Application Engineer

About Us

For over 60 years, Alpha Southwest has grown into the largest deep-set turbine water well contractor in our region. In addition to our Pump & Well Division, we operate Electrical and Electric Motor Repair divisions in Albuquerque, with additional operations in El Paso, Texas.

We design, manufacture, sell, and service custom pump systems and complete pump stations for municipal, industrial, water, wastewater, food processing, petrochemical, and commercial applications. As our company continues to grow, we're looking for an experienced, customer-focused Application Engineer to join our team.

This position is ideal for an engineering professional who enjoys solving technical challenges, collaborating with customers, and managing projects from concept through startup.

Job Summary

The Application Engineer is responsible for designing engineered pumping and fluid handling solutions that meet customer requirements while providing exceptional technical support throughout the sales and project lifecycle. This position works closely with customers, consulting engineers, manufacturers, vendors, and internal departments to develop, quote, engineer, and manage custom pump system projects from initial concept through commissioning.

Essential ResponsibilitiesCustomer Support & Engineering Solutions

• Work directly with customers, consulting engineers, suppliers, and internal teams to develop engineered pump system solutions.
• Interpret customer specifications and recommend pumps, motors, valves, controls, and related fluid handling equipment.
• Provide responsive technical support in person, by phone, email, and text while resolving complex application and project challenges.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through professional communication, technical expertise, and dependable service.
• Follow up on quotations and project opportunities to ensure customer satisfaction and gather feedback.

Application Engineering

• Size and select pumps, valves, motors, and related equipment for municipal water, wastewater, industrial process, food processing, petrochemical, and commercial applications.
• Work with manufacturers to identify and select the proper equipment for each application.
• Develop innovative pumping system solutions that meet customer performance requirements and specifications.
• Collaborate with consulting engineers to generate project specifications and engineered system designs.
• Maintain current knowledge of represented products and fluid handling technologies through ongoing manufacturer training.

Quoting & Technical Documentation

• Develop accurate project quotations, submittals, Bills of Material (BOMs), and technical documentation.
• Utilize pricing tools and internal costing processes to prepare competitive bids for projects of varying size and complexity.
• Review technical documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with customer specifications.

CAD Design & Drafting

• Create shop drawings, submittal drawings, assembly drawings, and 3D models using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Translate engineering concepts into detailed manufacturing-ready drawings.
• Maintain drawing standards, revision control, and engineering documentation.
• Support engineering and manufacturing teams with accurate technical drawings and design documentation.

Project Management

• Manage sold projects from order receipt through engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, delivery, startup, and project closeout.
• Coordinate activities between customers, vendors, manufacturers, engineering, production, and field service personnel.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, quality, and deliverables to ensure successful project execution.
• Oversee equipment startup activities including calibration, adjustments, testing, commissioning, and customer training.
• Identify project risks and develop practical solutions to maintain schedules and customer expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing, or a related technical field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in application engineering, technical sales, or engineered equipment solutions within a B2B environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong mathematical skills including algebra and interpretation of engineering graphs and curves.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation with the ability to travel occasionally for customer visits and manufacturer training.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must adhere to a drug-free workplace policy.

Preferred

• Experience with pump hydraulics, pumping systems, or fluid handling equipment.
• Deep-set or short-set turbine pump application engineering experience.
• Knowledge of electrical systems, motor controls, instrumentation, PLCs, and SCADA systems.
• Experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD software.
• Experience developing technical drawings and engineering documentation.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and project cost management.
• Knowledge of municipal water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a technically curious, customer-focused engineer who enjoys solving real-world problems and managing projects from concept to completion. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and take pride in delivering innovative engineered solutions that exceed customer expectations.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Primarily sedentary office work with occasional walking and stair climbing.
• Occasional bending, stooping, and lifting up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to visit customer sites, manufacturing facilities, and project locations as required.

Alpha Southwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every employee has the opportunity to succeed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

• Weekly pay

Application Question(s):

• What is your desired salary?

Experience:

• Pump systems/water industry: 3 years (Preferred)
• customer service/sales: 3 years (Preferred)
• project engineering: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Albuquerque, NM 87105 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $90,000