Mechatronics Application Engineer - Chicago, IL

Mechatronics Application Engineer - Chicago, IL

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Founded in 1925, Festo Corporation is the leading worldwide supplier of automation technology and the performance leader in industrial training and education programs. Festo has been providing impetus for factory automation and offers a wide product and service portfolio – from individual components to complex customized solutions and systems. As a family‑owned company, we act from a holistic perspective, taking responsibility for our actions globally and locally, and aiming to contribute to the quality of life and conservation of resources through new technologies, knowledge and education.

• We are Ambitious
• We are Determined
• We are Visionary
• We Value Each Other
• We are Dependable

In this capacity you will work closely with our customers to solve their automation needs by designing and implementing innovative, complex mechatronic solutions. This role is customer‑focused and technical.

The Application Engineer (MAE) plays a vital role in enhancing sales and market share for Festo in the North American Market. They specialize in Mechatronics, focusing on motion control technology and products including servo drives and motors, PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, I/O devices, ball screw and toothed belt electromechanical actuators, and Cartesian robots. The MAE provides in‑depth technical knowledge during the pre‑sales phase, considers commercial factors, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and leads post‑sales technical support to guide customers from project inception to acceptance/operation, thereby closing the sales cycle and creating new opportunities.

• Provide technical advice and support to sales, distribution partners, and customers regarding specific applications and production processes within industry segments.
• Create technical content for marketing activities, including application or video tutorials.
• Engage with external control groups on public platforms to stay updated on market trends.
• Develop and foster relationships with controls engineers at customer organizations.
• Maintain regular communication with other MAEs and Technical Support colleagues across North America (Canada, United States, and Mexico) to share product and application information.
• Provide onsite customer support for prototype startups to conduct proof of concept and possess good working knowledge of third‑party PLC software, network configuration, and device integration, including product sizing and selection.
• Establish and maintain a repository of common software applications and libraries to streamline the commissioning process for customer applications.
• Gather customer feedback on product and solution usage and relay it to Product Management for future development.
• Collaborate closely with the Technical Support department to provide timely solutions for technical support tickets.
• Evaluate the technical and commercial feasibility of proposals based on comprehensive technical and application knowledge.
• Discuss technical proposals, including controls and electromechanical products and solutions to optimize machine performance with a strong focus on increasing component sales.
• Contribute to discussions on machine concepts to optimize the design of automated machinery, defining specifications and concepts.
• Provide support on matters related to norms and regulations.
• Identify and secure projects based on exceptional application, automation, and sector competence.
• Share knowledge with Business Drivers to promote the adoption of solutions.
• May be required to work additional hours beyond normal business hours to fulfill essential duties and responsibilities, including occasional short‑duration efforts.
• Travel may be necessary for business purposes, such as skill development, training, customer visits, or company events. Travel arrangements will be determined by the company and may include visits to Corporate Headquarters or regional offices.

• Problem‑solver mentality.
• Acts as the key technical interface between the customer and all relevant technical…