Applications Specialist

Overview

Position:
Applications Specialist (Junior, Intermediate or Senior)

Reports to:

Applications Group Leader

Are you a highly motivated team player looking for a fulfilling opportunity in the field of applications? Innovative Automation encourages anyone who answered yes to apply today!

Located in Barrie, Ontario, Innovative Automation’s team works together to create quality custom automation solutions that consistently exceed client expectations. At Innovative Automation, we strive to lead globally, lead industry, and lead locally with passion and pride. We provide industry with factory automation solutions for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Our vision is to be the first-choice provider of automation solutions to global leaders in manufacturing.

We foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and camaraderie where all thoughtful ideas are welcome, and every team member is encouraged to succeed.

• Employer Matched RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Program)
• Flex-time
• Extended Healthcare Benefits
• Employee Events
• Educational Assistance Programs
• Costco Membership

We are seeking 2 Applications Specialists to join our team, and we are open to all experience levels:
Junior, Intermediate and Senior. This is for an existing and a new vacancy.

An Applications Specialist is responsible for developing automated manufacturing equipment concepts and process layouts in response to customer RFQs. This role involves creating and communicating automation concepts using tools such as Solid Works, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Excel, including the development of sequence (timing) charts and supporting documentation.

Applications Specialists are involved in quoting their own concepts by referencing internal systems, learning from previous projects, and working with suppliers to estimate costs for major capital equipment. The role works closely with the Sales Account Manager as the primary internal contact, while also interacting directly with customers as a technical resource.

You will prepare customer-facing documents and presentations for both internal and external use, and regularly present concepts to customers using Microsoft PowerPoint. As a result, the role requires clear communication and a professional approach to building and maintaining customer relationships.

This position involves managing multiple projects at the same time, typically 9 to 15 active quotations, with quote turnaround times that can be as short as two weeks. It is well suited to someone who is organized, technically capable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

• Participate in customer RFQ review meetings to understand requirements and identify technical risks.
• Develop competitive, value-driven automation concepts with guidance from senior team members.
• Prepare machine layouts and clear mechanical concepts using Solid Works and/or AutoCAD.
• Support basic process simulation using Visual Components.
• Prepare cycle time charts, pricing spreadsheets, and draft budgets and quotation proposals for internal review.
• Obtain supplier and vendor quotations for major equipment and third-party components.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams to develop integrated automation solutions and support labor and material estimates.
• Assist in preparing and presenting customer quotations with the Account Manager.
• Provide technical support during concept development and transition to design and project execution teams.
• Support confirmation of design concepts and risk mitigation strategies with customers.
• Convert customer part CAD files (.stp to .solidpart) and create assembly configurations.
• Participate in design reviews to ensure quoted requirements are met.
• Support knowledge transfer from sales/applications to design at project kickoff.
• Contribute to post-project reviews and evaluation of new or emerging technologies.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, internal teams, and technology partners.
• Ensure compliance with company quality standards, safety practices, and procedures.
• Represent the company professionally with customers and external partners.
• Execute work in alignment with project budgets, timelines, and quality expectations.
• Complete other duties and projects as assigned.
• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

• Analyze customer RFQs, quotations, specifications, and documentation to define scope and identify technical risks.
• Develop competitive automation concepts with minimal supervision, ensuring alignment with project scope.
• Create detailed cell layouts, process layouts, and clear mechanical concepts using Solid Works and/or AutoCAD.
• Independently simulate processes and develop sequence (timing) charts using Visual Components.
• Validate process concepts with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, and fluid power.
• Evaluate existing and emerging technologies for…