Application Engineer

Job Title: Application Engineer

Job Description

This Application Engineer role focuses on developing tailored technical solutions and detailed proposals that meet customer needs while supporting sales growth. You will translate sales inquiries into conceptual machine or system designs, prepare accurate cost summaries, and collaborate closely with sales teams, vendors, and internal stakeholders. This position is ideal for someone with a strong mechanical and electrical aptitude who enjoys combining engineering, commercial thinking, and customer interaction.

Responsibilities

• Process and evaluate data from sales inquiries to develop concepts for machine or system designs that meet customer requirements.
• Prepare tailored proposals, process diagrams, and detailed costing summaries for customers and internal stakeholders.
• Make recommendations for alternative designs when appropriate to improve performance, cost, or feasibility.
• Collaborate with other application engineering team members to develop creative and effective technical solutions.
• Coordinate with multiple outside vendors to obtain quotations for equipment and components required for machine or system designs.
• Gather cost data from historical records and equipment vendors to build and maintain cost workbooks.
• Review profit and loss performance on product lines and propose updates to pricing and/or options based on findings.
• Participate in pre-sale design reviews and customer sales presentations in partnership with Sales Representatives, with up to 15% travel as needed.
• Communicate regularly with inside and outside sales teams, customers, and prospects to provide technical, product line, and commercial information necessary to secure orders.
• Assist with the new order process, including order kickoff meetings, concept reviews, design reviews, and post-shipment reviews to ensure project success and continuous improvement.
• Provide responsive customer service and technical support related to proposals, designs, and product offerings.
• Perform additional related tasks and projects as assigned by leadership to support departmental and company objectives.

Essential Skills

• 2–5 years of experience in inside technical sales, project engineering, machine design, or a similar technical experience (preferred).
• 2-year technical degree or a BA degree in Engineering (preferred).
• High level of aptitude in electrical design concepts relevant to machinery and systems.
• High level of aptitude in mechanical design, including understanding of machine components and system layouts.
• Experience in application engineering, including translating customer requirements into technical solutions.
• Experience preparing quotations, proposals, or cost summaries for engineered products or systems.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate technical and commercial information clearly.
• Ability to evaluate data from sales inquiries and develop appropriate machine or system concepts.
• Proficiency in collaborating with cross-functional teams, including sales and engineering.
• Ability to coordinate with vendors to obtain accurate equipment quotations and cost information.
• Strong analytical skills for reviewing product line performance and contributing to pricing or option updates.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for customer presentations and internal reviews.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 15% for pre-sale design reviews and customer presentations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• background in mechanical engineering or related discipline is advantageous.
• Experience in application engineering within manufacturing or equipment design environments is beneficial.
• Familiarity with process diagrams and documentation for machinery or system designs.
• Experience working with historical cost data and vendor quotations to build cost models.
• Comfort presenting technical concepts to customers and sales teams.
• Ability to participate in continuous improvement efforts related to product lines, pricing, and options.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean manufacturing environment within a modern, attractive facility that includes amenities such as a dedicated patio area and lounge-style spaces for team gatherings. You will work closely with sales, engineering, and operations teams in a collaborative setting focused on developing new solutions and supporting new roles in this growing area of the business. The position may involve occasional travel of up to approximately 15% for customer meetings and pre-sale design reviews. The environment emphasizes professionalism, safety, and a strong team culture while supporting both technical focus work and interactive customer-facing activities.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waukesha, WI.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $58.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Waukesha,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $55 - $58