COMPANY OVERVIEW
Senior Design Engineer - Custom Machinery & Automation | Alexandria, MN
Applied Engineering, Inc. is seeking a motivated and hardworking individual to join our team in Alexandria, MN as a Senior Design Engineer - Custom Machinery & Automation. You will be part of a group of engineers dedicated to high-quality work, value-add solutions, skill development, and career growth. We welcome candidates from the Alexandria, MN metro and beyond to apply.
Innovation, problem solving, integrity, and collaboration are a few things you'll experience and represent while working with Applied. If you appreciate a challenge, variety, and a quicker pace, then we would like to get to know you better.
Award Winning – Employee Owned – Comprehensive Benefits
Relocation Assistance – Ownership Opportunity – Continuing Education Support
BENEFITS AND PERKS
Applied Engineering is a 100% employee-owned engineering and technology consulting company dedicated to providing exceptional talent and technology. We have won numerous awards, including Best Place to Work and Top Place to Intern.
Our unique company culture blends top talent, total technology, and absolute adaptability. We offer a career trajectory few others can match, with opportunities to take on roles and projects aligned with your skills and interests.
In addition, we offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including:
- Competitive salary
- 401K retirement plan
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance options
- Paid overtime
- Flexible work schedule
Employees working in Alexandria, MN have a short commute from Fergus Falls, Willmar, Osakis, and Glenwood, and will enjoy professional growth and community engagement through our regional presence in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.
ESTIMATED PAY RANGE
Senior Engineer: $45 – $60 per hour, plus overtime as applicable
Final compensation is based on experience, skills, and alignment with role expectations.
JOB SUMMARY
As a Senior Design Engineer - Custom Machinery & Automation in Alexandria, MN, you will:
- Design new high‑speed automation machinery focused on efficiency, durability, and cost‑effective performance
- Develop new equipment concepts and standardize existing machine designs to improve manufacturability and reliability
- Provide hands‑on troubleshooting support for manufacturing, assembly, and equipment performance issues
- Improve and update current product lines using new tools, materials, technologies, and lessons learned
- Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering, manufacturing, and assembly teams to ensure machines meet specification and performance targets
- Lead or facilitate technical design reviews to support knowledge sharing, peer development, and engineering best practices
- Apply strong critical‑thinking skills to independently resolve complex mechanical and automation challenges
- Generate innovative ideas to improve equipment performance, process efficiency, and engineering outcomes
- Work collaboratively with suppliers and Applied partners to support design, sourcing, and manufacturing needs
- Contribute to projects that impact communities in Fergus Falls, Willmar, Osakis, and Glenwood, and the greater Alexandria, MN metro
- Apply your skills in a dynamic, employee‑owned environment that values ownership, innovation, and continuous improvement
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) required
- 8+ years of machine design experience, preferably in packaging automation, custom machinery, or industrial equipment
- Proven ability to work independently with strong judgment, initiative, and accountability
- Strong problem‑solving skills for complex mechanical, automation, and system‑level challenges
- Experience collaborating across manufacturing, assembly, electrical, and cross‑functional engineering teams
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for design reviews, documentation, and supplier interactions
- Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement in mechanical design and manufacturing processes
- Customer‑focused mindset with the ability to meet internal and external assignment needs
- Willingness to support peer learning, contribute to knowledge sharing, and participate in technical reviews
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks such as climbing, kneeling, or balancing during equipment evaluations
SKILLS AND VALUES
- Capable of working independently and as a team member
- Strong work ethic and unwavering integrity
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a learning mindset
- Curiosity, problem solving, and analytical thinking
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Desire to work on a variety of projects
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please consider joining Applied's team of talented employees in Alexandria, MN and the greater Alexandria, MN metro area, with support from our Fargo, ND office.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We regret that we do not offer sponsorship.
Applied Engineering is committed to a diverse workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job ID: 20261038