Applications Engineer

Opti Staffing; Milwaukie (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Small team

Hands-on CAD

Ownership of designs

Job summary

Opti Staffing is seeking an experienced Application Engineer in Portland, OR to design and troubleshoot fluid systems for diverse industries. You will work with a small team, translating complex requirements into buildable solutions and preparing detailed drawings for customer proposals.

The role emphasizes hands-on CAD work, collaboration with manufacturing, and delivering complete designs from concept through buildout for final customer approval.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 3–5+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• Experience designing, building, or troubleshooting fluid systems.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD with hands-on CAD experience.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, 3D models, 2D drawings, and engineering documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and troubleshoot fluid systems involving gases, oils, and other fluids.
• Create and interpret P&IDs, 3D models, and 2D assembly drawings.
• Use SolidWorks and AutoCAD to develop and modify designs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to ensure designs are practical for assembly.
• Translate technical information into clear instructions for production teams.
• Support customers and proposals from initial concepts through final design approval.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Application Engineer Position: Application Engineer Location: Portland, OR Pay: $100,000 + / year, depending on experience Schedule: Onsite daily. Regular full-time schedule

Who We Are: We are seeking an experienced Application Engineer with a strong background in fluid system design, CAD modeling, and technical problem-solving. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working hands‑on with engineering systems, collaborating with highly technical teams, and turning complex design requirements into clear, buildable solutions. You will work closely with a small engineering team of two, supporting custom system design, troubleshooting, manufacturing, and customer proposals from initial concepts through final design approval.

What You’ll Do:

• Design, develop, and troubleshoot fluid systems involving gases, oils, and other fluid applications.


• Create and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), 3D models, and 2D assembly drawings.


• Use SolidWorks and AutoCAD extensively to develop, modify, and troubleshoot engineering designs.


• Design fluid control systems and assemblies for applications involving argon, oxygen, nitrogen, semiconductor processes, pulp and paper, pressure systems, and biopharmaceutical applications.


• Prepare detailed engineering drawings and design packages to present to customers and support competitive bidding.


• Develop designs from initial concepts through complete system buildout and obtain final customer approval.


• Collaborate with manufacturing and production teams to ensure designs are practical, accurate, and ready for assembly.


• Translate complex technical information into clear, understandable instructions for manufacturing and production personnel.


• Work alongside a small engineering team of two to solve technical challenges and deliver custom solutions.


• Assist with product selection, system layouts, assembly procedures, and testing requirements.


• Provide technical support to customers, technicians, sales teams, and service associates.


• Follow established quality standards, engineering procedures, and internal design systems.


• Learn the company's specific engineering approach, processes, and systems through hands‑on shop training and computer-based learning.


• Give and receive constructive feedback professionally.


• Support troubleshooting, product improvements, customer concerns, and other engineering projects as needed.


• Travel periodically to customer sites when required.

What’s In It for You:

Approximate annual salary of $100,000+, depending on experience.

• Opportunity to work on complex, custom-engineered fluid systems.


• A collaborative environment working closely with a small engineering team.


• Hands‑on exposure to both CAD design and shop‑floor manufacturing processes.


• The opportunity to take ownership of designs from concept through buildout and final approval.


• Opportunities to work across specialized industries and technical applications.

What You Need to Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience and education.


• A minimum of 3–5+ years of relevant, real-world engineering experience.


• Previous experience designing, building, or troubleshooting fluid systems.


• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, with significant hands‑on CAD experience.


• Experience creating 3D models, 2D drawings, engineering layouts, and technical design packages.


• Ability to interpret technical specifications, P&IDs, customer requirements, and engineering documentation.


• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex system designs.


• Ability to communicate effectively with highly technical professionals and translate engineering requirements into practical instructions for manufacturing and production teams.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work onsite daily and collaborate closely with a small engineering team.


• Willingness to learn internal processes through hands‑on shop training and computer‑based instruction.

The Musts:

• Real‑world experience designing fluid systems, including gases, oils, or similar applications.


• Advanced working knowledge of SolidWorks and AutoCAD.


• Comfortable spending significant time in CAD designing, revising, and troubleshooting systems.


• Ability to develop drawings and design packages for customer presentations and bidding.


• Ability to carry designs through the buildout process and obtain final design approval.


• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.


• Ability to simplify complex technical concepts for manufacturing and production teams.


• Professional communication skills, including the ability to give and receive feedback constructively.


• Willingness to learn the company's engineering methods, systems, and procedures.


• Comfortable working hands‑on in a shop environment as well as at a computer.


• Dependable, adaptable, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects.


• Ability to work effectively with a small engineering team and other departments.

Preferred:

• Experience with argon, oxygen, or nitrogen.


• Background in semiconductor, pulp and paper, pressure systems, or biopharmaceutical applications.


• Experience with fluid control systems, custom assemblies, piping systems, and instrumentation.


• Experience preparing engineering drawings and proposals for customer bidding.


• Familiarity with manufacturing, production, assembly, and system testing processes.


• Experience working directly with customers to review designs and secure final approval.