Associate Application Engineer

Company:

Headquartered in Aurora, Il, McNish LLC is a leading manufacturer of primary and secondary process equipment for the municipal wastewater treatment industry. The business operates three distinct divisions, collectively representing some of the longest tenured brands in the country, with significant market share across the core product types. McNish carries a strong track record of profitable growth and is poised to capitalize on critical needs for further wastewater and water infrastructure investment nationwide.

Job Summary:

The Associate Application Engineer is responsible for preparing accurate, detailed, and competitive cost estimates for bid proposals and project opportunities. This role analyzes drawings, specifications, and other documentation to develop comprehensive cost projections for materials, labor, equipment, and vendor-supplied components. The Associate Application Engineer works closely with Engineering, Purchasing, and Sales teams to ensure proposals align with technical requirements and company pricing strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assists in preparing detailed cost estimates by sending out information and items for quotes by outside suppliers.
• Coordinate with the Application Engineer to verify technical details and reviews Specifications for necessary sections and sends them to Application Engineer.
• Works ahead and sets up Estimate in the WPE Estimating system.
• Performs calculations and provides necessary information for granting and handrail to send out for quotes.
• Coordinates with Purchasing to obtain steel pricing and to maintain current pricing for materials, components, and vendor supplied items.
• Research pricing for outside vendor purchased items such as McMaster Carr. Obtains Field service requirements and pricing for trips.
• Obtains quotes for Freight to jobsite.
• Follows up with outside vendors on quotes.
• Reviews finished estimates for completeness.
• Sends finished estimates to Sales Manager for final pricing.
• Currently training to complete easier WPE equipment estimates such as a Heat Exchanger.
• Maintains handrail, grating, and FRP weirs & baffles quotes database.
• Research past projects and files on the microfiche machine and prints/scans necessary information for Sales Managers and Application Engineers

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1-3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, cost analysis, or production planning.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, finishing, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency in estimating software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in equipment or industrial estimating.
• Knowledge of procurement processes and supplier management.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and cost databases.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Work Environment:

Typical manufacturing plant environment with occasional exposure to machinery, noise, and manufacturing processes.

The position is an exempt position and offers a salary range of $46,592.00-$62,088.00 per year. McNish LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, nations origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, arrest record, or any other legally protected status.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement