Associate Application Engineer

Title: Associate Application Engineer

Location: Port Chester, New York - Hybrid Schedule (Onsite Monday andFriday, Remote Tuesday-Thursday)

Compensation: $65,000-$75,000 / year

ABOUT THE SHADE STORE

At The Shade Store, we have handcrafted the finest Shades, Blinds and Drapery for 75 years. We believe designing beautiful custom window treatments should be an effortless experience, so we offer outstanding services to help our customers every step of the way, from inspiration to installation. We are always looking for friendly, passionate individuals to join our team and deliver the finest custom window treatment experience. Our team is expanding, and there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of it.

THE POSITION: Associate Application Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Associate Application Engineer will support the technical review and approval of customer orders for The Shade Store's custom window treatment product portfolio. This role serves as a critical bridge between Sales, Sales Support, Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Installation, and Customer Experience teams by ensuring that customer designs are technically accurate, manufacturable, and capable of meeting customer expectations.

As the final technical approval point within the quote review process, the Associate Application Engineer will apply engineering judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to evaluate complex window treatment applications, identify potential fitment and installation concerns, validate product compatibility, and recommend solutions aligned with product capabilities and manufacturing requirements. This role will focus primarily on high-value projects, technical escalations, custom applications, and other orders requiring detailed engineering review.

This position provides an excellent entry point into Product Engineering and offers opportunities to develop a deep understanding of product design, manufacturing processes, installation methods, and custom window treatment applications. Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the final technical approval authority within The Shade Store's quote review process.
• Review customer orders and project specifications for technical accuracy, manufacturability, product compatibility, and installation feasibility.
• Analyze window treatment applications to identify potential fitment, operational, structural, installation, or customer expectation concerns prior to order approval.
• Evaluate high-value projects, complex applications, escalated orders, and non-standard requests requiring advanced technical review.
• Partner with Design Consultants and Sales Support teams to clarify project requirements and provide application-specific recommendations.
• Provide technical guidance regarding product capabilities, limitations, manufacturing constraints, and installation considerations.
• Apply engineering judgment to assess project risk and proactively identify potential issues before production or installation.
• Interpret product specifications, drawings, manufacturing requirements, and installation standards to support technical reviews and approvals.
• Identify recurring application challenges and provide feedback to support training initiatives, process improvements, and continuous learning within Sales and Sales Support teams.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Installation, and Customer Experience teams to resolve technical issues and improve application standards.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of technical resources, application guidelines, and review procedures that support scalable quote approval processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including the identification of opportunities to automate routine quote approvals and focus engineering review efforts on higher-risk applications.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical field. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Internship, co-op, manufacturing, construction, engineering support, technical sales support, or related industry experience preferred but not required.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex situations and develop practical solutions.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to identify technical risks before they impact customers, production, or installation activities by applying engineering principles and sound judgment to real-world customer applications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to read and interpret product specifications, technical drawings, installation instructions, and related documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Experience with CAD software, construction drawings, architectural plans, or technical drawing review preferred but not required.
• Self-motivated with a strong desire to learn product design, manufacturing processes, installation methods, and engineering best practices.

WHY WORK AT THE SHADE STORE

We set out to create a company culture that is enjoyable and rewarding, where team members can have meaningful impact. Below are some of the perks and benefits of working at TSS:

• Competitive salary

• Medical Benefits

• 401k with Company Match

• Up to $100k Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability (Employer Paid)

• Legal and Pet Insurance Plans

• Employee Assistance Program

• Product Discount

THE SHADE STORE offer is contingent upon:

• Proof of legal authorization to work in the United States for The Shade Store, which will be confirmed by E-Verify within three business days of your hire date

The Shade Store provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.