What are the responsibilities and job description for the Application Engineering position at Pipeline Design & Engineering?
Applications Engineer — Concept Design & Proposals
Pipeline Design & Engineering is looking for an Applications Engineer to help us turn customer problems into clear, thoughtful, technically credible project proposals.
This role is a blend of engineering, concept development, customer communication, and proposal writing. Your primary responsibility will be responding to customer RFQs by understanding the problem, developing a practical concept design, estimating the work, and building a proposal that helps the customer understand why Pipeline is the right team for the project.
This is not a traditional design engineering role where you are handed a fully defined scope and asked to execute. This role happens earlier in the process. You will help define the scope.
What You’ll Do
You will meet with prospective customers to understand their needs, ask good technical questions, and help define what success looks like.
You will create concept designs for custom engineering projects, including manufacturing process development, automated machines, custom fixtures, test systems, and related equipment.
You will develop quotes and proposals that clearly explain the concept, scope of work, assumptions, deliverables, estimated cost, and why the proposed approach makes sense.
You may also support active customer projects when needed, but your primary focus will be concept development and quoting for new opportunities.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone with deep working knowledge of machine design, automation, fixtures, and manufacturing processes.
You should be comfortable looking at an ambiguous customer request and turning it into a practical concept, even when not every detail is known yet.
Strong writing and communication skills are essential. A major part of this role is writing proposals that give customers confidence in Pipeline’s ability to solve their problem.
You should also be the kind of person who fits Pipeline’s culture: thoughtful, capable, low-ego, organized, communicative, and genuinely interested in helping both customers and teammates succeed.
Location / Work Style
This is a hybrid role, but you must be local to Arizona and able to come into our Tempe office as needed.
Most work can be done from the office or home, but there will be times when you need to meet customers at our office, support active projects in person, collaborate with the team, or participate in hands-on project work.
Occasional travel may be required.
About Pipeline
Pipeline develops advanced manufacturing processes, automated machines, custom fixtures, product designs, and R&D solutions for companies building complex hard goods products.
We care deeply about our culture. Our highest purpose is to promote joy in the lives of our team members. We believe in treating customers well and team members even better. We value productivity over bureaucracy, order over chaos, and clear communication that prevents surprises.
You can learn more about our culture here:
https://teampipeline.us/culture/
How to Apply
Please do not just submit an online application and resume. We will not be monitoring online applications, and you will not get a call from us if that is the only way you apply.
If you really want this role, reach out to me directly.
DM me, Aaron Moncur, here on LinkedIn, or find another thoughtful way to get in touch such as contacting us through our website’s Contact Us page. Tell me why this specific role at Pipeline interests you and why you think you could be a strong fit.