Applications Engineer — Custom Machinery & RFQ Proposals

Connect Force; Livonia (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect Force is seeking a Mechanical Applications Engineer for Southeast Michigan, focusing on turning customer requirements into real-world custom machinery. The role blends mechanical engineering with manufacturing processes, technical estimating, and customer collaboration to influence projects from early stages.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in mechanical/applications engineering, strong CAD skills, and experience with manufacturing processes, automation, or tooling.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, applications engineering, or a related technical role.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of industrial manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Experience with manufacturing processes, machining, automation, or custom machinery.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with customers and internal engineering teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Review customer RFQs, technical specifications, engineering drawings, and manufacturing requirements.
• Develop technical proposals and equipment quotations for custom machinery and manufacturing solutions.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes, machine capabilities, tooling requirements, and production considerations.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering, controls engineering, sales, and manufacturing teams to develop practical equipment solutions.
• Assist with estimating equipment costs, project requirements, and anticipated manufacturing timelines.
• Identify technical challenges and recommend solutions that improve efficiency, quality, and overall equipment performance.
• Communicate with customers and internal stakeholders to clarify project specifications and technical expectations.
• Support preliminary equipment concepts and manufacturing process development.
• Ensure proposals accurately reflect technical requirements, project scope, and customer expectations.
• Participate in technical discussions throughout the proposal and project development process.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Technical communication

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

Connect Force is seeking a Mechanical Applications Engineer for Southeast Michigan, focusing on turning customer requirements into real-world custom machinery. The role blends mechanical engineering with manufacturing processes, technical estimating, and customer collaboration to influence projects from early stages.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in mechanical/applications engineering, strong CAD skills, and experience with manufacturing processes, automation, or tooling.