Applications Engineer

Job Description

Overview

The Applications Engineer is integral to our company’s success, acting as the crucial link between customer requirements and our technical solutions. This role demands a unique combination of engineering expertise, business insight, and exceptional communication skills to develop compelling, technically robust proposals that drive our growth and maintain our competitive edge in the design and build of bespoke material handling, assembly, special process and test equipment solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Solution Development

Analyse customer specifications to develop tailored machine/process solutions that meet or exceed client expectations.

Engage in creative problem-solving, leveraging a deep understanding of our product capabilities and industry trends to devise innovative solutions.

Concept Creation

Craft comprehensive concepts that include detailed technical descriptions, proposal drawings, cycle estimates, and simulations.

Ensure proposals accurately represent our capabilities and address customer needs, serving as the foundation for potential projects.

Cost Analysis and Pricing

Develop accurate cost estimates by leveraging historical data and obtaining quotes for specialized components.

Collaborate with the sales team to develop competitive pricing strategies that balance profitability with market competitiveness.

Writing Specification Requirements

Draft clear and precise specifications for project needs.

Communicate these requirements effectively to third-party vendors to obtain accurate quotes.

Cross-functional Collaboration

Act as a liaison between sales, engineering, and management teams.

Attend line-up meetings, participate in internal reviews, and ensure all stakeholders are aligned on proposal details.

Customer Engagement

Assist Sales in presenting proposals to customers, addressing technical queries, and providing clarifications.

Build and maintain strong customer relationships to foster long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities.

Project Transition

Attend kick-off meetings and support the execution team in the initial stages of awarded projects.

Ensure a smooth handover of technical information and project requirements to the execution team.

Continuous Improvement

Stay informed about industry developments, competitor offerings, and emerging technologies.

Continuously enhance our proposal strategies and technical solutions to maintain a competitive edge.

Maintaining Records

Keep meticulous records of all quotes, feasibility studies, concept drawings, and cost assumptions.

Ensuring information is readily accessible to all stakeholders and appropriately stored for future reference and traceability.

Manage and track multiple revisions of cost updates and assumptions.

Meeting Deadlines

Balance multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines set by account managers and customers.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Proactively identify potential issues or discrepancies in customer requirements and proposed concepts.

Propose solutions or alternatives to mitigate risks.

Conduct thorough analysis of all proposal aspects.

Effective Communication

Convey complex technical and financial information to various stakeholders, including the sales team, management, and potential customers.

Provide updates to management on proposal status and any significant changes or challenges.

Analytical Analysis

SWOT Analysis – Ability to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the project and desired outcomes.

Impact Assessment – Consideration of the broader impact of decisions on the organization as a whole.

Reflective Practices – Regular review project outcomes and processes to identify areas of focus and areas to highlight lessons learned.

Any additional duties assigned by management

Qualifications & Experience:

Any combination of education and/or experience providing the required skills and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or similar preferred

5+ years of direct industry experience in custom automation or machine design

Strong mathematical aptitude

Ability to apply engineered solutions to solve complex problems

Key Skills & Abilities

The ideal candidate must be a rigorous analytical thinker and problem solver with the following professional attributes:

Strong work ethic

Strong presentation and public speaking

Excellent Verbal and Written Communication

Problem solving

Critical Thinking

Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products including Teams and OneDrive

3-D Modeling Software or Animation is a .

Location

This position will allow for a hybrid approach based on candidates’ experience and performance. Flexibility for On-Site and Remote work is possible and will be clearly documented in an offer letter if selected

This position will require 25% On-Site attendance at our Rochester Hills, Michigan facility

This position will require travel to our United Kingdom or Ireland facilities as needed

This position will require travel to visit Customers as needed.

Relocation benefits may be included with this position.

What we offer

In AIR, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional development, including flexible work arrangements, health insurance contributions, company bonus, maternity and paternity leave, pension plan, training support, and various wellness initiatives.

About AIR

Established 2023, Automated Industrial Robotics Inc from Los Angeles, USA and funded by ARES Management private equity group, AIR is a trusted automation partner empowering our customers to innovate, produce and scale through technology-enabled manufacturing. Our five-hundred-person world-class team operates across 350,000 sq ft of advanced manufacturing space in four facilities spanning America and Europe. With centralized engineering, technology and support, we deliver transformative automation solutions that increase quality, production and efficiency.

This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities and qualifications for this position. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change.

AIR is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Full-time

Hybrid remote