Applications Engineer I

Standard Calibrations Inc; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Standard Calibrations, Inc. is seeking an Applications Engineer I to provide mechanical and electrical engineering support for automation systems, instrumentation, and technical solutions.

The role translates customer requirements into practical concepts, proposals, project scopes, and cost estimates, while supporting testing and qualification activities. You'll work with internal engineering, customers, vendors and testing facilities; develop statements of work, prepare time and material

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in mechanical, electrical, industrial, manufacturing engineering or equivalent.
• Three or more years of experience supporting mechanical and/or electrical engineering activities.
• Experience with MIL-SPEC / MIL-STD qualification testing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop preliminary concepts, pricing, and detailed proposals for automation equipment, instrumentation, and engineering projects; involve engineering management when complexity warrants.
• Support design and development of products, systems, processes, and equipment by analyzing technical challenges and customer specifications; coordinate with third-party suppliers and vendors.
• Gather and interpret engineering requirements, technical documentation, and customer specifications to develop clear statements of work, proposals, and project deliverables.
• Prepare estimates for engineering time, labor, materials, testing, installation, equipment fabrication, and related project costs.
• Participate in customer site visits and technical discussions to establish requirements, evaluate applications, and support project or product development.
• Define project scope and handoff documentation sufficiently for project managers and technical teams to initiate work.
• Assist in planning and coordinating product testing and qualification efforts, including requirements review, test procedures, test readiness, documentation, and review of test results.
• Support development of test plans, compliance matrices, technical reports, and qualification documentation in coordination with engineering staff, customers, OEMs, and testing facilities.
• Maintain organized technical records and communicate schedule, technical, and qualification risks to appropriate stakeholders.

Skills

Technical writing

Cost estimating

Analytical skills

CAD software

Programming

Customer-focused communication

Education

Associate degree in engineering or higher

Tools

CAD software

Programming languages

Job description

The Applications Engineer I provides mechanical and electrical engineering support for the design, development, and application of automation systems, instrumentation, and technical solutions. The position translates customer requirements and specifications into practical concepts, detailed technical proposals, project scopes, and cost estimates. The role also supports product testing and qualification activities, working with internal engineering personnel, customers, vendors, and independent test facilities as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop preliminary technical concepts, pricing, and detailed proposals for automation equipment, instrumentation, and engineering projects; involve engineering management when complexity warrants.
• Support design and development of products, systems, processes, and equipment by analyzing technical challenges and customer specifications; coordinate with third-party suppliers and vendors.
• Gather and interpret engineering requirements, technical documentation, and customer specifications to develop clear statements of work, proposals, and project deliverables.
• Prepare estimates for engineering time, labor, materials, testing, installation, equipment fabrication, and related project costs.
• Participate in customer site visits and technical discussions to establish requirements, evaluate applications, and support project or product development.
• Define project scope and handoff documentation sufficiently for project managers and technical teams to initiate work.
• Assist in planning and coordinating product testing and qualification efforts, including requirements review, test procedures, test readiness, documentation, and review of test results.
• Support development of test plans, compliance matrices, technical reports, and qualification documentation in coordination with engineering staff, customers, OEMs, and testing facilities.
• Maintain organized technical records and communicate schedule, technical, and qualification risks to appropriate stakeholders.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree or higher in mechanical, electrical, industrial, manufacturing engineering, or a closely related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Three or more years of experience supporting mechanical and/or electrical engineering activities.
• Prior experience participating in product testing, validation, or qualification programs is preferred.
• Experience with military specification or military standard (MIL-SPEC / MIL-STD) qualification testing is strongly preferred, including familiarity with test requirements, procedures, compliance documentation, and reporting.
• Experience with CAD software and/or programming is a plus.

Technical and Professional Competencies

• Ability to interpret customer specifications, engineering drawings, test data, and technical requirements.
• Interest and aptitude in specifying complex instrumentation, sensors, automation equipment, and related products.
• Strong technical writing, cost-estimating, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-directed learner with the ability to research unfamiliar applications and develop practical solutions.
• Customer-focused communicator who collaborates effectively with sales, engineering, operations, vendors, and external testing organizations.
• Ability to interpret statistical data and present technical information clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated accountability, teamwork, and sound judgment aligned with SCI’s T.H.I.S. values.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel occasionally to customer sites and other locations.
• Ability to meet applicable pre-employment screening requirements.
• Business casual appearance consistent with company and customer-site expectations.

Safety, Travel, and Physical Requirements

Employees must follow SCI safety policies and applicable customer-site requirements, including in potentially hazardous work environments. Travel is generally local during the business day, with occasional out-of-area or overnight travel. This position routinely requires speaking, listening, computer use, movement throughout SCI facilities or customer sites, handling equipment or documents, and reaching with hands and arms, with reasonable accommodation as applicable.

AAP/EEO Requirements

Standard Calibrations, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

#IND123

Salary: $75,000 to $90,000, DOE

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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