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Application Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Collaborate closely with Sales, Product Management, and Engineering to determine best-fit solutions and support project scoping. * Develop and maintain detailed application documentation, including ...

Sales Application Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site +1

$102K - $127K/yr

This is a sales engineering role, where you will be spending much of your time working in the field ... the developed application * Develop an excellent working knowledge of Tri-Phase's products

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, a related field, or a foreign ... If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact ...

Sales Application Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site +1

$102K - $127K/yr

This is a sales engineering role, where you will be spending much of your time working in the field ... the developed application * Develop an excellent working knowledge of Tri-Phase's products

Sales Application Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site +1

$102K - $127K/yr

This is a sales engineering role, where you will be spending much of your time working in the field ... the developed application * Develop an excellent working knowledge of Tri-Phase's products

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, a related field, or a foreign ... If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact ...

Sales Application Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our degreed engineers form lasting relationships with customers, acting as an extension of their ... the developed application * Develop an excellent working knowledge of Tri-Phase's products

Staff Security Application Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$60.50 - $80.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Staff Security Application Engineer plays a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise network security infrastructure, with a focus onproxyanddata loss prevention (DLP ...

Sales Engineer/Application Engineer

Elk Grove Village, IL

$31.25 - $36.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Analyze product specifications and application requirements to design engineered solutions that are compatible with existing manufacturing processes and capabilities. * Prepare detailed proposals ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Application Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$52.1K

$114.1K

$156.7K

How much do application engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for application engineer in Chicago, IL is $114,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,600.00 and $139,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does an application engineer earn?

Application engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and years of experience, and some roles may include additional benefits or bonuses.

What are some common challenges application engineers face when balancing customer requirements with technical feasibility?

Application Engineers often serve as the bridge between customers and the technical teams, which means they regularly encounter situations where client requests may not align perfectly with existing product capabilities. A key challenge is clearly communicating technical limitations while offering alternative solutions that address the customer’s core needs. Successful Application Engineers proactively manage expectations, coordinate with development teams, and stay updated on product roadmaps to suggest realistic enhancements. Developing strong relationships with both customers and internal teams is essential to navigate these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an application engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, software development, and problem-solving, often backed by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with programming languages, CAD tools, and platforms like MATLAB or AutoCAD, as well as certifications in relevant software, is typically required. Strong communication, customer service orientation, and project management skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities ensure effective solution delivery, seamless client interactions, and the successful implementation of technical projects.

What does an application engineer do?

An Application Engineer acts as a bridge between customers and engineering teams, helping to design, develop, and implement technical solutions that meet client needs. They often customize software or hardware products, provide technical support, and assist with product demonstrations or training. Application Engineers also analyze customer requirements, troubleshoot issues, and help improve products based on user feedback. Their role requires strong technical knowledge, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.

What is the difference between Application Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectApplication EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; technical certificationsBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering; professional licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentCustomer-facing, technical support, product customizationDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing in labs or factories
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, industrial equipmentAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy

Application Engineers focus on supporting clients with product implementation and technical solutions, often working closely with sales and engineering teams. Mechanical Engineers primarily design, analyze, and develop mechanical systems and components. While both roles require engineering degrees, Application Engineers emphasize customer interaction and technical support, whereas Mechanical Engineers concentrate on design and manufacturing processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Application Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Application Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Application Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Application Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Application Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Application Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Application Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,125 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Senior Sales Application Engineer

Cummins Inc.

Hodgkins, IL

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Cummins rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 263 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

We are looking for a talented Senior Sales Application Engineer join our team specializing in Technical Sales for Cummins, Inc. in Hodgkins, IL.

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

  • Build and lead strategic relationships with key influencer customers across regions (e.g., architects, engineers, contractors, OEMs, dealers, and channel partners) to drive long-term sales influence. 
  • Set and execute the influencer strategy, targeting existing priority firms while identifying and cultivating new firms and individuals to expand influence. 
  • Serve as the technical subject matter expert, providing code, standards, and solution guidance to consulting engineers, end users, and sales teams. 
  • Identify customer needs and market opportunities by leveraging customer insights, market trends, and competitor research to prospect and shape demand. 
  • Manage opportunity flow and rigor, ensuring sales opportunities are identified, reported, tracked in Salesforce, and passed to the appropriate sales owners. 
  • Create and maintain key influencer account strategies, measuring customer perception, team credibility, and the overall impact of influence efforts. 
  • Act as an industry thought leader and customer advocate, sharing market insights internally, representing the company externally, and aligning influence activities with business targets (sales plans, margin, market share).
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.

Education/Experience: 

  • University or college degree in the field of engineering, or an acceptable combination of education and experience. 

  • This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations. 

  • Significant level of relevant work experience required. Experience in technical sales, application engineering or project management required.

Additional Responsibilities

  • University or college degree in the field of engineering, or an acceptable combination of education and experience required.

  • 4+ years of experience in technical sales, application engineering or project management desirable.

  • Responsible for building relationships with Consulting Engineers in the Illinois, Western Michigan and Eastern Missouri markets.

  • Clear communication with leadership, peers on the Northern Region SAE/UI Team, and the local Power Generation Sales Representatives on key projects, relationships, and sales initiatives.

  • Project and relationship management/tracking will be documented in Salesforce.  

  • Technical aptitude to quickly ramp up on the products we are responsible for selling.  

  • Ability to execute technical presentations with external customers and internal sales teams.  

Compensation 

Please note that the salary range provided is a good faith estimate on the applicable range. The final salary offer will be determined after considering relevant factors, including a candidate's qualifications and experience, where appropriate.

This role is on an 80/20 sales compensation plan.

To be successful in this role you will need the following: 

  • Articulating Value Proposition - Deeply interpret both internal and external customer needs. Clearly explain and demonstrate how your products, solutions, and services meet these needs. Highlight strengths and address any weaknesses to differentiate from competitors.
  • Developing Account Strategy - Evaluate the current relationship, financial status, product competitiveness, barriers, quality, and service levels of your accounts. Balance customer requirements with business capabilities to set achievable targets that align with your business strategy.
  • Sales Pipeline Management - Develop and execute account/territory-level sales strategies based on your current pipeline. Regularly assess the size, contents, and progress of your pipeline. Adjust your sales strategy and plans as needed.
  • Sales Forecasting - Gather customer data from various sources and compare it against historical data. Use this information to predict future consumption patterns. Develop forecasts that are realistic and based on solid data analysis.


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About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919