Automation Application Engineer

Automation Application Engineer

Full Time Wyoming, MI, US

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (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.

• 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, Solid Works), 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 regionally to customer sites (typically 10–20%). 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.

• Robotic System Design & Application:
  Develop robotic automation concepts and layouts for tasks such as pick‑and‑place, palletizing, welding, material handling, assembly, bin picking, and packaging. Select appropriate robots, end‑of‑arm tooling (EOAT), vision systems, and safety devices.
• Technical Proposals & Quotations:
  Create detailed 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:
  Serve as the technical expert for sales teams. Participate in customer meetings, site visits, and presentations to understand requirements and demonstrate robotic solutions. Translate customer needs into robust automation applications.
• Feasibility & Optimization:
  Perform reach studies, payload analysis, cycle time simulations, and ROI evaluations. Ensure solutions meet safety standards (e.g., RIA), quality, and throughput goals.
• Technology Expertise:
  Stay current 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.