Application Engineering Lead

At PALFINGER, we have been lifting goods to a new level for over 90 years - with a pioneering and passionate spirit. As a global technology and engineering company, we are the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative crane and lifting solutions. Our success is based on the tireless efforts of our approximately 12,350 employees, who contribute their ideas and energy to our vision.

With us, you can expect a dynamic working environment full of opportunities for personal and professional development. Become part of our team and start your career at PALFINGER.

Join PALFINGER in Oklahoma City as our Application Engineering Lead, TKS R&D, where you’ll guide a talented team in designing chassis integrations, custom bodies, and order projects that bring real impact to our manufacturing operations. In this hands‑on leadership role, you’ll coordinate across teams to ensure every project is delivered on time, on budget, and with precision. If you’re ready to shape innovative engineering solutions and lead with purpose, we’d love to have you on our team.

• Lead and manage the TKS R&D team, overseeing project specifications, reviewing and approving design changes, setting technical goals, coordinating engineering activities, and supporting staff recruitment, placement, and evaluation.
• Act as the primary point of contact for daily business needs, attending Tier meetings, leading cross‑functional sessions (Custom Order Reviews and others), and aligning requirements with operations, sales, purchasing, and quality teams.
• Drive testing and problem‑solving efforts, including new product development, custom applications, and failure analysis, while recommending effective solutions and improvements.
• Coordinate project execution and resources, preparing specifications, managing budgets, bids, and contracts, supervising integration of technical activities, and handling administrative functions such as reports, rules, and material/service recommendations.
• Communicate and present findings to stakeholders by assessing feasibility, explaining proposals and reports, escalating challenges to management, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or related field with relevant experience; 6–10 years in manufacturing and/or R&D, plus at least 1 year of engineering team leadership preferred.
• Proficiency in Creo, Creo Simulate, ANSYS, Windchill, EPDM; strong MS Excel and ERP systems skills; familiarity with Outlook, Word, PowerPoint; SAP HANA S4 experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities with initiative to drive tasks to completion; capable of managing multiple priorities in fast‑paced environments.
• Effective verbal, written, and listening skills with the ability to present to management and work cross‑functionally with production teams.
• Ability to accurately prepare regular reports (daily to annual) and willingness to travel up to 10%.

• Competitive compensation and performance rewards (401(k) & Health insurance
• Comprehensive Benefits package with flexible options
• Opportunity for continuous learning and career growth
• Environment of Respect, Integrity, Openness, Inclusion and Support

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.