Applications Engineer I

Position summary:  

The Application Engineer I - supports the design and development of electrical controls hardware and control architectures for small to medium-scale material handling systems. This role focuses on learning and building foundational knowledge in reading mechanical layouts and motor manifests to define electrical controls hardware in accordance with customer specifications and operational requirements. 

These systems include conveyor and related equipment used across industries such as Freight/Parcel, Baggage Handling, Warehouse Distribution, and Manufacturing (e.g., FXG, UPS, Amazon, Automotive). 

Key responsibilities includes: Assisting in the preparation of material lists and bills of materials (BOMs) used for estimating and pricing. Supporting the generation of cost summaries and device counts for controls hardware in proposals. 

Collaborating with team members in Sales, Engineering, Project Management, and Management to ensure accuracy and consistency of project information. 

This is an entry-level position designed for candidates with foundational experience or education in electrical or controls engineering, such as power design, hardware design, or industrial control systems. The ideal candidate demonstrates curiosity, attention to detail, and a strong willingness to learn DAIs tools, templates, and design standards under guidance.  

Tasks

·         Confer with sales engineers, project managers, customers, and others to discuss and understand project specifications, scope, and design requirements.

·         Locate and review bidding information to confirm all required documents (e.g., DWGs, manifests) match the scope of work.

·         Prepare preliminary questions related to the scope to provide a more accurate proposal.

·         Prepare detailed and complete controls hardware pricing estimates and system design drawings to implement the project scope per specifications, codes, and customer requirements.

·         Work with company-provided pricing tools and assist in improving and enhancing those tools to keep pace with new hardware specs.

·         Communicate designs, ideas, and questions to other team members and functional groups to define scope and agree on proposed solutions.

·         Travel to job sites as required for design review, concept discussions, or site evaluations (up to 10–15% per year).

Skills

·         Electrical Experience – Knowledge of power and electrical load calculations; familiarity with UL and NEC codes is a plus.

·         Active Listening – Giving full attention to what others are saying, taking time to understand their points, and asking questions appropriately.

·         Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to evaluate alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

·         Reading Comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

·         Problem Solving – Identifying problems, reviewing related information, developing, and implementing effective solutions.

·         Sense of Urgency – Prioritizing quick wins or simpler tasks to reduce workload and deliver information efficiently.

·         Ability to Work Collaboratively – Function effectively within a team environment and coordinate with multiple departments.

·         Advanced Excel Proficiency – Strong ability to create and maintain complex formulas, structured templates, and macros used in internal estimation, power calculation, and bid documentation tools. Capable of troubleshooting and improving spreadsheet automation to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

·         Technical Communication (Email & Documentation) – Ability to compose clear and professional emails to request information, ask technical questions, and maintain accurate, technical-level communication internally (within the team and engineering groups) and externally (with customers, vendors, and partners).

·         Time Management and Multitasking – Efficiently balances workload across multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery of estimating data, questions, and documentation updates.

Attributes:

·         Ownership and Accountability – Demonstrates responsibility for assigned projects and deliverables, ensuring quality, completeness, and timely follow-through without requiring close supervision.

·         Proactive Communication (Over-Communicate) – Consistently provides timely updates, asks clarifying questions, and shares progress or issues early to maintain alignment with the team and avoid delays or rework.

·         Deductive Reasoning – Applying general rules to specific problems to produce logical answers.

·         Problem Sensitivity – Recognizing when something is wrong or likely to go wrong.

·         Oral Expression – Communicating information and ideas clearly so others can understand.

·         Information Ordering – Arranging actions or data according to a specific rule or pattern.

·         Adaptability – Thriving in a fast-paced environment and responding well to quick turnaround or expedited tasks.

·         Work Ethic and Attitude – Demonstrating professionalism, reliability, and common sense under deadlines and schedules.

·         Willingness to Travel – Open to traveling 10–15% of the time for on-site customer reviews.

 Required Experience and Education: 

Bachelor's Degree; Electrical, Mechatronic or Mechanical Engineering