Mechanical Applications Engineer

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

Job summary

Connect-Force is seeking a Mechanical Applications Engineer to join its Southeast Michigan team for on-site work in the custom machinery space. The role focuses on turning customer requirements into practical equipment solutions, with emphasis on mechanical engineering, manufacturing processes, and collaboration across engineering and sales.

The position involves evaluating manufacturing capabilities, developing proposals, and supporting cost and timeline estimates to deliver tailored industrial

Qualifications

• Requires 3+ years in mechanical or manufacturing engineering roles.
• Solid understanding of industrial manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience in technical estimating and developing equipment solutions.
• Strong communication with customers and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs, technical specs, drawings, and manufacturing requirements.
• Develop technical proposals and quotations for custom machinery.
• Evaluate processes, tooling needs, and production considerations.
• Collaborate with engineering, sales, and manufacturing teams to craft practical equipment solutions.
• Assist with estimating costs, timelines, and project scope.
• Identify technical challenges and propose improvements for quality and efficiency.
• Communicate project specs and expectations with customers and stakeholders.
• Support concept development and process development early in projects.
• Ensure proposals reflect technical requirements and customer expectations.
• Participate in technical discussions throughout proposal and project development.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Industrial manufacturing equipment

Interpret drawings/blueprints

Communicate with customers

Analytical/problem-solving

Organization/detail-minded

Collaborative environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

Mechanical Applications Engineer – Custom Machinery

Confidential Career Opportunity

Location: Southeast Michigan (Exact Location Confidential)
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Industry: Advanced Manufacturing | Custom Machinery | Industrial Automation
Salary Range: $80,000–$95,000 annually

About the Opportunity

Are you a mechanically minded engineer who enjoys solving technical challenges, developing innovative manufacturing solutions, and turning customer requirements into real-world equipment projects?

We are partnering with an established industrial equipment manufacturer seeking a Mechanical Applications Engineer to join its engineering team.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys combining mechanical engineering knowledge, manufacturing processes, technical estimating, and customer collaboration.

Unlike a traditional design engineering position, this role offers the opportunity to influence projects from their earliest stages by helping determine the equipment, processes, and technical solutions needed to meet customer expectations.

What You'll Be Doing

• 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.

What We're Looking For

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing technical proposals, RFQs, or equipment quotations.

• Background in machine tools, precision machining, or custom industrial equipment.

• Understanding of machining cycle times, tooling, and manufacturing process requirements.

• Familiarity with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar.

• Experience working with engineering and sales teams on customer-specific equipment solutions.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Work on Interesting Engineering Challenges: Help develop solutions for sophisticated industrial machinery and advanced manufacturing applications.

Be Involved from the Beginning: Play an important role in determining how new equipment projects are developed and proposed.

Combine Engineering and Business: Use your technical knowledge to help turn customer requirements into successful equipment projects.

Collaborate with Experienced Engineers: Work alongside mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing professionals.

Grow Your Career: Gain valuable experience in technical estimating, applications engineering, manufacturing processes, and custom equipment development.