Automation Applications Engineer & Estimator

Automation Applications Engineer & Estimator – VLM & Carousel Systems

Purpose of the Role:

The Automation 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.

Key Responsibilities

Application Engineering (VLM & Carousel Focus)

• Evaluate customer requirements including:
  • SKU profiles, part dimensions, and weights
  • Storage density goals
  • Pick frequency and workflow
  • Ceiling height and building constraints
• Design optimized solutions using:
  • Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)
  • Horizontal carousels
  • 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)
  • Basic conveyor or goods-to-person interfaces (if applicable)

Estimating & Costing

• Prepare detailed cost estimates including:
  • Equipment (machines, trays, carriers, controls)
  • Installation and rigging
  • Freight and packaging
  • Engineering and commissioning
• Configure standard products using internal pricing/configuration tools.
• Identify and price options such as:
  • Fire suppression integration
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Specialty trays or carriers
• Maintain and improve costing templates for VLM and carousel product lines.
• Support margin analysis and pricing strategies.

Sales & Proposal Support

• 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
  • Budgetary and firm pricing
• Participate in customer calls, site visits, and technical presentations.
• Assist in RFQs and budget preparation

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with:
  • Mechanical engineering (for product constraints and customization)
  • Controls/software teams (for interface requirements)
  • Manufacturing (for feasibility and lead times)
• Provide clear handoff documentation to project engineering after order award.
• Support continuous improvement of:
  • Standard designs
  • Cost accuracy
  • Proposal turnaround time

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel (10–20%) for:
  • Site surveys
  • Customer meetings
• Close collaboration with sales, engineering, and operations teams

Qualification 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

Core Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of:
  • Vertical, horizontal storage systems (VLMs, carousels)
  • 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
  • Capacity calculations
• Familiarity with:
  • Basic controls and HMI systems
  • WMS integration concepts (preferred)

Soft Skills

• 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

Preferred / Nice-to-Have

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

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. The description is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required to employees assigned to this job.