Product Applications Engineer

Job description

UNEX is a growing, family-owned manufacturer based in Lakewood, New Jersey, and a recognized leader in storage and material handling solutions. For more than 60 years, we’ve helped leading manufacturers, retailers, logistics providers, and fulfillment operations improve efficiency, maximize space, and solve complex storage challenges through innovative, high-quality solutions. We’re equally committed to creating a workplace where people can make an impact. At UNEX, you’ll work with a collaborative team that values continuous improvement, customer focus, great products, and doing work you can be proud of, while having the opportunity to contribute ideas, solve meaningful problems, and grow your career. Reports to : Director of Manufacturing and Engineering Position Summary: The Product Applications Engineer is a technical product expert who helps connect customers, sales, and engineering. You’ll work with the sales team and customers to understand application challenges, recommend practical solutions, troubleshoot problems, and identify opportunities to improve existing products or develop new ones. This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role for someone who enjoys solving problems, working with people, and turning ideas into practical solutions Essential Responsibilities: Serve as a technical resource for UNEX products, applications, capabilities, and recommended use cases. Partner with sales and customers to understand application needs, troubleshoot challenges, and recommend the right product or solution—including creative solutions when standard configurations aren’t enough. Investigate customer complaints, field issues, and product/application problems; work with internal teams to identify root causes and corrective actions. Identify and help drive product improvement opportunities based on customer feedback, field observations, recurring challenges, and market needs. Lead or support the evaluation, testing, documentation, and implementation of product improvements in partnership with engineering, product development, operations, sales, quality, and leadership. Translate customer needs and field observations into clear technical requirements, recommendations, and action plans. Provide backup applications engineering support, including responding to tickets, creating drawings and layouts, and developing bills of material for standard products. Support product training and technical knowledge sharing across sales, customer service, applications engineering, and other internal teams. Visit customer sites as needed to evaluate applications, investigate issues, and support sales opportunities. Necessary Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field. Strong technical aptitude and the ability to quickly learn and become an expert in products, applications, and customer use cases. Strong problem solving skills with the ability to define the real problem, think creatively, and develop practical solutions. Ability to take ownership of product improvement opportunities from initial concern or idea through evaluation, cross-functional communication, documentation, implementation support, and follow-up. Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to read, create, and interpret technical drawings, layouts, product documentation, and bills of material. Strong organization, follow-through, and ownership skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, particularly Excel Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar modeling software, with the ability to create 3D models and manufacturing drawings and design complex mechanical components . Preferred Qualifications: Experience in applications engineering, product engineering, sales engineering, customer-facing technical support, product development, or manufacturing engineering. Experience working directly with sales teams or customers to evaluate applications and recommend technical solutions. Experience with CAD drawings, product layouts, BOMs, quotes, configurations, or technical documentation. Experience investigating customer complaints, field issues, or product/application problems. Experience identifying product improvement opportunities or supporting new product development. Experience in material handling, storage solutions, manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, automation, or related industrial applications. Familiarity with ERP/MRP, CRM, ticketing, or engineering change/product development systems. Job Type: Full-time; Monday – Friday Salary: $ 85 ,000-115,000 dependent on experience Benefits: Health, Dental and Life Insurance 401(k) Paid time off Work Location: In person Lakewood, NJ; hybrid or remote work is not available . To be considered for this position, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future UNEX Manufacturing utilizes E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.