Application Engineer
Hotstart has an opening for an Application Engineer based in our Spokane, Washington headquarters. This role serves as a technical liaison between customers, sales, and engineering teams and is responsible for understanding customer requirements, developing technical solutions, supporting product applications, and ensuring successful implementation of manufactured products or systems. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering knowledge with customer-facing communication skills to drive customer satisfaction and business growth.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with customers and sales teams to understand application requirements, technical challenges, and performance expectations.
- Recommend and configure products, systems, or custom solutions to meet customer and application needs.
- Provide technical support during the sales process, including proposals, specifications, drawings, and cost estimates.
- Assist in development of application-specific documentation such as technical data sheets, manuals, and work instructions.
- Support product testing, validation, and troubleshooting both internally and at customer sites as needed.
- Act as a technical point of contact for customers before, during, and after product implementation.
- Work closely with manufacturing, quality, and design engineering teams to ensure solutions are manufacturable and meet quality standards.
- Assist with new product development by providing application insights and customer feedback.
- Conduct training for sales teams, customers, or internal stakeholders on product applications and capabilities.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety requirements, and customer specifications.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field).
- 1–3 years of experience in an application engineering, manufacturing engineering, or technical support role within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and product applications.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Proficiency with CAD software and common engineering tools (preferred).
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Customer-focused mindset with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Experience supporting custom or engineered-to-order products.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and/or quality systems (ISO, ASME, etc.).
- Experience working directly with sales teams or in a pre-sales technical role.
- Willingness to travel occasionally.
Reasonable accommodations available for disabled individuals to foster success in essential functions.
Hotstart Inc. is a world leading manufacturer of industrial thermal management systems. Established in 1942 and ISO 9001:2015 certified, we have grown to over 200 employees in a modern manufacturing facility. The company provides a 100% premium-free benefits package highlighted by medical, dental, vision and life insurance, 401(k) with contribution matching and profit sharing, and educational assistance. Email resume to careers@hotstart.com. Hotstart is a drug free, equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability.
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
|---|---|
| Pay Type | Salary |
| Starting Pay | $75,000–$85,000 per year |
| Date Posted | February 5, 2026 |
| Valid Through | February 26, 2026 |
| Location | Corporate & Manufacturing Headquarters 5723 E. Alki Ave., Spokane, WA 99212 USA |