Application Engineer - Systems and Alternate Power

Join AKG, a privately owned, 100+ year old manufacturing company that continues to grow and innovate in the heat exchanger industry. We’re seeking results‑driven team players who are eager to build long‑term careers in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

The Application Engineer will lead cross‑functional teams in the development, sizing, and design of thermal management units and heat exchanger systems for primarily rail/locomotive and alternate power systems projects such as wind, solar, and energy storage markets/applications. The role requires a mechatronics background with the ability to integrate mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems into complete thermal management solutions for rail, industrial, and energy storage applications.

• Lead customer projects for Industrial division (Systems - Rail and Alternate power) thermal management products (e.g., cooling modules, heat exchangers, battery thermal management systems, radiators etc.) from initial concept through project release to production.
• Perform system‑level engineering bridging mechanical thermal components with electrical power distribution, controls, sensors, and industrial control panels.
• Manage project lifecycle: voice of the customer, technical specification development, design reviews, prototype product release to production, participate in validation testing and APQP/PPAP processes.
• Perform or oversee thermal calculations, heat transfer analysis, sizing, and system simulations using internal tools (AKG Cooler/Strength).
• Coordinate internal teams including design engineering, operations, quality, purchasing, and R&D to communicate requirements and timelines effectively.
• Collaborate with electrical and controls engineering teams to ensure proper integration of power electronics, instrumentation, and communication interfaces (CAN, Modbus, etc.).
• Ensure designs comply with relevant electrical, safety, and energy storage standards, including NFPA 70 / NEC, UL 508A, UL 9540, UL 1973, and applicable battery testing standards (ISO 12405 / IEC 62660) for industrial, rail, and alternate power system applications.
• Review customer specifications and translate them into compliant engineering solutions that meet electrical safety requirements, energy storage certification needs, and industry best practices.
• Support root cause analysis, problem‑solving (8D, A3), and continuous improvement projects related to thermal performance and production.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, customer specifications, and AKG quality systems (ISO 9001:2015 standards).
• Travel domestically/internationally (up to 10%) for customer meetings, events, conferences, prototype reviews, and production support.

• Bachelor’s degree (4-year) in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering, with coursework or experience in mechanical, electrical, and controls integration.
• 2–4 years of experience in rail or industrial power systems (energy storage, battery systems, traction power, or thermal management) with exposure to mechanical, electrical, and controls integration preferred.
• Strong mechatronics foundation with ability to analyze mechanical structures, electrical circuits, control logic, wiring, sensors, and electromechanical assemblies.
• Working knowledge of thermal management, heat transfer, and system‑level engineering for rail, industrial, or energy storage applications.
• Familiarity with key industry standards: NFPA 70/NEC, UL 508A, UL 9540, UL 1973, ISO 12405, IEC 62660.
• Experience with project management practices including planning, risk management, tracking, and data‑driven decision making.
• Strong communication skills – written, verbal, and interpersonal with the ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Excellent problem‑solving and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and make independent decisions.
• Professional, customer‑focused attitude with the ability to maintain confidentiality and trust.
• Product launch experience and knowledge of prototype development and serial production processes.
• Ability to collaborate closely with electrical, controls, design, and manufacturing teams during prototype build and commissioning.
• Ability to coordinate domestic and international travel as needed.

• Must be able to sit (70%), walk (20%) and stand (10%) of the time.
• Must use safety equipment such as steel toe shoes and safety glasses when walking in the plant.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds (5%) of the time.
• Safety glasses are provided.