Sr. Applications Engineer - Encoders

The Timken Company; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Timken Company, Timken Encoders in Traverse City, MI, seeks an Applications Engineer to design sensor products, support quotations, and collaborate with suppliers and the supply chain.

You will translate customer requirements into dependable, manufacturable solutions using CAD tools and Team Center, and assist with pre-production and production launches, delivering technical proposals with drawings and calculations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; Masters preferred.
• 4+ years in Product/Applications Engineering with similar products.
• CAD experience and hands-on electrical or mechanical assembly.
• Strong verbal and written communication; ability to interact with customers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to document design results.

Responsibilities

• Understand customer requirements and deliver product solutions that are reliable and cost-effective.
• Test and create feasibility studies for sensor product applications.
• Design sensor products per requirements; document and test design for production.
• Provide technical proposals with drawings, calculations, and specifications.
• Collaborate with supply chain to identify suppliers and ensure compliance with specs.
• Participate in pre-production and prototype activities and assist with launches.
• Support Six Sigma and Product Quality Planning activities as needed.

Skills

CAD experience

Strong communication

Hands-on assembly

Electrical / Mechanical aptitude

Documentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Masters preferred

Tools

Team Center

Pro-Engineer / UG CAD

Job description

Your career begins at Timken Encoders, which is part of Cone Drive Operations in Traverse City, MI. If you're ready for a challenging career that provides you with the ability to advance personally and professionally, look to Cone Drive & Timken Encoders. Our associates make the world more productive by improving the efficiency and reliability of the products that keeps industry in motion.

Timken sells some of the world's most sophisticated magnetic speed and position Encoders. This role is in the sensor application and product development engineering group. The position includes working with suppliers and the Timken supply chain group as an advocate for the sensor business unit. This associate will work with Team Center to support Sensor product creation, application engineering and manufacturing launch activities. Successful applicants are expected to have design experience with electro-mechanical products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Works with customers, sales representatives, and product engineering to understand customer requirements and delivers product solutions; propose products which are simple, reliable, cost effective, and capable of meeting or exceeding customers' requirements.
• Tests and creates feasibility studies for technical applications of sensor products.
• Designs sensor products in accordance with product requirements and customer specifications; Documents, implements, and tests applicable design requirements for production.
• Delivers technical proposals in support of quotations and orders. This includes drawings, calculations, specifications and other technical information.
• Partners with the supply chain function to identify and develop component suppliers; validates supplier capabilities and ensures compliance with product and performance specifications.
• Participates in pre-production and prototype activity in-house and with partner plants; reviews and analyzes product performance data.
• Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, participating in Product Quality Planning activities and Six Sigma activities, and supporting other business priorities as directed by internal customers.

Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline; Masters preferred.
• Electrical and / or Mechanical CAD experience.
• A minimum of 4 years related experience in Product/Applications Engineering with similar products.
• Good verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact with customers and cross functional team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Hands on electrical or mechanical assembly experience.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Good problem solving skills.

Other Preferred Skills:

• General knowledge of hall sensor and magnetic target product design and manufacturing processes
• Depth of experience designing for manufacturing
• Working knowledge of programs like Team Center, Pro-Engineer, UG CAD
• Advanced strategic thinking skills; ability to work on and execute complex projects
• Initiative to work independently

This position may require access to United States export controlled technical data ("CTD") and hardware under the Departments of US State (ITAR) and/or Commerce (EAR). Eligible candidates are; US Citizens, Green Card holders, Asylees or others eligible to receive US export license authorizations. Candidate must be authorized to work in the US.

All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards. There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran/military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Timken is a global technology leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion. Our expanding portfolio of next-generation solutions helps customers around the world improve efficiency, solve their toughest challenges, and push the boundaries of performance. We employ 19,000 people globally, operate from 45 countries, and posted $4.6 billion in sales in 2025.

We have been recognized as one of America's Most Responsible Companies 6x by Newsweek and one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® 15x by Ethisphere.

Why Choose Timken?

• Over a century of knowledge and innovation
• A culture of top performance
• A global, diverse environment
• Products that contribute to a sustainable world
• A conviction to improve communities around us
• Competitive salary and benefits

Talent Community

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