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Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Automation Application Engineer plays a critical technical role in designing, proposing, and supporting robotic automation solutions for manufacturing, packaging, material handling, welding, and assembly applications. You will work closely with sales teams and customers to apply industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, Universal Robots/cobots) and related technologies to create efficient, scalable, and safe automated systems. This customer-facing position emphasizes pre-sales engineering, concept development, system integration, and technical proposals. As the primary point of contact for both internal teams and customers, you will lead cross-functional efforts involving mechanical design, controls engineering, fabrication, and assembly. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation and robotics, excellent communication skills, and a results-driven mindset. This position reports directly to the Sales Manager.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, ora relatedfield (preferred). 3-8+ years in robotic applications, automation engineering, or related roles. Hands-on experience with industrial robots (FANUC strongly preferred in the region, plus ABB, UR, etc.) is essential.
QUALIFICATIONS
Robot programming and simulation (FANUCRoboGuide, ABBRobotStudio, or similar). Knowledge of robotic integration with PLC/HMI (Rockwell, Siemens), vision systems, and safety circuits. Proficiency in CAD (AutoCAD, SolidWorks), Microsoft Office, and project estimation tools. Understanding of mechanical design, EOAT, and automation system architecture. Excellent communication, problem-solving, customer service orientation, and ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment. Willingness to travel regionallytocustomer sites (typically10-20%). Valid driver's license. Experience in packaging machinery, welding automation, material handling, or high-volume manufacturing. Certifications in robotics (e.g., FANUC) or safety standards. Background in cobots, machine vision (e.g., Cognex), or offline programming software.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Robotic System Design & Application:
Developrobotic automation concepts and layouts for tasks such as pick-and-place, palletizing, welding, material handling, assembly, bin picking, and packaging. Selectappropriate robots, end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), vision systems, and safety devices.
Technical Proposals & Quotations:
Createdetailed proposals including robot programs/concepts, cycle time analysis, layouts (using CAD), risk assessments, cost estimates, and integration plans with PLCs, conveyors, and other automation equipment.
Customer & Sales Support:
Serveas the technical expert for sales teams. Participate in customer meetings, site visits, and presentations to understand requirements anddemonstraterobotic solutions. Translate customer needs into robust automation applications.
Feasibility & Optimization:
Performreach studies, payload analysis, cycle time simulations, and ROI evaluations. Ensure solutions meet safety standards (e.g., RIA), quality, and throughput goals.
Technology Expertise:
Staycurrent with advancements in collaborative robots (cobots), machine vision, AI-guided robotics, and Industry 4.0 integration. Excellent benefits include medical with a standard PPO plan with deductibles as low as $1,500 and wellness credit up to $750; voluntary 401k plan with company match up to 12%; voluntary dental and vision plans; free telemedicine services; basic life and short term disability coverage.
