Application Engineer - Systems and Alternate Power

America, Inc.; Mebane (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AKG is seeking an Electro-Mechanical / Mechatronics Engineer in Mebane, NC to lead cross-functional teams designing thermal management units and heat exchangers for rail, industrial, and energy storage applications. You will integrate mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems into complete thermal solutions.

The role requires a mechatronics background and experience with system-level engineering, fabrication, and production release, including safety standards like NFPA 70/NEC and UL 508A.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering with integration experience.
• 2–4 years of rail or industrial power systems experience preferred.
• Experience bridging mechanical, electrical, and controls integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams for thermal management products from concept to production.
• Perform system-level engineering bridging mechanical components with electrical controls and panels.
• Manage project lifecycle including design reviews, PPAP/APQP processes, and validation testing.
• Conduct thermal calculations and system simulations to size and optimize units.
• Coordinate with design, operations, quality, purchasing and R&D, including travel as needed.
• Collaborate with electrical and controls teams for power electronics integration and interfaces.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics

Thermal Management

System-level Engineering

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

AKG Cooler/Strength

Job description

Join AKG, a privately owned, 100+ year old manufacturing company that continues to grow and innovate in the heat exchanger industry. We’re seeking results-driven team players who are eager to build long-term careers in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Summary

The Electro - Mechanical / Mechatronics Engineer is located in Mebane, NC, will lead cross-functional teams in the development, sizing, and design of thermal management units and heat exchanger systems for primarily rail/locomotive and alternate power systems projects such as wind, solar, energy storage markets/applications. The role requires a mechatronics background with the ability to integrate mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems into complete thermal management solutions for rail, industrial, and energy storage applications.

Essential Functions

• Lead customer projects for Industrial division (Systems - Rail and Alternate power) thermal management products (e.g., cooling modules, heat exchangers, battery thermal management systems, radiators etc.) from initial concept through project release to production.
• Perform system-level engineering bridging mechanical thermal components with electrical power distribution, controls, sensors, and industrial control panels.
• Manage project lifecycle: voice of the customer, technical specification development, design reviews, prototype product release to production, participate in validation testing and APQP/PPAP processes.
• Perform or oversee thermal calculations, heat transfer analysis, sizing, and system simulations using internal tools (AKG Cooler/Strength).
• Coordinate internal teams including design engineering, operations, quality, purchasing, and R&D to communicate requirements and timelines effectively.
• Collaborate with electrical and controls engineering teams to ensure proper integration of power electronics, instrumentation, and communication interfaces (CAN, Modbus, etc.).
• Ensure designs comply with relevant electrical, safety, and energy storage standards, including NFPA 70 / NEC, UL 508A, UL 9540, UL 1973, and applicable battery testing standards (ISO 12405 / IEC 62660) for industrial, rail, and alternate power system applications.

Review customer specifications and translate them into compliant engineering solutions that meet electrical safety requirements, energy storage certification needs, and industry best practices. Support root cause analysis, problem‑solving (8D, A3), and continuous improvement projects related to thermal performance and production. Ensure compliance with industry standards, customer specifications, and AKG quality systems (ISO 9001:2015 standards). Travel domestically/internationally (up to 10%) for customer meetings, events, conferences, prototype reviews, and production support.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree (4-year) in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering, with coursework or experience in mechanical, electrical, and controls integration.
• 2–4 years of experience in rail or industrial power systems (energy storage, battery systems, traction power, or thermal management) with exposure to mechanical, electrical, and controls integration preferred.
• Strong mechatronics foundation with ability to analyze mechanical structures, electrical circuits, control logic, wiring, sensors, and electromechanical assemblies.
• Working knowledge of thermal management, heat transfer, and system-level engineering for rail, industrial, or energy storage applications.
• Familiarity with key industry standards: NFPA 70/NEC, UL 508A, UL 9540, UL 1973, ISO 12405, IEC 62660.
• Experience with project management practices including planning, risk management, tracking, and data-driven decision making.
• Strong communication skills - written, verbal, and interpersonal with the ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and make independent decisions.
• Professional, customer-focused attitude with the ability to maintain confidentiality and trust.
• Product launch experience and knowledge of prototype development and serial production processes.
• Ability to collaborate closely with electrical, controls, design, and manufacturing teams during prototype build and commissioning.
• Ability to coordinate domestic and international travel as needed.

Requirements

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit (70%), walk (20%) and stand (10%) of the time
• Must use safety equipment such as steel toe shoes and safety glasses when walking in the plant.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds (5%) of the time