Applications Engineer

Job Title:

Applications Engineer Job Description The Applications Engineer designs and develops equipment and station concepts in a 3D environment, translating customer requirements into cost-effective, technically sound solutions. This role evaluates customer specifications, researches and develops concepts, and prepares detailed proposals and layouts that support quotations and new equipment development. The position works closely with customers, sales, engineering, suppliers, and the assembly floor to ensure proposals and designs meet performance expectations, budget targets, and timing requirements while clearly communicating all technical details. Responsibilities Conceptualize customer requirements and translate them into practical, cost-effective equipment and station designs. Evaluate customer specifications and proactively research options to develop solutions that balance performance, material cost, and labor requirements. Create 3D layouts and supporting documentation for overall equipment and stations to support quotations and new equipment development. Determine methods, sequences of operations, and cycle timing for automated systems and assembly applications. Prepare all data necessary to develop final concepts and formal quotations, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Compile effective cost estimates for all facets of a proposal, including engineering, manufacturing, assembly, and support equipment, with a focus on cost reduction. Interface directly and professionally with customers to scope opportunities, clarify requirements, and support the sales team in closing orders. Conduct customer site visits to evaluate opportunities, gather technical information, and validate proposed solutions. Ensure proposals fully address customer specifications and expectations while maintaining technical feasibility and cost targets. Develop and document machine cycle time calculations and related design calculations to support concept validation and quoting. Provide clear guidance to engineering teams and the assembly floor regarding proposal requirements, design intent, and key technical considerations. Understand and apply job cost evaluation procedures, analyze job costs, and use findings to refine future estimates and proposals. Prepare clear, concise, and easy-to-read proposals and associated AutoCAD layouts that communicate the technical concept and scope of supply. Estimate mechanical and electrical engineering hours, manufacturing time, and assembly hours for stations, machines, and complete cells. Collaborate with suppliers to secure cost-effective quotes for support equipment, components, and services required for proposed solutions. Develop complex mechanical designs and detailing for automated systems used in single and multiple assembly applications, as needed. Ensure all proposals are delivered on time and convey the required technical detail in a clean, organized, and professional format. Essential Skills At least 3 years of experience as an applications engineer or mechanical engineer in a related equipment or automation environment. Associate degree in Drafting and Design, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a closely related technical field. Strong 3D CAD design experience, including the ability to work in a 3D environment to conceptualize and develop equipment and station designs. Experience working directly with customers to qualify opportunities, define requirements, and conceptualize machines or equipment. Proven experience preparing quotes and technical proposals for customers, including cost estimates and scope documentation. Solid mechanical design and mechanical engineering skills, including understanding of design calculations and machine cycle time development. Ability to determine methods, sequences of operations, and cycle timing for automated systems and assembly processes. Proficiency in creating clear layouts and drawings, including AutoCAD layouts to support proposals and equipment concepts. Strong analytical skills with the ability to understand job cost evaluation procedures and analyze job costs. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to interface with customers, sales, engineering, suppliers, and internal teams. Ability to compile complete, accurate, and concise proposal documentation under time constraints. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related engineering discipline is highly preferred. Experience with widely used 3D CAD platforms (experience in specific industry-standard tools is an advantage). Experience in applications engineering for automated systems, assembly equipment, or custom machinery. Familiarity with estimating mechanical and electrical engineering hours, manufacturing time, and assembly hours for stations and complete machines or cells. Experience collaborating with suppliers to obtain and evaluate quotes for components, support equipment, and services. Ability to develop complex mechanical designs and detailing for automated systems used in single and multiple assembly applications. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when preparing proposals, layouts, and cost documentation. Comfort working in a customer-facing role, including conducting site visits and presenting technical concepts. Work Environment This role operates in a professional engineering and manufacturing environment that combines office-based design and analysis work with visits to customer sites and the assembly floor. You will regularly use 3D CAD software and AutoCAD to create layouts and concepts, and you will collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, assembly, sales, and supplier teams. The position involves direct interaction with customers, including on-site evaluations of their facilities and equipment needs. The work is typically performed during standard business hours, with additional time as needed to meet proposal deadlines or support key customer opportunities. The environment emphasizes technical excellence, collaboration, and customer focus, offering the opportunity to work on automated systems and equipment for major global manufacturers and OEMs. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Berne, IN. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Berne,IN.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.