Applications Engineer

Thern, Inc.; Winona (MN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company is seeking an Application Engineer to develop and adapt products to meet customer needs. This critical role blends technical expertise with creativity in designing solutions while ensuring customer satisfaction. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and have relevant experience in the manufacturing sector. The position allows for remote work, requiring occasional onsite presence in Winona, MN.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in manufacturing or industrial fields.
• Proficient with software applications for engineering tasks.
• Knowledge of electrical motor controls is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and innovate new products or enhance existing ones.
• Deliver engineering projects on time and to standard.
• Engage directly with customers to understand needs.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Technical communication

Collaboration

Mathematical proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Autodesk Inventor

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

The Application Engineer plays a critical role in developing and adapting Thern products and systems to meet diverse customer requirements. This position combines technical expertise with creativity to design solutions that balance customer needs, cost factors, market demands, manufacturing capabilities, and quality standards. Working closely with sales teams and customers, the Application Engineer provides technical support, ensures proper product application and contributes to the success of both standard and custom projects. By applying sound engineering principles and established processes, this role drives customer satisfaction, strengthens relationships, and supports revenue growth.

Application Engineers at Thern have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, from specialized winch and crane applications to complex engineered systems, making position both technically challenging and professionally rewarding.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and innovate new products or enhance existing ones, developing concepts, balancing costs, and aligning with sales, marketing, manufacturing, quality, and leadership objectives.
• Deliver engineering projects on time and to standard, creating accurate drawings, calculations, documentation, and testing that support production and quality assurance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and production teams to optimize product design using machining, fabrication principles, and geometric tolerances.
• Engage directly with customers through site visits, calls, and consultations to understand needs, solve challenges, and recommend solutions.
• Lead and document complex product modifications for customer applications, coordinating with internal teams to deliver effective, manufacturable solutions.
• Support parts and repair sales by troubleshooting, assessing customer needs, coordinating repairs and performing related tasks.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal departments to ensure modified components are compatible and manufacturable.
• Estimate product cost and delivery schedule using established tools and procedures to support accurate quoting and planning.
• Support purchasing in regards to vendor selection for custom designed or redesigned product components when appropriate.
• Support quality initiatives by developing or improving test procedures and collaborating on product redesigns to meet or exceed standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related field) from a four‑year college or university.
• 3–5 years’ experience in manufacturing or industrial fields or an equivalent mix of education/experience. Proficiency with software applications, including databases, 3D designs, manufacturing, project management, spreadsheets, and word processing; experience with AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, and Microsoft Office preferred.
• Strong problem‑solving skills grounded in engineering principles (statics, mechanics of materials, dynamics, machine design). Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, and schedule‑based instructions. Knowledge of electrical motor controls a plus.
• Skilled in technical communication, including reading and interpreting technical documents, journals, standards, and regulatory requirements, as well as writing reports, correspondence, and procedures.
• Advanced mathematical proficiency, including exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations; capable of applying statistical and analytical techniques such as variance analysis, correlation, sampling theory, and factor analysis. Must be able to perform mechanical design calculations.
• Confident presenting information and responding to questions from managers, clients, customers, and diverse audiences.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills; able to communicate clearly and persuasively, and manage difficult or emotional situations constructively.

Open to remote work with availability to come onsite in Winona, MN as needed.

Thern does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non‑disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.