Application Engineer - Personal Safety Division

About the Role

3M, recognized for pioneering innovation, empowers employees to explore ideas freely and embrace creativity. The Application Engineer role in New Zealand's Personal Safety Division is pivotal in fostering growth by collaborating closely with customers, developing new applications, and facilitating the commercialization of products. Acting as the leading local technical expert, the role supports a diverse product range including respiratory, hearing, eye, head & face, fall protection, welding safety, protective communications, and apparel solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage directly with customers through visits, workplace hazard assessments, and application evaluations to deliver tailored technical solutions.
• Offer expert advice on product selection, usage, and troubleshooting, supporting demonstrations, trials, and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to capitalize on strategic business opportunities and assist with major account conversions and specifications.
• Support distributor and channel partner development and identify new market opportunities for the Personal Safety Division.
• Gather and relay customer insights and market intelligence for continuous product improvement and innovation.
• Assist in new product introductions, field evaluations, validation, and product life cycle management including transitions and launch preparedness.
• Conduct technical training sessions for customers, distributors, and internal teams to enhance product knowledge and application skills.
• Participate in technical complaint investigations, root-cause analysis, and coordinate corrective actions, liaising with Quality, Manufacturing, and other relevant units.
• Contribute to product certification, compliance activities and support regulatory requirements by collaborating with relevant teams.

Essential Competencies

• Proven aptitude in application engineering with a strong capability in resolving technical challenges.
• Customer-centric with effective communication and presentation abilities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of workplace hazards and appropriate PPE technical solutions.
• Familiarity with Personal Protective Equipment applications and industry standards.
• Ability to influence and work collaboratively with multifaceted teams including Sales, Marketing, R&D, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with an independent working style suited to a dispersed geographic customer base.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, or a closely related technical field.
• Experience in Application Engineering, Technical Services, Industrial Safety, PPE, or related disciplines.
• Proven customer-facing technical experience, including work with distributors and channel partners.
• Familiarity with product evaluations, new product introduction, technical training, and complaints handling.
• Knowledge of PPE standards and regulatory compliance is advantageous.

Additional Information

The position is based in Christchurch or North Shore with remote working arrangements available. This is a permanent employment opportunity. Safety remains a core value at 3M, requiring all employees to actively participate in environmental health and safety efforts. Application consideration requires submission of detailed education and work history via resume or application fields.