The Diesel Engine Application Engineer role based in Butler, Wisconsin, provides technical leadership to ensure correct selection, configuration, and integration of diesel engines, transmissions, and power generation systems across on-highway, off-highway, marine, and industrial applications.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary technical expert on diesel engine and powertrain applications for the sales team and customers
- Ensure proper application and integration of diesel engines, transmissions, generators, and related ancillary systems
- Assist sales with engine selection, performance matching, emissions compliance, and assessment of application feasibility
- Prepare 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
- Engineer custom diesel power units and packaged solutions to meet client-specific operational needs
- Verify that final installations conform to manufacturer standards, performance expectations, and quality criteria
- Collaborate with OEM customers to understand application requirements and recommend appropriate engines, transmissions, generators, cooling, exhaust, and aftertreatment systems
- Provide engine interface documentation, installation guidelines, and application drawings
- Prepare technical submittals, layouts, and compliance documentation
- Develop project-specific engine package layouts and engineering drawings
- Design custom diesel power units in SolidWorks, including sheet metal, fabrication drawings, and BOMs
- Support prototype builds, testing, and troubleshooting activities
- 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
Requirements
- 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
- 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 both technical and non-technical audiences
- Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat
- 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
- Ability to pass pre-employment drug screening and background checks
Technologies
- SolidWorks
- AutoCAD
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- Outlook
- Adobe Acrobat
Benefits
- Competitive compensation
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible paid time off
- Eight paid holidays
- 401(k) plan with employer match
Position Overview
Interstate Power Systems seeks an experienced Diesel Engine Application Engineer for its Butler, Wisconsin operation. The role functions as a crucial technical liaison among sales, engineering, OEM customers, and manufacturers to assure proper application, configuration, and integration of diesel engines, transmissions, and power generation systems across on-highway, off-highway, marine, and industrial sectors. 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.
About Interstate Companies
Interstate Companies, Inc. employs approximately 1,700 team members across a corporate office and six operating divisions, including Interstate Power Systems. Interstate Power Systems 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.
