Job Title: Application Engineer
Job Description
The Application Engineer will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to bridge the gap between product design and production. This role focuses on translating customer requirements and engineering concepts into practical, manufacturable solutions that can be efficiently built on the shop floor. The ideal candidate is hands-on, solutions-oriented, and comfortable supporting both new product development and ongoing production improvements.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to translate customer requirements and engineering concepts into production-ready solutions.
Support the production and manufacturing floor by providing hands-on technical guidance and resolving design-related issues.
Work in a design-and-build environment, contributing to both design activities and practical implementation on the shop floor.
Develop and refine 3D models and detailed production drawings using CAD software such as Inventor or SolidWorks.
Apply dimensioning, tolerances, and GD&T to create accurate, manufacturing-ready drawings rather than conceptual-only designs.
Incorporate design for manufacturability principles to ensure products can be efficiently fabricated, welded, machined, and assembled.
Evaluate materials, tolerances, and process limitations to improve cost, efficiency, and buildability of products.
Partner with operations to troubleshoot and solve design-related production issues as they arise.
Implement design improvements and engineering changes to enhance product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
Engage directly on the shop floor, interacting with operators to understand challenges and provide practical solutions.
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing/production, and supply chain or purchasing to align design intent with production capabilities and material availability.
Communicate design intent clearly to non-engineers, ensuring that production and operations teams understand requirements and constraints.
Support both new product development initiatives and ongoing production activities, balancing multiple priorities and projects.
Essential Skills
2-5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or application engineering environment.
Hands-on manufacturing engineering experience supporting the production and manufacturing floor.
Background working with fabrication, welding, machining, and assembly processes.
Proficiency in CAD software, preferably Inventor or SolidWorks, for 3D modeling and production drawing creation.
Strong understanding of dimensioning, tolerances, and GD&T to produce accurate manufacturing drawings.
Proven ability to translate designs into production-ready solutions using design for manufacturability principles.
Knowledge of materials, tolerances, and process limitations in a manufacturing environment.
Experience supporting both design and production teams in a design-and-build environment.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain design intent to non-engineers.
Experience collaborating with engineering, manufacturing/production, and supply chain or purchasing teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience improving cost, efficiency, and buildability through design and process improvements.
Comfort working directly on the shop floor and interacting with operators and production personnel.
Demonstrated ability to implement design improvements and engineering changes in a production environment.
Work Environment
The role operates in a combined office and manufacturing environment, working closely with engineering teams as well as spending significant time on the production floor. The Application Engineer regularly interacts with fabrication, welding, machining, and assembly operations and uses CAD tools such as Inventor or SolidWorks to create and refine production-ready designs. The position involves frequent cross-functional collaboration with engineering, manufacturing/production, and supply chain or purchasing, and requires comfort working in a hands-on, fast-paced setting where multiple projects and priorities run in parallel.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Youngstown, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $31.25/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Youngstown,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
