Senior Application Engineer

States Manufacturing LLC; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

States Manufacturing LLC is seeking an Applications Engineer to deliver advanced technical expertise across sales and project cycles. You will review complex customer requirements, develop engineered solutions, and lead technical discussions to ensure high-quality proposals and support.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and stay current with industry trends and product updates while supporting pre-sales activities and customer meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent technical experience.
• 5+ years in applications engineering, sales engineering, or related role.
• Must have design and/or field service experience.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specs, and requirements.
• Experience supporting complex or engineered-to-order product solutions.
• Strong communication, customer-facing, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with ERP/CRM/quoting systems.

Responsibilities

• Review complex customer specifications, drawings and requirements to develop accurate product solutions.
• Act as technical expert for internal teams and key customers on product capabilities and system applications.
• Create detailed technical proposals, configurations, and documentation for large or complex projects.
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, manufacturing, and product management to align solutions with capabilities and customer needs.
• Suggest alternative designs or cost-effective/custom solutions to meet requirements.
• Support pre-sales activities including customer presentations and technical Q&A sessions.
• Troubleshoot advanced application challenges and assist with issues.
• Mentor junior Applications Engineers and contribute to process improvements.
• Prepare and review submittals, manuals, drawings and other technical documents.

Skills

Customer-facing communication

Engineering fundamentals

Problem solving

Project management

CAD literacy

ERP/CRM familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

This position is NOT Software or IT

MUST HAVE: Switchgear/Switchboard experience.

Summary:

We are seeking an Applications Engineer who provides advanced technical expertise to support customers, sales teams, and internal departments. This role handles complex applications, develops engineered solutions, and leads the technical discussions with customers. The position requires deep product knowledge, strong problem‑solving skills, and the ability to mentor junior team members while ensuring high-quality technical proposals and support throughout the sales and project cycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review complex customer specifications, drawings, and requirements to develop accurate and feasible product solutions.
• Serve as a technical expert for internal teams and key customers, providing guidance on product capabilities, system applications, and integration.
• Create detailed technical proposals, product configurations, and supporting documentation for large or complex projects.
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, manufacturing, and product management to ensure proposed solutions align with company capabilities and customer needs.
• Recommend alternative designs, cost‑effective options, or custom solutions to support customer requirements.
• Support pre‑sales activities, including customer presentations, meetings, and technical Q&A sessions.
• Troubleshoot advanced application challenges and assist with resolving customer technical issues.
• Lead or contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for tools, templates, workflows, and application processes.
• Prepare and review submittals, manuals, drawings, and other technical documentation.
• Stay current on industry trends, competitor offerings, product updates, and emerging technologies.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to junior Applications Engineers.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) or equivalent technical experience
• 5+ years of experience in applications engineering, sales engineering, technical support, or related technical role
• Must have design and/or field service experience
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements
• Proven experience supporting complex or engineered‑to‑order product solutions
• Excellent communication, customer‑facing, and presentation skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with ERP, CRM, or quoting systems
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in manufacturing, electrical power distribution, automation, controls, or industrial equipment
• Knowledge of applicable industry codes, standards, and certification requirements
• Advanced skills with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) or technical drawing review
• Experience developing technical documentation, tools, or training materials
• Familiarity with pricing strategies, value engineering, and cost estimation
• Leadership or mentoring experience

Skills and Competencies:

Technical Expertise

• Analytical Thinking & Problem‑Solving
• Customer Service & Communication Skills
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Attention to Detail
• Project & Time Management
• Engineering Documentation & Technical Writing
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Product & Industry Knowledge
• Mentorship & Leadership Capability

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Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.