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Application Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Application Design Engineer position will entail leading the mechanical design & engineering of new products and adaptation of existing products for customer applications per company growth ...

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Application Design Engineer information

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How much do application design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for application design engineer in the United States is $57.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.07 and $73.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Application Design Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common among executive-level roles or specialized senior engineers in fields like software engineering, data science, or systems architecture. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or stock options in tech companies.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

What is the difference between Application Design Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectApplication Design EngineerSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, CAD or design certificationsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, coding certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing settings, client sitesOffices, development labs, remote work
Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, industrial equipmentIT, software development, tech companies
Primary FocusDesigning and testing physical products and systemsWriting, testing, and maintaining software applications

Application Design Engineers focus on creating and testing physical product designs, often working with hardware and systems integration. Software Engineers primarily develop and maintain software applications. While both roles require technical skills and collaboration, their core responsibilities and work environments differ significantly, making this comparison useful for those exploring career options or job opportunities in engineering fields.

What does a design application engineer do?

A design application engineer develops and optimizes technical solutions for products or systems, often working with engineering teams to create detailed designs, prototypes, and specifications. They use tools like CAD software and have strong knowledge of engineering principles to ensure designs meet performance and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Application Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, software development, and system design, usually supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and programming languages such as Python or C++ is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for translating client needs into technical solutions and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure that complex applications are designed efficiently, meet user requirements, and function reliably in real-world environments.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior application design engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in software architecture, and expertise in specialized tools, can earn $200,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with roles in large companies, leadership positions, or those working in high-demand industries such as technology or aerospace.

What are some common challenges faced by Application Design Engineers when working on custom solutions for clients?

Application Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing client requirements with technical feasibility, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. They must frequently adapt to evolving project scopes and navigate communication between cross-functional teams, including sales, development, and support. Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills are essential, as is the ability to clearly translate client needs into practical design specifications.

What are Application Design Engineers?

Application Design Engineers are professionals who develop, customize, and optimize technical solutions or products to meet specific client or industry needs. They work closely with customers, sales teams, and product development teams to ensure that applications perform efficiently and address user requirements. Their role often involves both engineering design tasks and application support, requiring a strong understanding of both product capabilities and customer use cases. They may also assist in troubleshooting, prototyping, and modifying existing systems to improve functionality.
What cities are hiring for Application Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Application Design Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Application Design Engineer jobs? The top employers for Application Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Application Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Application Design Engineer jobs include:
Application Design Engineer

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

American Chillers designs and manufactures industrial process chillers and cooling systems for a growing range of demanding applications - industrial process, brewing, medical imaging, battery energy storage, and more. We are a fast-moving, growth-stage manufacturer where engineers have real ownership over the products they help bring to market and direct contact with the customers who use them.

THE ROLE

We are hiring an Application / Design Engineer to be a central technical resource across the business - translating customer requirements into specified, build-ready chiller designs. You will own the technical thread from initial project specification through submittal and into production, and partner with suppliers to develop new products and improve existing ones. This is a strategic hire intended to take engineering and specification work off the owner's plate, so a strong candidate will quickly become the go-to person for how we build things.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Specify projects: translate customer requirements, operating conditions, and performance criteria into the correct chiller configuration, options, and component selections.
  • Build submittals: prepare and process equipment submittals, performance verification, and approval drawings for customers and reps.
  • Engineering design in CAD: produce and revise layout drawings, component designs, and documentation using CAD software.
  • Work with suppliers: collaborate with component and material suppliers to source parts, develop new products, and improve cost, lead time, and performance.
  • Support the internal team: serve as a technical resource for sales, purchasing, and production; resolve build questions on the floor and keep specs accurate.
  • Continuous improvement: help standardize selections, options, and documentation as we scale.

Requirements

REQUIRED

  • 3-5 years of experience in design engineering and/or application engineering.
  • Hands-on HVAC/R experience (chillers, refrigeration, mechanical/process cooling, or closely related equipment).
  • Proficiency with CAD software for mechanical design and drawings.
  • Ability to read and interpret specifications, schedules, and technical drawings.
  • Strong communication skills - comfortable working directly with customers, reps, and suppliers.
  • Organized and self-directed; able to own projects end to end.
  • On-site in the Columbia, SC area (this is not a remote role).

PREFERRED

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (equivalent hands-on experience considered).
  • Experience preparing equipment submittals or working in a custom/engineered-to-order manufacturing environment.
  • Familiarity with refrigeration circuits, heat transfer, pumps, controls and electrical schematics.
  • Exposure to ERP/PLM systems.

We are looking for someone with the right fundamentals and HVAC/R background whom we can train relatively quickly on our specific products and materials. You do not need to know our catalog on day one - you need to be the kind of engineer who picks it up fast and runs with it.

Benefits

  • High-impact, high-visibility role with a direct line to ownership.
  • Real ownership of products and customer outcomes - not a cog in a big-company process.
  • Growing company entering new, technically interesting markets.
  • On-site team in Columbia, SC.

Competitive salary based on experience, plus benefits.

Elevate Your Career

Join us and play a vital role in our journey as a leader in innovative refrigeration equipment. Apply now to contribute your skills and be a part of our ongoing growth.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan