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Applications Engineering Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Federal Signal

Sales Applications Engineering

Elgin, IL

$85K - $100K/yr

Partner with Product Management to analyze trends in special requests; recommend and implement ... Monitor Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) to ensure configurator tools and product data remain ...

Federal Signal

Sales Applications Engineering

Elgin, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Partner with Product Management to analyze trends in special requests; recommend and implement ... Monitor Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) to ensure configurator tools and product data remain ...

Coilcraft

Global Applications Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

DRIVE GLOBAL APPLICATIONS AND PRODUCT STRATEGY AT COILCRAFT Position: Global Applications Engineer ... engineering, product management, or a related field * Bachelor's degree preferred (Electrical ...

Coilcraft

Global Applications Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

DRIVE GLOBAL APPLICATIONS AND PRODUCT STRATEGY AT COILCRAFT Position: Global Applications Engineer ... engineering, product management, or a related field * Bachelor's degree preferred (Electrical ...

Coilcraft

Global Applications Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

DRIVE GLOBAL APPLICATIONS AND PRODUCT STRATEGY AT COILCRAFT Position: Global Applications Engineer ... engineering, product management, or a related field * Bachelor's degree preferred (Electrical ...

Coilcraft

Global Applications Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

DRIVE GLOBAL APPLICATIONS AND PRODUCT STRATEGY AT COILCRAFT Position: Global Applications Engineer ... engineering, product management, or a related field * Bachelor's degree preferred (Electrical ...

Clean Harbors

Applications Engineering Tech

Elgin, IL · On-site

$32.55K - $75.60K/yr

Perform other duties and tasks as assigned by management Qualifications * HS Diploma or equivalent ... Proficiency with computer applications * Ability to document, record, and analyze data and ...

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Applications Engineering Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$58.8K

$141.2K

$203.1K

How much do applications engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for applications engineering manager in Chicago, IL is $141,248.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,300.00 and $156,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Applications Engineering Manager do?

An Applications Engineering Manager leads a team of engineers responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting technical solutions for customers. They work closely with sales, product development, and clients to ensure that products meet customer needs and industry standards. Their role includes managing projects, mentoring engineers, and providing technical guidance to improve product applications. Additionally, they analyze customer requirements, troubleshoot issues, and drive innovation to enhance product performance and usability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Applications Engineering Manager position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Applications Engineering Manager, you need expertise in application development, systems integration, project management, and a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software, customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are commonly sought after. Leadership, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help you motivate teams and bridge technical and business requirements. These abilities are crucial for successfully overseeing engineering projects, ensuring technical excellence, and meeting customer needs in a collaborative environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by Applications Engineering Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Applications Engineering Managers often face the challenge of balancing diverse customer requirements with resource constraints and technical feasibility. Managing cross-functional teams and ensuring clear communication between engineers, sales, and clients is key to overcoming these hurdles. Staying up-to-date with evolving technologies and industry standards also requires continuous learning and adaptability. By fostering a collaborative team culture, setting realistic project timelines, and maintaining open lines of communication with stakeholders, managers can navigate these challenges effectively.
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What job categories do people searching Applications Engineering Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Applications Engineering Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Applications Engineering Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Applications Engineering Manager job openings:
Applications Engineering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applications Engineering Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 90% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,248 per year, or $67.9 per hour.
Applications Engineering Manager

Applications Engineering Manager

RFA Engineering

Chicago, IL • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are currently supporting one of our clients in the industrial equipment and hydraulics space in their search for an Engineering Manager.
This is a direct hire opportunity where the selected candidate will join our client's engineering team and work closely with both engineering and sales functions to support customer applications and deliver technical solutions.
Applications Engineering Manager
The Applications Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and developing a team of application engineers while providing hands-on technical leadership for hydraulic systems and applications.
This role is a blend of team leadership, technical execution, and operational development, requiring a strong hydraulics background along with the ability to mentor engineers, improve workflows, and support collaboration across global teams.
In the near term, this role will be primarily focused on building team capability, establishing processes, and strengthening coordination with global engineering teams. As the North American organization continues to grow, the role will evolve to include increased involvement in customer engagement and application support.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who is comfortable working directly in technical details while guiding a developing team toward long-term success.
Responsibilities
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of application engineers
  • Manage project assignments and ensure efficient execution across the team
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering and sales support teams
  • Establish and improve engineering workflows, processes, and best practices
  • Collaborate with global engineering teams to align on technical standards and product knowledge
  • Support complex technical problem-solving related to hydraulic systems and applications
  • Assist in development of technical presentations for internal teams and customer engagement
  • Work with sales leadership to support account strategies and opportunity development
  • Review and validate proposals for technical accuracy and quality
  • Conduct performance evaluations and support development of engineering staff
  • Travel as needed to support team alignment and global coordination (~30%)

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 10+ years of engineering experience, with a strong application engineering background
  • 5+ years of leadership or team management experience
  • Strong hydraulics experience REQUIRED (cylinders, valves, pumps, motors, or similar systems)
  • Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage engineering workflows
  • Experience working in cross-functional and global team environments
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to balance hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities

Desired Attributes
  • Experience in construction, agriculture, mining, or mobile/off-highway equipment industries
  • Experience building or developing engineering teams in a growing organization
  • Prior experience supporting sales teams or commercial initiatives
  • Familiarity with CRM tools (Salesforce preferred)
  • Experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar)
  • Experience working with global teams
  • Mandarin language capability is a strong plus

Additional Details
  • Preferred location in the greater Chicago area; remote candidates will be considered
  • Remote candidates should expect increased travel to support team integration
  • Approximately 30% travel required, including domestic and international travel
  • Role is more internally focused initially, with increased customer interaction over time
  • Flexible schedule with coordination needed for global teams

About the Client
Our client is a global provider of hydraulic components and systems supporting OEMs across industries such as construction, agriculture, mining, and heavy equipment. With a growing presence in North America, the organization is focused on expanding its engineering and application support capabilities.
This role is a key part of that growth, focused on building team capability, improving engineering processes, and strengthening collaboration across global operations.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive base salary ($160,000 - $200,000), based on experience
    • Competitive salary
    • Bonus opportunity for team and individual performance
    • Insurance options include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability plans
    • Employer paid life insurance
    • Health Savings option available with employer contribution
    • Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
    • Monthly allowances for phone, car, home office use
    • 401(k) match - 100% match for 4% salary
    • Company credit for work expenses

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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