Mechanical Application Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Application EngineerJob DescriptionThe Mechanical Application Engineer plays a key role in the engineering, design, and support of packaged equipment solutions across multiple markets, including pump stations, reverse osmosis and water treatment systems, control panels, and power distribution equipment. This position combines hands-on engineering with customer-facing responsibilities, working closely with the sales team and cross-functional groups to develop preliminary equipment designs, size and select components, prepare pricing and quotations, and ensure that solutions meet technical requirements, industry standards, and customer expectations. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys applying engineering principles while collaborating with clients and internal teams in a dynamic, office-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the sales team and customers to understand project requirements and clarify technical needs.
• Review specifications and project scope documents throughout the bidding process to ensure accurate interpretation of requirements.
• Develop preliminary engineering concepts and equipment layouts, including sizing and selection of pumps, piping, valves, VFDs, and related components.
• Evaluate technical feasibility and provide input on design and performance parameters for packaged equipment solutions.
• Prepare accurate and competitive pricing proposals and quotations for customers, using engineering calculations and cost estimation methods.
• Work with vendors to select appropriate components, obtain pricing, and confirm application suitability.
• Maintain pricing documentation and stay current on cost factors that affect proposals and margins.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for customers at the beginning of the project lifecycle, providing clear and timely communication.
• Respond to customer inquiries and technical concerns, offering practical solutions and guidance.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships to support long-term satisfaction and repeat business.
• Support the sales team by identifying opportunities, tailoring technical proposals, and assisting with closing deals.
• Provide technical support during sales presentations and customer meetings, explaining designs, equipment selections, and system performance.
• Stay updated on industry trends, standards, and best practices related to packaged equipment, water treatment systems, and automated industrial equipment.
• Continuously expand technical knowledge of product offerings, including pump stations, water purification equipment, control panels, and power distribution equipment.
• Provide technical and functional guidance to internal engineering teams and applicable external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality control, and project management teams to ensure project success and adherence to specifications.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams to coordinate a smooth handoff to the project management team.
• Document and maintain accurate records of customer interactions, project details, engineering concepts, and design decisions.
• Prepare reports, project summaries, and technical documentation as required to support internal processes and customer communication.
• Ensure engineered solutions comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and internal quality requirements.
• Work closely with quality control and project management teams to address any quality-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges that arise during the early project stages, proposing effective solutions that support project success and customer satisfaction.
• Use Microsoft Excel and other tools to automate processes and spreadsheets, improving efficiency in quoting and design workflows.
• Apply engineering concepts and fluid mechanics calculations, including the use of pump curves, to support equipment sizing and system design.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts in application engineering, sales engineering support, and water purification system design.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in engineering or a related field, ideally in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• At least six months of experience in a similar engineering role working with pumps, piping, VFDs, and valves; relevant engineering internship experience will be considered.
• Strong understanding of engineering concepts and calculations, particularly related to fluid mechanics and piping systems.
• Proficiency in engineering software and design tools used for equipment and system design.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with pumps, piping, controls, VFDs, and valves in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply pump curves and related performance data for equipment selection and sizing.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective interaction with clients, sales teams, and internal engineering groups.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail in reviewing specifications, developing concepts, and preparing proposals.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations applicable to packaged equipment and water treatment systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, quality control, and project management.
• Capability to serve as a technical resource during sales presentations and customer meetings, explaining complex concepts clearly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in engineering or design of water purification systems or water treatment systems is a plus.
• Background in application engineering or sales engineering, particularly supporting water purification or reverse osmosis projects, is highly beneficial.
• Experience working within a manufacturer of automated industrial equipment is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with automated equipment manufacturing processes and technologies is a significant plus.
• Experience programming in Visual Basic to automate processes and spreadsheets is desirable.
• Comfort working extensively with Microsoft Excel for data analysis, pricing, and process automation.
• Strong communication and people skills to build relationships with clients and internal groups.
• Ability to document technical work clearly, including project summaries, reports, and customer-facing documentation.

Work EnvironmentThis position is based in an office environment and follows a Monday through Friday schedule. The role involves close collaboration with sales, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and project management teams, using tools such as engineering design software and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel. Travel is limited to a few trips per year, averaging around 10% (typically within a 025% range), primarily for learning opportunities and occasional customer or site visits. The environment supports both focused technical work and regular interaction with colleagues and clients, offering a professional setting for engineers who enjoy combining design responsibilities with customer-facing activities. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Dallas, TX. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $95000.00/yr. 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.Benefits include: Medical Dental Vision 401K 401K match PTO Holiday pay quarterly company performance bonus Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Dallas, TX. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 19, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Dallas,TX.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.