Applications Engineer

The candidate will be providing applications concepting, simulation, design and cost estimating for local and regional automation projects and customers. In addition to the normal applications work, the candidate will also be tasked with collaborating with our various internal engineering teams to support handoff from sales to engineering. Additionally, the candidate will support our sales and management team with achieving our strategic company goals. The ideal candidate has a passion for Automation and Robotics and is self-driven to problem solve and innovate.

Duties

• Collaborate with clients to understand their automation, controls and robotics needs and translate these into technical requirements.
• Work with the sales team to support customer opportunities and help drive and achieve annual sales targets.
• Develop preliminary design concepts and layouts using software tools to visualize potential solutions.
• Prepare detailed proposals, including scope of work, technical specifications, cost estimates, and timelines working closely with the customer sales lead, apps team, and internal execution teams as needed.
• Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments to ensure proposed solutions meet client requirements and safety standards.
• Assist the sales team by providing technical expertise during client meetings and presentations.
• Coordinate with internal teams, including engineering and project management, to ensure smooth project handover.
• Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and competitors to provide innovative and competitive solutions.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, proposals, and project details in the company's ERP.
  
  

Primary Responsibilities

• Understand and document client requirements for custom automation, controls and robotics projects.
• Create and present technical proposals and cost estimates to clients and stakeholders.
• Conduct preliminary design and analysis to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed solutions.
• Collaborate with the sales team to support business development efforts with technical knowledge and expertise.
• Facilitate a seamless transition of projects to the engineering team by providing all necessary documentation and technical details.
• Monitor and follow up on project status post-handover to ensure client satisfaction and address any additional technical queries and lessons learned.
• Conduct simulation studies using software such as ROBOGUIDE and Emulate3D
  
  

Minimum Educational Qualifications

• 4-year engineering degree OR 2-year associates degree Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field
• 5 years of experience in machine building, system integration, or industrial automation
• Proficiency in controls automation design software (Studio 5000, FTViewSE, Ignition, TIA Portal, etc.) and other engineering tools.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for a non-technical audience.
• Knowledge of industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and change directions quickly.
• Experience in preparing technical proposals, cost estimates, and feasibility studies.
• Ability to work collaboratively and interface effectively with clients.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and overcoming challenges.
• Self-motivation to see a project through from kickoff to completion, working both independently and as part of a team to drive from opportunity to order.
• Willingness to travel to client sites as needed.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• A demonstrated ability to innovate and apply knowledge and experience in "outside the box" applications and concept designs
• Familiarity with various types of automation HW including controllers, VFDs, servos, sensors, I/O, networking, etc. to help develop efficient and cost effective solutions
• Demonstrated ability to open, analyze and document various controls programs to quickly understand size, coding complexity, processes, etc.
• Working knowledge of controls system programming on one or more control platforms, programming languages, programming standards (ISA-88/95), etc.
• Experience with developing scope documents and specifications, particularly around controls systems architectures, retrofits, upgrades, etc.
• Experience in machine vision and sensor integration.
• Certifications in automation or robotics.
• UL508A knowledge
• Experience designing systems to meet industry standards
• Industrial networking experience
• High level electrical and mechanical understanding
• Hands on experience in automotive, food/beverage, chemical or consumer product manufacturing designing and integrating automated equipment.
• Designing integration equipment including robot cells, OEM machines, process systems, etc.
• Experience in project management with cost and timeline estimating
  
  

Other Skills

• Hands-on electromechanical and robotic (Fanuc, Kuka, ABB) experience highly desired
• Electrical and mechanical aptitude to understand the automation processes being controlled.
• Ability to take initiative; highly self-motivated.
• Ability to follow structured processes
• Critical thinking skills
• Working knowledge of MS Office 365 software
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• A self-starter with the ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• A collaborative work environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Involvement in cutting-edge projects in the field of automation and robotics.
  
  

Travel

• Up to 10% to customer sites or other CMA locations