Applications Engineer

Join our globally growing team at ATS Industrial Automation where we create complex automation solutions at the highest level that sustainably impact lives around the world.

At ATS, a publicly traded global company with a proud 40-year history, we help drive the future with our factory-wide automation solutions. At ATS Industrial Automation, what we do matters - both to our customers and to their customers. With 1000 skilled employees around the world, we design, build and service mission-critical automated assembly and test solutions for mobility, nuclear and specialty automation.

Our customers are leaders in their industries and rely on us to deliver what we promise - on time and on budget. Combined with our broad product portfolio, financial strength and global presence, we provide our customers with the best automation solutions wherever and whenever they need them.

Total Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Rate: $76,000 - $104,500 per annum
• Eligible for Annual Incentive Bonus
• Stock Purchase Plan
• 3 Weeks Vacation
• Health Care Benefits + $600 Health Care Spending Account
• Employee Engagement Events (Employee BBQ’s and lunches, weekly treat day, etc.)
• Employee Development Programs

Major Duties

In this role, you are a key technical contributor within ATS IA’s Specialty Automation Applications Engineering team, responsible for developing automation solutions for complex, custom manufacturing challenges across diverse industries.

This position blends applications engineering, structured concept development, commercial acumen, and cross‑functional leadership to deliver compelling technical solutions and proposals that win complex, capital automation projects.

You will work closely with Sales, Engineering, Operations, and Customers to define solution strategies, develop technical concepts, build cost models, manage risk, and ensure proposals are delivered with technical integrity, commercial competitiveness, and execution readiness.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities Applications & Proposal Development

• Lead front‑end applications engineering activities from opportunity qualification through proposal approval, supporting transition into project execution as required.
• Analyze and interpret customer technical, operational, and business requirements to define accurate scope and differentiated automation concepts.
• Develop system concepts, machine architectures, line layouts, machine breakdown structures, and preliminary Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Prepare engineering estimates, cost models, and risk assessments aligned with ATS standards and best practices.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical, commercial, and schedule risks throughout the proposal lifecycle.

Cross‑Functional & Team Collaboration

• Coordinate multi‑disciplinary teams, including internal engineering SMEs (mechanical, controls, robotics, vision) and external technology partners.
• Facilitate technical alignment sessions, pre‑bid reviews, and bid review meetings with internal stakeholders.
• Support knowledge transfer from applications/proposals into execution teams to ensure continuity and successful project launch.

Commercial & Financial Accountability

• Develop comprehensive proposal budgets, including labour, materials, purchased equipment, and third‑party supplier costs.
• Source and evaluate suppliers and technology partners to ensure competitive, robust, and scalable solutions.
• Present technical concepts, risk profiles, and cost structures to senior leadership for review and approval.

Customer Engagement & Sales Support

• Engage directly with customers through technical discussions, site visits, concept reviews, and proposal presentations.
• Assess existing manufacturing processes and automation environments to recommend solutions that deliver measurable operational and business value.
• Actively support sales strategy, pursuit planning, and competitive positioning for specialty automation opportunities.
• Represent ATS IA with professionalism and integrity in all customer and partner interactions.

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Initiatives

• Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities within applications and proposal development processes.
• Contribute to…