Applications Engineer — Custom Stainless Fabrication

At Ace Fabrication, we don't just build stainless steel equipment — we solve problems for pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers who can't afford to compromise. When a customer calls with a requirement that doesn't fit a catalog, we figure it out from scratch. We need an Applications Engineer who can do the same: understand what the customer needs, design a solution that works, and put a number on it.

This is not a pure estimating role. You'll be the first technical voice our customers hear — understanding their needs, interpreting their specs, developing conceptual designs, and translating your engineering judgment into accurate proposals. If you're one who enjoys direct customer contact and wants to see your ideas get built, this is the seat for you.

• Serve as the primary technical contact for new and existing customers — phone, email, and site visits as needed
• Review customer RFQs, specifications, and P&IDs to fully understand fabrication requirements
• Develop conceptual designs for an infinite range of custom requirements for the pharmaceutical manufacturing and construction industry 
• Produce detailed estimates covering material takeoffs, labor hours by operation (cutting, forming, welding, finishing, installation), and subcontracted services
• Translate conceptual designs into quotes that customers can act on
• Collaborate with the shop floor team to validate design feasibility and cost assumptions before proposals go out
• Track open opportunities and follow up on outstanding quotes in a timely, professional manner
• Identify scope creep and change order opportunities on awarded projects

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent hands-on experience
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to visualize and develop equipment or component designs
• Experience in fabrication, manufacturing, or mechanical systems is a plus
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and P&IDs
• Comfortable working directly with customers in a technical, consultative role
• Experience with estimating, costing, or project scoping is preferred but not required
• Proficiency with Solidworks or similar CAD software is a plus
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing environments and cleanroom standards is a plus
• Strong estimating instinct: comfortable building material takeoffs and labor estimates from drawings, specifications, or verbal descriptions
• Clear, professional communicator — you'll represent Ace Fabrication in every customer interaction
• Detail-oriented with the organizational discipline to manage multiple quotes simultaneously without dropping the ball

• We have been in business for over 64 years and we are experiencing tremendous growth
• We specialize exclusively in custom stainless fabrication for life sciences — no commodity work, no interchangeable parts
• We pride ourselves on practical engineering, high-quality craftsmanship, and strong customer relationships
• Small, experienced team where your judgment carries real weight and your name is on the work
• Great team, great culture and low turnover
• Every project is different
• Direct path to influencing how we grow: the applications engineer owns the front of the business

"Designed. Engineered. Fabricated. Delivered. That's the Ace Fabrication standard — and it starts with you."