Applications Engineer

Applications EngineerThe Applications Engineer will support the Applications Engineering Department by closely collaborating with customers to deliver solutions that optimize their systems and improve performance. The role involves identifying new opportunities within existing customers, exploring new markets, and securing production business to drive annual sales growth. The successful candidate will collaborate internally, provide excellent customer support externally, and apply a strong technical experience to aid in product and system selection, understanding, and implementation.ResponsibilitiesRepresent the company with assigned customers, establishing relationships with key customer engineers to develop new business opportunities and increase sales.Leverage sales skills to identify new prospects, convert leads, and develop a robust sales pipeline.Seek opportunities to leverage existing product portfolio into new markets or applications to grow same-line revenue.Conduct regular on-site visits with customers to identify opportunities and build connections.Assist in marketing and sales efforts, including trade shows, product training, and market trend analysis.Respond to application inquiries from all parties (Customer, Engineering, Production, Management) in a timely manner.Prepare accurate and competitive quotes for customers based on product specifications or technical proposal requests.Review, translate, and apply customer inquiries and technical specifications to design and/or project specifications and goals.Understand the form, fit, and function of products and their use in customer systems.Provide value through optimized solutions, continuous improvement, and cost reduction opportunities.Effectively communicate with internal and external customers, coordinating with internal Product Engineering groups to resolve customer issues.Act as the "Voice of the Customer" to ensure customer expectations are understood and exceeded.Understand customer timelines, design goals, and key deliverables throughout a project, and proactively communicate these within the organization.Essential SkillsBachelor's Degree in Engineering5+ years of experience in Technical Sales, Applications Engineering, or Product EngineeringStrong communication, negotiation, and project management skillsCustomer travel 25%-50%, domestically and internationallyHigh mechanical aptitudeValid driver's licenseExperience in hydraulics, equipment manufacturing, and OEMAdditional Skills & QualificationsExperience with hydraulicsExperience working at or with large equipment manufacturersExperience working with large companies and navigating the politics and red tapeWork EnvironmentThe Applications Engineer will report to the Applications Engineering Manager and work on a team that includes 2 Applications Engineers, a Field Service Manager, and a Customer Change Coordinator. The work hours are from 8am to 5pm. Travel will involve using a company credit card for flights and hotels, with meals and incidentals expensed via Time & Expense. During onboarding, the candidate will shadow the manager and applications engineers, rotate through different production lines to learn products and processes, and spend time with Quality Engineering and Purchasing. The company is an industry leader in the manufacturing of custom engineered electro-hydraulic components.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portage, MI.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $40.86 - $52.84/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Portage,MI.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.About ActalentActalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.