverage applications. • Prepare or aid in the preparation of PID’s for the above processes prior to Quoting • Prepare Cost sheets and Quotes for end-Customers, Integrators and Distributors above • Liaise with our BU-V&P colleagues in our V&P Germany and Aseptomag Switzerland factories on all relevant technical and other related matters • Prepare and execute Sales Presentations to End-Customers, Integrators and Distributors • Help in providing Hygienic and Aseptic technology training for the above end-Customers, Integrators, Distributors, V&P RSM’s and TSE’s Essential Duties will include: • Understand and properly apply primarily our Hygienic and Aseptic Technologies, as well as our Pump technologies • Execute the work assigned by the Director of Applications Engineering • Prepare customized process solutions for above stakeholders • Prepare Cost Sheets and quote for above process solutions • Evaluate customer designs and optimize as appropriate • Review equipment system designs, including review of P&ID drawings. • Assist Spare Parts group on occasion in the proper specification of our Hygienic and Aseptic valve and technology equipment • Ability to work in selected industries and applications mentioned above • Understand the maintenance and operations of V&P Hygienic and Aseptic components • Assist above stakeholders to develop innovative solutions, in particular in Hygienic and Aseptic processes • Attend equipment commissioning at customer sites and validate proper function, as appropriate • Train customers on proper use of V&P equipment. • Write reports upon completion of engineering visits, including recording process and performance data. • Assist project team during delivery phase and commissioning of equipment. • Provide expertise in troubleshooting and resolution of process, sterilization and cleanability issues. Your Profile / Qualifications • 3-5 years experience in application engineering and technical sales support activities • Bachelors Degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering • Understanding of Fluid Dynamics and related industry practices • A knowledge of sanitary liquid processing equipment and processes • Specific technical knowledge of GEA Flow Components hygienic and aseptic products • Familiarity with solenoid control technology and communication protocols • Knowledge of Hy5 and Configit product sizing and selection software • Understanding of inventory management practices, including safety stock and lead time planning • Knowledge with pricing strategy, sales channels and discounting practice • Understanding of cost accounting principles and invoicing practices • Familiarity of importing logistics, including currency exchange rates, shipment tracking, customs • Computer skills: experience with SAP-PEM, Microsoft Office and inventory management processes is necessary • Experience working with OEM factories, fabrication contractors, and automation suppliers is desirable. At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs—we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact. The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment will be $86,718 to $105,096. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States. The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards. GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified. Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship. Note: This role will require 50-60% travel on average – mainly to Customer and Partner Sites nationally #Engineeringforthebetter Did we spark your interest? Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.

Apply at GEA