Applications Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Dürr; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading industrial machinery company in Michigan is looking for an Applications Engineer to develop technical proposals and cost estimates for customer requests. In this role, you will support Sales and Engineering teams by aligning customer requirements with innovative machine concepts. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a technical field and experience in the machine-tool industry. This position requires strong communication skills and proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office. A dynamic work environment is guaranteed with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent experience in Mechanical Controls, Machine Tool, or Applications Engineering.
• Preferred: 3 years of machine-specific and/or automotive applications experience in machine-tool manufacturing.
• Strong computer skills, including AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, physics, machine design, and electronic controls.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze customer Requests for Quotes (RFQs) and define technical requirements.
• Develop complete machine concepts aligning customer needs with the product portfolio.
• Prepare cost estimates for new machine technology and rework projects.
• Create proposal packages, including machine descriptions and evaluations.
• Support Sales and Product Line Managers during customer discussions.

Skills

Mechanical Controls

Machine Tool

Applications Engineering

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Applications Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Join to apply for the Applications Engineer - Industrial Machinery role at Dürr.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Applications Engineer to join our team! In this role, you will play a key part in supporting our Sales, Product Line Management, and Engineering teams by developing accurate technical proposals and cost estimates for customer RFQs. You'll help translate customer requirements into innovative machine concepts within the Schenck USA product portfolio and support internal and global partners throughout the proposal and order‑acceptance process.

What You’ll Do

• Technical & Engineering Support
• Analyze customer Requests for Quotes (RFQs) and define technical requirements.
• Align customer needs with the Schenck USA product portfolio to develop complete machine concepts.
• Collaborate with Engineering on feasibility reviews and develop detailed Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Prepare cost estimates for new machine technology and rework projects.
• Create comprehensive proposal packages, including machine content descriptions, TOR documents, and feasibility evaluations.
• Ability to travel to customer or supplier sites as needed, including some international travel.
• Must be able to travel by air.

Sales & Product Line Collaboration

• Support Sales and Product Line Managers during customer line‑ups and technical discussions.
• Review customer specifications and provide technical recommendations.
• Participate in order‑acceptance evaluations with PLM.
• Assist in preparing “as‑sold” documentation for internal KOM meetings.
• Provide prompt applications‑engineering information to Project Managers for smooth project turnover.

Cross‑Functional & Global Coordination

• Obtain fixed supplier quotations for major purchased components.
• Coordinate with Operations to determine budgets and schedules from PO receipt through installation/start‑up.
• Support other global Schenck divisions with sales and technical liaison services.
• Contribute to defining modular product systems that meet North American market needs.
• Maintain organized technical resources, including drawings, customer correspondence, and print documentation.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline or equivalent experience in Mechanical Controls, Machine Tool, or Applications Engineering.
• Preferred: 3 years of machine‑specific and/or automotive applications experience in the machine‑tool manufacturing industry.
• Strong computer skills, including AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, physics, mathematics, machine design, electronic controls, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret part prints, GD&T, and automotive inquiry packages.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and discipline in following established processes.

Physical Demands

• Regular standing and walking.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively.
• Manual dexterity required for computer use and handling equipment.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Ability to read, write, perform basic math, and take accurate measurements.
• Occasional bending, twisting, kneeling, or climbing when working near equipment.

Working Environment

• Primarily office‑based with computer and specialized engineering tools.
• Occasional work on manufacturing shop floors at Schenck or customer sites, which may involve exposure to industrial equipment, electrical systems, forklifts, chemicals, and other manufacturing hazards.

Dürr Systems USA has been present in the United States since 1970 and operates multiple locations across the United States, including facilities in Michigan and Wisconsin. The largest site is in Southfield, Michigan, which serves as the main center for operations. As of 2025, Dürr employs approximately 660 people across the country who support a wide range of market segments. Dürr Systems USA plans, builds, and installs complete, state‑of‑the‑art paint shops and final assembly facilities, supported by DXQ, Dürr’s digital products suite. The company also offers advanced automated painting, sealing, and gluing application technologies, as well as high‑viscosity material‑handling solutions. In addition to serving the automotive industry, Dürr Systems provides premium application technology products for the general industry.

Dürr Automotive, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment drug and alcohol testing.