Mechatronics Application Engineer - Chicago, IL

Mechatronics Application Engineer – Chicago, IL

Company:
Festo Corporation

Location:

Chicago, IL

Employment Type:

Full Time
Department:
Research, Development & Engineering

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 key products such as 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 and leads post‑sales technical support, guiding customers from project inception to acceptance and operationalization.

• 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 to share product and application information.
• Provide onsite customer support for prototype startups to demonstrate “proof of concept” and perform network configuration and device integration covering 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.
• 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, to optimize machine performance and increase 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 and occasional short‑duration efforts.
• Travel may be necessary for business purposes such as skill development, training, customer visits, or company events.

• Problem solver mentality.
• Acts as the key technical interface between customers and all relevant technical departments during the pre‑sales phase, coordinating with the Sales Engineer.
• Provides technical training and knowledge transfer to the MAE and Business Development teams for the specific products/applications of the relevant industry segment.
• Works closely with Technical Support to address any outstanding customer technical issues.

• English language required, Spanish a plus.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret moderate to complex documents.
• Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience with IEC 61131‑3 programming languages. Familiarity with CODESYS, Rockwell Automation Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT 3, and/or Omron Sysmac Studio. Plus:
  Python, C++, C#, LabVIEW.
• Familiarity with Ether
  
  CAT, Ether Net/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, TCP/IP, IO‑Link.
• Understanding of motion control concepts, PLCs and distributed I/O.
• Ability to size and design servo motor applications.
• Familiarity with pneumatics and pneumatic control logic.
• Troubleshooting skills.
• CAD knowledge.
• Bachelor’s Degree (BS in Mechatronics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering); MBA preferred.
• 5–10+ years minimum experience in project management, controls engineering, sales, and technical support in industrial automation.
• Experience at Festo a plus.
• Solid knowledge of industrial automation and customer responsibility.

$125,000–$145,000

Diverse opportunities for development, strong team support, freedom to drive ideas forward, innovative solutions with real impact, and access to a global network within a family‑owned company.

Details not specified in the description.