Position Overview
The Interstate Power Systems team in Butler, Wisconsin is seeking an experienced Diesel Engine Application Engineer. This role acts as a technical liaison among sales, engineering, OEM customers, and manufacturers to ensure correct application, configuration, and integration of diesel engines, transmissions, and power generation systems across on-highway, off-highway, marine, and industrial applications. The engineer will oversee engine and powertrain system selection, develop custom diesel engine package solutions, support quoting and proposal development, and confirm that final installations meet performance, durability, emissions, and quality requirements.
Location: 13015 West Custer Avenue, Butler, WI 53007
Reports To: Director – Engineering & Marine Sales
About Interstate Companies
Interstate Companies, Inc. employs approximately 1,700 team members across a corporate office and six operating divisions, including Interstate Power Systems. The organization serves as a leading distributor and dealer for Detroit Diesel, MTU Engines, MTU Onsite Energy, Deutz Engines, Allison Transmissions, Volvo Penta Engines, Kohler Marine Generators, Carrier Transicold Refrigeration, and John Deere Marine Engines, delivering advanced engine and power solutions to OEMs and end users nationwide.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary technical subject-matter expert for diesel engine and powertrain applications for sales teams and customers.
- Ensure proper application and integration of diesel engines, transmissions, generators, and related systems.
- Support sales with engine selection, performance matching, emissions compliance, and application feasibility.
- Develop and support quotations, bills of materials, and cost analyses for diesel engine packages.
- Interface with customers, OEMs, and manufacturers to define technical requirements and validate application data.
- Design custom diesel engine power units and packaged solutions to meet customer-specific operational needs.
- Verify final installations meet manufacturer standards, performance expectations, and quality criteria.
Specific Duties
- Collaborate with OEM customers to understand diesel application requirements and recommend appropriate engines, transmissions, generators, cooling, exhaust, and aftertreatment systems.
- Provide engine interface documentation, installation guidelines, and application drawings.
- Prepare and submit technical submissions, layouts, and compliance documentation.
- Develop project-specific engine package layouts and engineering drawings.
- Design custom diesel power units using SolidWorks, including sheet metal, fabrication drawings, and BOMs.
- Support prototype builds, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Define inspection and validation requirements per OEM and manufacturer standards.
- Track project milestones and coordinate schedules with management.
- Provide cross-functional technical support to other Application Engineers as needed.
- Travel to manufacturer diesel engine and powertrain training and annual product update sessions. Attend industry trade shows and technical forums. Travel to customer OEM sites for engine integration, inspection, and commissioning. Estimated overnight travel: 6 to 10 weeks per year.
Qualifications & Skills
- Strong customer-focused technical communication skills.
- Proven ability to manage diesel engine applications from concept through installation.
- Solid understanding of diesel engines, powertrain systems, electrical integration, cooling, exhaust, and emissions systems.
- Knowledge of application engineering principles for diesel and power generation equipment.
- Ability to read, create, and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings.
- Comfortable communicating complex diesel application concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Engineering Technology.
- 3–5 years of experience in diesel engine applications, powertrain engineering, or related fields.
- Experience with Detroit Diesel, MTU, Deutz, Volvo Penta, Allison Transmissions, Kohler, or John Deere engines strongly preferred.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Flexible paid time off.
- Eight paid holidays.
- 401(k) plan with employer match.
Additional information
Interstate Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply by submitting a resume for consideration.