Application Engineer - Custom Automation

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Review and interpret customer RFQs, specifications, part prints, and process requirements to define project scope, throughput, and performance criteria.

• Develop conceptual automation solutions, including robotic cells, material handling, assembly, inspection, and special machines, based on input from customers, Sales, and Engineering.

• Produce 2D and 3D concept layouts and preliminary designs to support proposals and customer presentations.

• Perform feasibility studies, cycle time analyses, reach studies, and robotic simulations to validate proposed concepts.

• Conduct or coordinate part testing and proof-of-concept trials to reduce technical risk prior to quoting.

• Identify technical, safety, and commercial risks and communicate assumptions, exclusions, and mitigation plans in proposals.

• Prepare complete and accurate cost estimates covering mechanical and electrical design, controls, purchased components, fabrication, assembly, installation, and other project costs.

• Coordinate with Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Controls, Purchasing, and Project Management to develop technically sound solutions and accurate cost estimates.

• Work with vendors to determine performance, interface requirements, pricing, and lead times for robots, controls, tooling, and other purchased components.

• Take ownership of assigned quotations from initial RFQ review through proposal submission, ensuring technical accuracy, completeness, competitive pricing, and adherence to company profitability objectives.

• Prepare technical proposals, statements of work, and quotations that meet the company's profitability goals within required timelines.

• Manage multiple concurrent quoting opportunities, effectively prioritizing workload, meeting established deadlines, and proactively communicating resource constraints or schedule concerns.

• Identify and evaluate changes to customer requirements during the quoting process, assessing their impact on scope, cost, schedule, and technical feasibility.

• Facilitate internal design and proposal reviews with Engineering and Management; incorporate recommended changes before submission.

• Support Sales Engineers in customer meetings, site visits, technical presentations, and negotiations, serving as the technical point of contact during the sales cycle.

• Upon receipt of an order, conduct a formal handoff to the project team, transferring all pertinent technical and commercial information.

• Support project execution teams as needed by providing clarification of quoted scope, design intent, technical assumptions, and customer requirements.

• Review completed project performance and actual costs against original estimates to identify discrepancies and improve future estimating accuracy.

• Maintain a library of standard solutions, cost data, and reference information from previous projects to improve quoting accuracy and efficiency.

• Research and recommend new technologies, components, and processes to strengthen the company's automation offerings.

• Travel to customer sites and vendors as required.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline is preferred; equivalent industry experience may be considered.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the industrial automation industry, preferably with a custom automation integrator or machine builder.

• Hands-on knowledge of industrial automation equipment, such as industrial robots, end-of-arm tooling, conveyors and material handling, servo and motion systems, pneumatics, vision systems, PLCs, and machine safeguarding.

• Demonstrated experience developing cost estimates, quotations, or proposals for custom automation equipment.

• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks; experience with AutoCAD for 2D layouts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with robotic simulation software such as ABB RobotStudio, FANUC ROBOGUIDE, or similar.

• Working knowledge of machine safety standards such as ANSI/RIA R15.06, ISO 10218, and NFPA 79.

• Experience supporting customers in automotive, aerospace, military, medical, or food manufacturing.

• Experience with ERP and CRM systems for estimating and opportunity tracking.

• Project management experience.

Additional Competencies

• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to translate customer needs into practical, cost-effective automation solutions.

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and customer requirement documents.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to customers, colleagues, managers, and vendors.