Applications Engineer

Connect-Force; Livonia (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect-Force is seeking an Applications Engineer in Michigan to join a team focused on converting customer needs into technically sound, commercially competitive solutions. The role blends engineering, manufacturing knowledge, and direct client interaction to craft proposals and select optimal equipment and processes.

The ideal candidate will review RFQs and drawings, collaborate with engineering and sales, and develop compelling proposals with accurate cost estimates for complex manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Experience reviewing RFQs and technical specifications.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Experience developing technical proposals, quotations, estimates, or project scopes.
• Strong communication with customers and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Review customer RFQs, technical specs, drawings, and manufacturing requirements.
• Evaluate applications and determine appropriate equipment, processes, and technical solutions.
• Develop technical concepts and preliminary equipment/process solutions based on customer requirements.
• Prepare detailed technical proposals, quotations, cost estimates, and supporting docs.
• Coordinate with engineering, project management, purchasing, manufacturing, and service teams as projects move from proposal to execution.
• Provide technical support throughout the sales and project-development process.

Skills

RFQ Review

Technical Analysis

Customer Interaction

Proposal Development

Engineering Drawings

Cost Estimation

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD Software

MS Office

ERP/CRM Systems

Job description

Applications Engineer – Confidential Opportunity

Location: Farmington Hills, MI
Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Industry: Industrial Machinery / Advanced Manufacturing

The Opportunity

Our client, an established global manufacturer of highly engineered industrial equipment and manufacturing solutions, is seeking an Applications Engineer to join its Michigan operation.

This position is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys combining technical problem-solving, manufacturing knowledge, customer interaction, and proposal development.

The Applications Engineer will work closely with customers, engineering, sales, manufacturing, and project teams to understand technical requirements and develop the right equipment and process solutions.

This is a highly visible position within the organization with the opportunity to become an important technical resource for both customers and internal teams.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Review customer RFQs, technical specifications, drawings, and manufacturing requirements.

• Evaluate customer applications and determine appropriate equipment, processes, and technical solutions.

• Develop technical concepts and preliminary equipment/process solutions based on customer requirements.

• Prepare detailed technical proposals, quotations, cost estimates, and supporting documentation.

• Work with engineering and manufacturing teams to determine project scope, equipment requirements, labor, materials, and estimated costs.

• Assist with equipment and process selection for highly engineered manufacturing applications.

• Communicate directly with customers to clarify specifications, requirements, timelines, and technical expectations.

• Partner with sales to ensure proposed solutions accurately address the customer's manufacturing needs.

• Review drawings, layouts, cycle-time requirements, specifications, and other technical documentation.

• Identify potential technical or commercial risks during the proposal stage.

• Support proposal presentations and technical discussions with customers.

• Coordinate with internal engineering, project management, purchasing, manufacturing, and service teams as projects move from proposal to execution.

• Maintain accurate proposal documentation, revisions, costing information, and customer requirements.

• Provide technical support throughout the sales and project-development process.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate has a strong technical foundation and is comfortable working between engineering, manufacturing, customers, and sales.

Candidates should be able to take a customer's manufacturing challenge and help turn it into a practical, technically sound solution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.

• Previous experience as an Applications Engineer, Proposal Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Project Engineer, Estimating Engineer, or similar technical position.

• Experience within industrial machinery, machine tools, automation, manufacturing equipment, special machines, or engineered-to-order equipment is highly desirable.

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and customer RFQs.

• Experience developing technical proposals, quotations, estimates, or project scopes.

• Understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, automation, and/or mechanical systems.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Comfortable communicating directly with customers regarding technical requirements.

• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, sales, manufacturing, purchasing, and project management.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple proposals and priorities simultaneously.

The Right Person

We're looking for someone who enjoys figuring out how to make something work.

You may currently be an Applications Engineer, but you could also be a Proposal Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Project Engineer, Estimator, or technically minded engineer who has experience developing solutions for customers.

The strongest candidate will be able to understand a customer's requirements, ask the right technical questions, collaborate with internal engineering teams, and ultimately help develop a solution that is both technically feasible and commercially competitive.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position offers exposure to sophisticated manufacturing technology, complex engineering challenges, and major industrial customers.

You’ll have the opportunity to work across multiple areas of the business rather than being limited to one engineering function. The role provides exposure to the entire front end of the project lifecycle — from the initial customer request and technical concept through proposal development and project handoff.

For an engineer who enjoys a combination of technical engineering, customer interaction, problem-solving, estimating, and business development, this is an opportunity to build a highly valuable and versatile skill set.

All inquiries, conversations, and applications will be handled confidentially.