Applications Engineer (Industrial Automation)

The Applications Engineer plays a critical role in developing technical proposals and cost estimates for industrial automation projects. Working closely with Business Development Managers, customers, and engineering teams, this individual evaluates project requirements, develops technical solutions, prepares detailed labor and material estimates, and creates customer proposals.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a strong background in industrial controls, automation systems, or electrical engineering who enjoys the technical and commercial side of engineering.

Travel is approximately 15%, including customer site visits, project scoping meetings, quarterly business reviews, and trade shows. A valid driver's license is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed project estimates, including labor hours, material costs, and complete Bills of Material (BOMs) for industrial automation projects.
• Prepare accurate and competitive customer proposals for automation system upgrades, control systems, and turnkey projects.
• Create labor estimates using industry knowledge, historical data, and standardized estimating tools.
• Review customer specifications, drawings, and project documentation to define project scope and identify technical requirements.
• Collaborate with Business Development Managers and customers to understand operational needs and develop cost-effective automation solutions.
• Specify appropriate control system hardware, software, instrumentation, networking equipment, and engineering services.
• Work closely with engineering, operations, procurement, and project management teams to develop complete technical and commercial proposals.
• Present technical proposals and estimated project solutions to customers, explaining both the engineering approach and project value.
• Consult with customer engineering and operations teams to refine project scope and recommend system improvements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key automation vendors and remain current on new technologies and product offerings.
• Support account management activities by identifying follow-on opportunities, developing project scopes, and preparing proposals for existing customers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating tools, proposal templates, pricing strategies, and sales support documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; or
• Associate's degree in Engineering Technology (Electrical, Controls, Computer, IT, Electro-Mechanical, or related field) with 5+ years of industrial automation experience.

Preferred Experience

• Experience estimating industrial automation or controls projects.
• Preparing project proposals, quotations, and technical sales documentation.
• Developing Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Estimating engineering labor and project costs.
• Reviewing customer specifications, P&IDs, electrical drawings, and control system architecture.
• Industrial control systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, instrumentation, networking, and industrial communication protocols.
• Working with OEMs, system integrators, manufacturing facilities, or process industries.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong estimating and proposal development skills.
• Ability to analyze customer requirements and translate them into practical automation solutions.
• Excellent technical writing and documentation skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and proposals simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with engineering and sales teams.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and estimating/proposal software.