Applications Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Applications Engineer to support our customers and sales team in delivering manufacturable, cost-effective solutions for plastic injection molding. This role is critical to our customer quoting and fulfillment processes—from quote package intake through final product delivery.

The Applications Engineer will act as a technical liaison, evaluating customer RFQs, performing Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews, collaborating with internal stakeholders and suppliers both domestic and international, and ensuring that each project is executed accurately and on schedule. The ideal candidate possesses a solid foundation in mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and cross-functional communication.

Key Responsibilities:  

Pre-Sales Support

• Review incoming RFQs, CAD files, and technical drawings for completeness and manufacturability.
• Interpret GD&T and part specifications to identify risks, tolerances, and manufacturability issues.
• Provide clear and constructive DFM feedback to customers and collaborate on design revisions where needed.
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, procurement, and manufacturing to gather information for accurate quoting.
• Select appropriate manufacturing processes and suppliers based on cost, lead time, tolerance, material, and quality requirements.
• Generate and submit customer quotes within agreed-upon lead times (target: ≤3 business days).

Post-Sales Project Management

• Manage projects from PO through delivery, ensuring timelines, specifications, and quality standards are met
• Serve as the technical point of contact for customers during production, proactively addressing issues or design changes
• Coordinate with production teams, logistics, and quality control to ensure smooth order flow and on-time delivery
• Track project milestones and provide regular updates to internal teams and customers

Continuous Improvement

• Track quote win/loss rates and analyze trends to identify DFM or pricing optimization opportunities.
• Develop standardized templates or tools to improve quote speed and accuracy.
• Provide feedback to sales and marketing teams on customer trends, manufacturability issues, or recurring pain points.

Qualifications/Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or applications engineering environment, ideally involving CNC, Urethane Cast, and Injection Molded parts.
• Proficient in interpreting technical drawings, GD&T, and CAD models (SolidWorks or equivalent).
• Deep understanding of manufacturing limitations, common materials, tolerances, and surface finishes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; capable of conveying technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Experience with ERP and CRM tools (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Salesforce).
• Familiarity with ISO, ITAR, or AS9100 quality environments.

Company History: 

Fathom is a premier U.S. contract manufacturer with a legacy of manufacturing innovation dating back more than 50 years. Across seven locations and a global sourcing network, we offer 25+ advanced technologies spanning additive manufacturing, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, injection molding and more. We serve leading companies across aerospace and defense, medical, robotics, automotive, semiconductor, and data center and energy markets, delivering highly complex parts from concept through production. Our expert-driven approach, white-glove service, and extensive certifications help our customers scale with confidence.

What we offer: 

Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance.

Additional Benefits: Paid time off, Floating Holidays, Volunteer time off, and sick time off (depending on state of employment). 401k Plan

Employee Perks: Discounts on products and services.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.