Application Engineer

Duke Manufacturing is looking for an Application Engineer to join our Engineering team in Sedalia, Missouri!

Duke History

Founded in 1925, Duke Manufacturing is a privately held leader in foodservice equipment and integrated solutions designed to help customers improve throughput, efficiency, and quality in their operations. For more than 100 years, Duke has been committed to delivering innovative solutions that connect people, equipment, and technology. Our purpose is simple but powerful: Nourish Our World by helping customers improve performance through smarter, more connected foodservice operations.

As a privately held company, Duke takes pride in its rich history, strong culture, and values-driven approach to business. We are committed to doing the right thing, embracing new possibilities, and continuously learning and improving. Duke operates more than 700,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Sedalia, Missouri and Houston, Texas, with our corporate headquarters located in St. Louis, Missouri.

Job Summary

The Application Engineer leads front-end project initiatives for new projects & products, managing them from concept through proposal and handoff. The role involves customer collaboration, conceptual CAD development, cost estimation, and cross-functional coordination to define practical solutions. This engineer translates customer needs into technical concepts, pricing, and scopes for effective delivery. Early-phase product development is supported until full commercialization is handed over to assigned New Product Development (NPD) Engineers.

In your role as an Application Engineer, you'll take part in the following activities:

1. Project Development & Conceptual Execution

• Lead projects from concept to proposal and definition.
• Support early-phase, high-risk product development with collaboration, feasibility analysis, and initial scope until NPD Engineering takes over.
• Apply suitable technical rigor based on complexity and risk.
• Act as the technical liaison for customers, Sales, and internal teams.

2. Estimating & Proposals

• Develop cost estimates and proposals for non-standard work.
• Coordinate cross-functional input for scope, pricing, and timelines.
• Maintain scalable cost models.

3. Project Management & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as primary contact during front-end project phases.
• Align Engineering, Planning, Purchasing, Production, Quality, and Customer Care for execution readiness.
• Manage schedules, risks, deliverables, and communicate status to stakeholders.
• Oversee multiple projects efficiently.

4. Systems, CAD & Tools

• Use Revit (or similar CAD) for layouts and proposals.
• Utilize Epicor ERP for entry, costing, and tracking.

Education and Experience:

• Completed a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E) or equivalent ABET
  (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited degree
• With at least 2 years of relevant work experience

Work Location:

• Sedalia, MO
• Up to 10% domestic travel to client sites and trade show attendance

Duke is an equal opportunity employer.