Job Title: Associate Application Engineer, Intermediate (Mechanical Engineering)Job Description
The Associate Application Engineer, Intermediate serves as a key technical expert who connects material manufacturers, customers, and internal teams to develop applications and validate materials for industrial use. This role combines hands-on engineering with customer-facing support and a business development mindset to ensure products are selected, tested, and integrated effectively in the field. By working closely with sales, distributors, and contractors, the engineer helps transform technical solutions into successful commercial outcomes while driving innovation, market adoption, and long-term customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities
Collaborate directly with customers, contractors, distributors, and material suppliers to understand application requirements and recommend appropriate products and materials.
Support customers in selecting, testing, validating, and successfully implementing products and materials in industrial applications.
Troubleshoot application issues and support equipment start-ups to ensure reliable performance and smooth commissioning.
Provide technical training and product education to customers and distributors to enhance understanding, correct usage, and adoption of solutions.
Partner with sales teams to translate technical solutions into revenue opportunities and support business development initiatives.
Offer detailed field feedback to engineering, marketing, and product management teams to guide product improvements and new application development.
Track application performance, results, and adoption, and collect structured customer feedback to support continuous improvement.
Analyze technical and application data to identify trends, resolve issues, and optimize system and material performance.
Contribute to the development and validation of new applications and materials, ensuring they meet customer and market needs.
Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear, accessible manner to diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.
Travel up to 25% of the time to visit customer sites, distributors, and other stakeholders in various industrial environments.
Essential Skills
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Paint Chemistry, or a related technical field.
3+ years of experience in customer-facing technical roles, preferably within industrial applications.
Strong expertise in application development and material validation for industrial environments.
Proven ability to perform technical troubleshooting and resolve complex application issues.
Solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including design and assembly concepts.
Experience using SolidWorks or similar 3D mechanical design software.
Ability to analyze technical and application data to drive decisions and improvements.
Strong problem-solving and diagnostic skills with a structured approach to issue resolution.
Ability to work independently in a highly technical capacity across diverse industrial settings.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to varied audiences.
Strong presentation skills for training, demonstrations, and customer-facing meetings.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% to support customers and partners.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Controls engineering experience is a plus; mechanical aspects can be further developed on the job.
Familiarity with PLC communication and troubleshooting is highly beneficial.
Global industrial manufacturing experience and knowledge are advantageous.
MBA or masters degree is preferred and supports the business development component of the role.
Knowledge of machine design concepts and practices.
Experience working with steel and related industrial materials.
Certifications such as FROSIO and AMPP (formerly NACE) are valuable additions.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a customer-facing capacity and build strong relationships with external stakeholders.
Work Environment
This position is based onsite in a lab and manufacturing environment, providing hands-on exposure to real-world industrial applications, equipment, and materials. The role involves close collaboration with technical teams, sales, distributors, and material suppliers in a setting that supports testing, validation, and troubleshooting activities. The workday typically includes a mix of time spent in the lab, on the manufacturing floor, and in office or meeting spaces for analysis, documentation, and collaboration. Travel of up to 25% is required to visit customer sites, distributors, and other industrial facilities, where you will engage directly with stakeholders and support field applications. The environment emphasizes safety, practical problem-solving, and the use of modern engineering tools such as SolidWorks and other technical software. Employees receive benefits including paid time off, such as two weeks of PTO and company-recognized holidays, contributing to a supportive and balanced work experience.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Canton, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Canton, OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in North Canton,OH.
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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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.
