Application-Engineer/-Manager/in

c`t Magazin für Computertechnik, Computerwoche, digitalmagazin, it - Information Technology, Journal of Software Engineering and Applications, VDI nachrichten.

Application engineers and managers typically work in offices, development laboratories, measurement stations, and production halls. They may also work on-site with clients, from home, or remotely.

Core competencies required for this profession include application engineering, application consulting, electronics, electrical engineering, information technology, computer engineering, calculation, customer consulting and support, customer service, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, and project planning. Additional important competencies may include automation technology, process automation, business administration, data transfer and preparation, English, vehicle construction and technology, manufacturing technology, hardware and software installation, aerospace technology, measurement, control, and regulation technology (MSR), microelectronics, IT modeling and simulation, communication technology, pentesting, pre-sales service, SQL injection testing, technical informatics, process engineering, and sales. Further relevant skills and knowledge are required in operating systems, CAD/CAM applications, CNC/NC programs, and network technology.

Application engineers and managers work independently, for example, in organizing workflows. For discussions with clients about contract conditions, they need strong communication and negotiation skills. Leadership qualities are important when managing a project. They design new user solutions using CAD, CAM, CAE, and CIM systems, and refer to technical documents such as construction drawings. They test applications with highly complex measuring and testing devices, always adhering to all relevant regulations, such as safety requirements. Typically, application engineers and managers work in offices at computers. However, they also work in development laboratories, measurement stations, production halls, or directly on-site with clients. Depending on the task, they may need to be available for weekend assignments or on-call duty.

An exemplary monthly gross basic salary ranges from 5,261 € to 6,650 €. This information is sourced from the collective bargaining data of the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labor and Social Affairs (Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Familie, Arbeit und Soziales). These figures are for orientation only and are not legally binding. Earnings vary; check BERUFENET.

Professionals in this field work in industries such as electrical installations and components (electronic components, electrical installation materials, other electrical equipment and devices), mechanical engineering and machine tools (machines for specific economic sectors, machine tools), software development and provision (programming activities), automation technology (electrical measuring, control, and navigation instruments), motor vehicles (electrical and electronic equipment for motor vehicles, other parts and accessories), and energy supply (electricity, gas, heating, and cooling supply).

Employers often expect a university degree (Studium) in engineering or a technical field.

Access to this profession is possible through various engineering and technical university (Studium) study fields. Examples include numerous Bachelor's (grundständig) and Master's (weiterführend) programs such as waste and disposal technology, automation technology, biomechanics, biotechnology, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, energy technology, renewable energies, and vehicle technology.

Application engineers and managers can find employment in mechanical and plant engineering, with software providers, in automation technology, in electrical industry companies, in vehicle manufacturing companies, and in energy supply companies.

Common job titles for this profession include Application-Engineer/-Manager/in, Applikationsentwickler/in, and Applikationsingenieur/in.

Application engineers or application managers develop technical products and solutions according to customer requirements.

Appentwickler Jobs, Fachinformatiker.de, get in (Engineering), ingenieur.de, ingenieur1.de, Ingenieurcenter Deutschland, ingenieurweb, JustEngineersNet, Programmierer-Jobboerse.de, vertriebsjobs.de.

Employers' Association Gesamtmetall, IG Metall (IGM), VDI Association of German Engineers e.V., Central Association of German Electrical and Information Technology Trades (ZVEH), ZVEI Electrical and Digital Industry.

Responsibility for people (e.g., guiding and leading employees), customer contact (acting as a point of contact for customers regarding technical problems, inquiries, and improvement suggestions). Adherence to various regulations and legal requirements (e.g., standards or safety requirements). Working with technical devices, machines, and systems (e.g., programming CNC machines; commissioning machine tools, handling robots, or complex production facilities; using highly complex measuring and testing devices). Screen work (using CAD, CAM, CAE, and CIM systems). Working in offices, workshops, and production halls (in measuring stations and production halls).

Documents, e.g.: offers, price calculations, presentations, construction drawings, installation plans, operating instructions, manuals and technical documentation, training materials, standards, technical regulations, safety and legal provisions. Software, e.g.: CAD, CAM, CAE, and CIM systems. Office equipment, e.g.: PC, internet access, telephone.

Application engineers or application managers accompany the development of technical applications from planning to implementation. They act as an interface between sales and product development and serve as a point of contact for customers. They analyze customer requirements and translate them into technical solutions. Based on this, they design products, create offers, and present the developed solution proposals. Furthermore, they write manuals and technical documentation. Their fields of activity include mechanical and plant engineering, software development, automation technology, electronics, and automotive engineering.

Continuing vocational training (Anpassungsweiterbildung) helps to keep professional knowledge up-to-date and adapt it to new developments (e.g., in sales, customer service, sales promotion, or research and development).

Further career opportunities arise through advanced Studium (university degree) (e.g., in industrial engineering). A doctorate (Promotion) is generally required for an academic career at a university; for appointment as a university professor, a Habilitation (postdoctoral lecturing qualification) is usually needed. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector, research, and public administration.

Optimize or develop new technical processes (e.g., in mechanical and plant engineering, software development, automation technology, electronics, and automotive engineering). Determine customer requirements and translate them into technical solutions. Calculate prices and deadlines. Create and present offers. Prepare manuals, documentation, training materials, technical documents, operating instructions, or installation plans. Maintain maintenance and service protocols. Program, commission, and monitor machines and systems; troubleshoot errors and, if necessary, instruct operating personnel. Advise customers, support them with technical problems, and receive inquiries and improvement suggestions. Lead employees.

The following lists professions or activities that show similarities to the original profession. These professions represent a possible alternative for applicants. Furthermore, employers can consider individuals from these professions as alternatives for filling a position in the original profession. Some alternative professions only cover partial activities of the original profession, while others require an induction period, which can vary in length depending on the individual case. The following immediate employment and staffing alternatives are available for the profession of Application Engineer or Application Manager: For the overall activity (usually short induction): Product Developer, Sales Engineer. With a lower qualification level: Sales Technician. A list of all possible relatedness levels can be found here: Explanations of the individual relatedness levels.