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 RoleWe 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 DoSpecify projects: translate customer requirements, operating conditions, and performance criteria into the correct chiller configuration, options, and component selectionsBuild submittals: prepare and process equipment submittals, performance verification, and approval drawings for customers and repsEngineering design in CAD: produce and revise layout drawings, component designs, and documentation using CAD softwareWork with suppliers: collaborate with component and material suppliers to source parts, develop new products, and improve cost, lead time, and performanceSupport the internal team: serve as a technical resource for sales, purchasing, and production; resolve build questions on the floor and keep specs accurateContinuous improvement: help standardize selections, options, and documentation as we scaleRequirementsRequired3-5 years of experience in design engineering and/or application engineeringHands‑on HVAC/R experience (chillers, refrigeration, mechanical/process cooling, or closely related equipment)Proficiency with CAD software for mechanical design and drawingsAbility to read and interpret specifications, schedules, and technical drawingsStrong communication skills – comfortable working directly with customers, reps, and suppliersOrganized and self‑directed; able to own projects end to endOn‑site in the Columbia, SC area (this is not a remote role)PreferredBachelor'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 environmentFamiliarity with refrigeration circuits, heat transfer, pumps, controls and electrical schematicsExposure to ERP/PLM systemsBenefitsHigh-impact, high-visibility role with a direct line to ownershipReal ownership of products and customer outcomes – not a cog in a big-company processGrowing company entering new, technically interesting marketsOn‑site team in Columbia, SC401(k)401(k) matchingPaid holidaysPaid time offRetirement planJob TypeFull-timeSalary and PerksCompetitive salary based on experience, plus benefits.#J-18808-Ljbffr