Application Design Engineer

American Chillers designs and manufactures industrial process chillers and cooling systems for a growing range of demanding applications - industrial process, brewing, medical imaging, battery energy storage, and more. We are a fast-moving, growth-stage manufacturer where engineers have real ownership over the products they help bring to market and direct contact with the customers who use them.

THE ROLE

We are hiring an Application / Design Engineer to be a central technical resource across the business - translating customer requirements into specified, build-ready chiller designs. You will own the technical thread from initial project specification through submittal and into production, and partner with suppliers to develop new products and improve existing ones. This is a strategic hire intended to take engineering and specification work off the owner's plate, so a strong candidate will quickly become the go-to person for how we build things.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Specify projects: translate customer requirements, operating conditions, and performance criteria into the correct chiller configuration, options, and component selections.
• Build submittals: prepare and process equipment submittals, performance verification, and approval drawings for customers and reps.
• Engineering design in CAD: produce and revise layout drawings, component designs, and documentation using CAD software.
• Work with suppliers: collaborate with component and material suppliers to source parts, develop new products, and improve cost, lead time, and performance.
• Support the internal team: serve as a technical resource for sales, purchasing, and production; resolve build questions on the floor and keep specs accurate.
• Continuous improvement: help standardize selections, options, and documentation as we scale.

REQUIRED

• 3-5 years of experience in design engineering and/or application engineering.
• Hands-on HVAC/R experience (chillers, refrigeration, mechanical/process cooling, or closely related equipment).
• Proficiency with CAD software for mechanical design and drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret specifications, schedules, and technical drawings.
• Strong communication skills - comfortable working directly with customers, reps, and suppliers.
• Organized and self-directed; able to own projects end to end.
• On-site in the Columbia, SC area (this is not a remote role).

PREFERRED

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (equivalent hands-on experience considered).
• Experience preparing equipment submittals or working in a custom/engineered-to-order manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with refrigeration circuits, heat transfer, pumps, controls and electrical schematics.
• Exposure to ERP/PLM systems.

We are looking for someone with the right fundamentals and HVAC/R background whom we can train relatively quickly on our specific products and materials. You do not need to know our catalog on day one - you need to be the kind of engineer who picks it up fast and runs with it.

• High-impact, high-visibility role with a direct line to ownership.

• Real ownership of products and customer outcomes - not a cog in a big-company process.
• Growing company entering new, technically interesting markets.
• On-site team in Columbia, SC.

Competitive salary based on experience, plus benefits.

Elevate Your Career

Join us and play a vital role in our journey as a leader in innovative refrigeration equipment. Apply now to contribute your skills and be a part of our ongoing growth.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan