Application Engineer

This person will translate customer needs into custom truck specifications, equipment configurations, and build documentation. They need to understand how individual components fit and function together, identify compatibility issues, and help determine the most practical solution for the customer.The role works closely with customers, sales, estimating, design engineering, and operations. It combines technical problem-solving, SolidWorks modeling, specification writing, and customer communication.For example, a customer may need a service truck equipped with a crane, air compressor, and power inverter to support lifting, pneumatic tools, and electrical tools. The Application Engineer must determine whether those components will work together, how they should be arranged, and whether a multifunctional unit would be more appropriate than separate pieces of equipment., The hiring manager values someone who enjoys understanding how things work and putting systems together. Practical examples of equipment assembly, design, troubleshooting, or hands-on projects will help demonstrate that fit.Highest-Priority ResponsibilitiesThe hiring manager grouped the first four JD responsibilities as the highest priorities:

• Customer requirements and specification development
• Meet with customers and sales to understand the application and intended use.
• Define and document customer needs.
• Develop clear technical specifications that estimating, engineering, and operations can use.
• Overall build layouts and fitment
• Create 3D layouts to verify fit, form, and function.
• Evaluate equipment placement, clearances, and compatibility.
• Prepare layouts for customer review and approval.
• SolidWorks modeling and CAD documentation
• Create and modify 3D models and drawings for assemblies, components, and schematics.
• Use SolidWorks to evaluate configurations and extract information into Excel.
• Compliance and regulatory adherence
• Ensure proposed configurations and build documentation meet applicable requirements.
• Identify potential compliance issues during specification and design development.

Additional Responsibilities

• Work with Design Engineers and Designers to ensure build documentation accuracy. This was identified as a medium-priority responsibility.
• Provide engineering support to help complete design activities.
• Perform structural analysis when needed; this is part of the broader scope rather than the primary sourcing focus.
• Create illustrations and layouts for reference manuals and technical publications.
• Provide periodic operations support.
• Help coordinate projects involving builds at multiple locations, including pilot reviews, meetings, and consistent information transfer.
• Support national fleet projects that may involve customers or deliveries throughout the U.S.
• Potentially assist with customer training as the role develops., * Primary travel coverage is the Western U.S., including customer visits and meetings with sales.
• Company credit card provided for business travel.
• Flights, meals, and other expenses are covered by company travel policies and spending limits.
• Personal vehicle mileage is reimbursed through expense reports; the exact rate needs confirmation.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

• Practical engineering or technical background with strong analytical skills.
• Experience configuring equipment, integrating systems, or developing custom assemblies.
• Ability to evaluate fit, form, function, and compatibility across multiple components.
• SolidWorks experience creating and modifying parts, assemblies, and overall equipment layouts.
• Comfortable speaking directly with customers, asking questions, clarifying requirements, and explaining technical recommendations.
• Ability to turn customer requirements into clear specifications and accurate build documentation.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• Collaborative approach across sales, estimating, engineering, and operations.
• Comfortable moving between an office environment, shop floor, and customer sites., * Associate’s degree acceptable - Very open to someone with strong experience and an Associates
• Target 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Direct truck equipment, upfitting, or aftermarket automotive experience is highly desirable.
• Strong industry knowledge and practical technical ability should carry significant weight.
• A master’s degree is not necessary for this role.

Preferred Industry BackgroundsPrioritize candidates from:

• Truck equipment and commercial vehicle upfitting.
• Service bodies, utility bodies, and vocational trucks.
• Aftermarket automotive systems.
• Fleet equipment configuration.
• Vehicle-mounted cranes, compressors, power systems, and related equipment.

The hiring manager is also open to candidates with:

• Hydraulics and pneumatics background
• Electrical systems integration.
• Mechanical or structural design.
• Equipment manufacturing and assembly.
• Fabrication and sheet metal.
• Industrial machinery and custom equipment.
• Manufacturing engineering or technical project management involving equipment installation and integration.

Candidates from other industries can be considered if they demonstrate strong equipment configuration skills, practical engineering judgment, and customer communication. Do not restrict the search exclusively to automotive.Technical Skills

• SolidWorks: Key priority.
• Excel: Important for handling information extracted from SolidWorks and supporting technical documentation.
• CAD drawings and 3D assembly layouts.
• Technical writing and specification development.
• Mechanical and equipment integration knowledge.
• Hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, or structural knowledge is beneficial.
• Effective written and verbal communication.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance