Mechanical Applications Engineer & Estimator

Sencorpwhite•Hamilton, OH

76d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Mechanical Applications Engineer & Estimator is responsible for designing and costing vertical storage solutions, including Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) and horizontal/vertical carousel systems. This role works closely with sales, and engineering to develop space-efficient, ergonomic, and cost-effective storage solutions, translating operational requirements into engineered layouts and accurate proposals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field (preferred)
Equivalent experience in material handling considered
2–7+ years in material handling equipment (preferably VLMs, carousels, or shelving systems), applications engineering, technical sales, or estimating
Experience with space optimization or warehouse/storage solutions strongly preferred
Strong understanding of Vertical, horizontal storage systems (VLMs, carousels)
Strong understanding of Storage density and cube utilization calculations
Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, or similar)
Experience with product configuration and costing tools
Advanced Excel skills for cost modeling and capacity calculations
Familiarity with basic controls and HMI systems
Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
Ability to balance technical design with commercial considerations
Excellent communication and customer-facing skills
Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities
Ability to manage multiple proposals simultaneously under deadlines

Nice To Haves

Experience with goods-to-person picking environments
Experience with Lean warehousing or 5S initiatives
Familiarity with OSHA safety considerations in equipment design
Exposure to light automation integrations (pick-to-light, barcode systems)
Familiarity with WMS integration concepts

Responsibilities

Evaluate customer requirements including SKU profiles, part dimensions, and weights, storage density goals, pick frequency and workflow, and ceiling height and building constraints.
Design optimized solutions using Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs), Horizontal carousels, and Vertical carousels.
Perform storage capacity calculations and space utilization analysis.
Develop system layouts showing equipment placement, operator access, and workflow integration.
Recommend tray configurations, extractor sizing, and load capacities.
Ensure ergonomic and safety considerations are incorporated into designs.
Define system interfaces with pick-to-light / put-to-light systems, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and basic conveyor or goods-to-person interfaces (if applicable).
Prepare detailed cost estimates including equipment (machines, trays, carriers, controls), installation and rigging, freight and packaging, and engineering and commissioning.
Configure standard products using internal pricing/configuration tools.
Identify and price options such as fire suppression integration, climate-controlled storage, and specialty trays or carriers.
Maintain and improve costing templates for VLM and carousel product lines.
Support margin analysis and pricing strategies.
Partner with sales team to develop tailored customer solutions.
Generate proposal packages including system descriptions and benefits, layout drawings (2D/3D), capacity and performance summaries, and budgetary and firm pricing.
Participate in customer calls, site visits, and technical presentations.
Assist in RFQs and budget preparation.
Collaborate with mechanical engineering (for product constraints and customization), controls/software teams (for interface requirements), and manufacturing (for feasibility and lead times).
Provide clear handoff documentation to project engineering after order award.
Support continuous improvement of standard designs, cost accuracy, and proposal turnaround time.