Sr. Applications Engineer

Job Summary

The Senior Applications Engineer (AE) specializes in truck body integration, heavy crane applications, and hydraulics. This role optimizes weight distribution and axle loads while ensuring full compliance with federal bridge and national highway transportation regulations. Conducts weight analysis studies, inspects chassis, prepares detailed 2D and 3D layouts of crane-truck combinations, and oversees chassis modifications both on-site and at third-party suppliers. Contributes to design-for-manufacturability initiatives, ISO 9001 quality systems, environmental health and safety (EHS) programs, 5S practices, and lean manufacturing/continuous improvement efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough inspections of incoming chassis to ensure alignment with crane applications, focusing on truck body compatibility, weight distribution, and axle loads.
• Collaborate with CDL drivers and internal teams to track customer and Manitex-owned chassis for timely delivery and integration into production.
• Provide pre-sale crane/chassis layouts in detailed 2D and 3D formats for the sales and engineering teams, emphasizing truck body integration and compliance with transportation regulations.
• Collect and review chassis layout information from customers and sales teams to ensure alignment with customer requirements and over-the-road laws.
• Maintain schedules to deliver shop layouts at least 45 days before anticipated crane completion and shipment, coordinating with manufacturing teams.
• Verify completed crane configurations for axle weight compliance with federal and national highway regulations and address weight distribution concerns.
• Support design-for-manufacturability and continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing processes.
• Maintain accurate documentation, engineering drawings, and reports in accordance with company standards.
• Uphold company policies and procedures and encourage accountability throughout the organization.
• Complete additional duties as assigned, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving capability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• Minimum of five years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably with heavy equipment or crane systems.
• Proficient in CAD software such as DraftSight and SolidWorks for precise 2D and 3D modeling.
• Strong drafting skills and the ability to create detailed layouts and schematics for truck body integration and heavy crane applications.
• Experience with fabrication, welding, and manufacturing assembly for heavy equipment.
• Mechanical knowledge of vehicles, heavy equipment, and hydraulic systems integration.
• Experience in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Epicor preferred) and BOM creation for materials and components management.

Core Competencies

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate and resolve issues in truck body integration, heavy crane applications, and hydraulics.
• Ability to interpret engineering calculations to support weight distribution and axle load decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Effective project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive, results-driven attitude.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in both office and shop/manufacturing environments.
• Occasional exposure to heat, cold, dust, fumes, loud noises, and airborne particles in the shop.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and presentation tools.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing engineering or administrative tasks.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds (e.g., prototype components, samples, or small tools).
• May require walking, bending, or climbing in shop or production areas to inspect equipment or support testing.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in potentially noisy or busy environments.