Applications Specialist

Innovative Automation Inc.; Barrie; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation solutions provider in Barrie, Ontario is looking for Applications Specialists at various experience levels including Junior, Intermediate, and Senior. Responsibilities encompass developing automation concepts, preparing presentations, and managing multiple projects. Candidates must have proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Excel, along with strong communication and organizational skills. This role offers an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment focused on innovative solutions for clients worldwide while enjoying perks such as employer-matched RRSP and flexible working hours.

Benefits

Employer Matched RRSP

Flex-time

Extended Healthcare Benefits

Employee Events

Educational Assistance Programs

Costco Membership

Qualifications

• Minimum 0-3 years’ work experience in manufacturing or automation sectors for Junior level.
• Minimum 2-5 years’ work experience in manufacturing or automation sectors for Intermediate level.
• Minimum 7+ years’ work experience in manufacturing or automation sectors for Senior level.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated manufacturing equipment concepts and process layouts.
• Communicate automation concepts using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Excel.
• Prepare customer-facing documents and presentations.

Skills

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Microsoft Excel

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Time Management

Education

Bachelor/Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Overview

Position: Applications Specialist (Junior, Intermediate or Senior)

Reports to: Applications Group Leader

Are you a highly motivated team player looking for a fulfilling opportunity in the field of applications? Innovative Automation encourages anyone who answered yes to apply today!

About Innovative

Located in Barrie, Ontario, Innovative Automation’s team works together to create quality custom automation solutions that consistently exceed client expectations. At Innovative Automation, we strive to lead globally, lead industry, and lead locally with passion and pride. We provide industry with factory automation solutions for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Our vision is to be the first-choice provider of automation solutions to global leaders in manufacturing. We foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and camaraderie where all thoughtful ideas are welcome, and every team member is encouraged to succeed.

What We Offer

• Employer Matched RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Program)
• Flex-time
• Extended Healthcare Benefits
• Employee Events
• Educational Assistance Programs
• Costco Membership

Job Opportunity

We are seeking 2 Applications Specialists to join our team, and we are open to all experience levels: Junior, Intermediate and Senior. This is for an existing and a new vacancy.

An Applications Specialist is responsible for developing automated manufacturing equipment concepts and process layouts in response to customer RFQs. This role involves creating and communicating automation concepts using tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Excel, including the development of sequence (timing) charts and supporting documentation.

Applications Specialists are involved in quoting their own concepts by referencing internal systems, learning from previous projects, and working with suppliers to estimate costs for major capital equipment. The role works closely with the Sales Account Manager as the primary internal contact, while also interacting directly with customers as a technical resource.

You will prepare customer-facing documents and presentations for both internal and external use, and regularly present concepts to customers using Microsoft PowerPoint. As a result, the role requires clear communication and a professional approach to building and maintaining customer relationships.

This position involves managing multiple projects at the same time, typically 9 to 15 active quotations, with quote turnaround times that can be as short as two weeks. It is well suited to someone who is organized, technically capable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

What you’ll do

Junior

• Participate in customer RFQ review meetings to understand requirements and identify technical risks.
• Develop competitive, value-driven automation concepts with guidance from senior team members.
• Prepare machine layouts and clear mechanical concepts using SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD.
• Support basic process simulation using Visual Components.
• Prepare cycle time charts, pricing spreadsheets, and draft budgets and quotation proposals for internal review.
• Obtain supplier and vendor quotations for major equipment and third-party components.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams to develop integrated automation solutions and support labor and material estimates.
• Assist in preparing and presenting customer quotations with the Account Manager.
• Provide technical support during concept development and transition to design and project execution teams.
• Support confirmation of design concepts and risk mitigation strategies with customers.
• Convert customer part CAD files (.stp to .solidpart) and create assembly configurations.
• Participate in design reviews to ensure quoted requirements are met.
• Support knowledge transfer from sales/applications to design at project kickoff.
• Contribute to post-project reviews and evaluation of new or emerging technologies.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, internal teams, and technology partners.
• Ensure compliance with company quality standards, safety practices, and procedures.
• Represent the company professionally with customers and external partners.
• Execute work in alignment with project budgets, timelines, and quality expectations.
• Complete other duties and projects as assigned.
• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

Intermediate

• Analyze customer RFQs, quotations, specifications, and documentation to define scope and identify technical risks.
• Develop competitive automation concepts with minimal supervision, ensuring alignment with project scope.
• Create detailed cell layouts, process layouts, and clear mechanical concepts using SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD.
• Independently simulate processes and develop sequence (timing) charts using Visual Components.
• Validate process concepts with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, and fluid power.
• Evaluate existing and emerging technologies for application in current and future projects.
• Prepare cycle time charts, pricing spreadsheets, and quotation proposals using costing tools and historical job data.
• Obtain vendor and supplier quotations for third-party equipment and major components to support accurate budgets.
• Review proposals directly with customers to align on scope, timing, pricing, and commercial terms.
• Provide proactive technical and design support to customers for automated and electro-mechanical systems.
• Lead technical confirmation of design concepts and risk mitigation strategies with customers.
• Collaborate with internal teams to verify concepts from quotation through production.
• Lead knowledge transfer from sales/applications to design teams at project kickoff.
• Participate in and contribute to design reviews to ensure quoted requirements are met.
• Communicate project status, risks, corrective actions, and solutions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Remain involved throughout the full project design lifecycle.
• Analyze completed projects to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement.
• Support Project Managers, including ECN quoting activities.
• Ensure compliance with company quality standards, safety practices, and procedures.
• Represent the company professionally with customers, suppliers, and partners.
• Complete other duties as assigned; occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

Senior

• Lead analysis of complex customer RFQs, quotations, and specifications to define scope and identify technical and commercial risks.
• Lead development of competitive automation concepts while mentoring junior and intermediate team members.
• Create and oversee detailed mechanical concepts, cell layouts, and process layouts using SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD.
• Mentor team members in validating process concepts and simulations using Visual Components.
• Ensure automation concepts remain aligned with project scope, customer expectations, and business objectives.
• Strategically evaluate and apply existing and emerging technologies to current and future automation solutions.
• Prepare customer-ready sales documentation, including layouts, cycle time charts, and pricing models.
• Lead supplier/vendor RFQs and mentor others in effective supplier engagement and cost evaluation.
• Develop project budgets using costing tools, pricing sheets, and historical job costing data.
• Perform data-driven pricing analysis to support accurate and competitive proposals.
• Lead proposal reviews and technical discussions with customers to align on scope, timing, pricing, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Independently prepare, submit, and discuss quotation documents with customers as required.
• Provide progress updates across multiple concept projects and strategic opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to verify concepts from quotation through production.
• Improve knowledge transfer from sales/applications to design teams at project kickoff.
• Engage mechanical, electrical, controls, fluid power, design, and programming teams early in project development.
• Participate in and influence design reviews to ensure quoted requirements are met.
• Communicate project status, risks, and solutions clearly to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Remain actively involved throughout the full project design lifecycle to ensure technical and commercial success.
• Analyze completed projects to drive continuous improvement across tools, processes, and standards.
• Support Project Managers, including collaboration on ECN quoting activities.
• Ensure compliance with company quality standards, safety practices, and procedures.
• Represent the company professionally with customers, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Occasionally fill in for account managers to discuss proposal terms and other commercial items.
• Occasionally lead site visits and in person customer kick offs in place of the Account Manager or Project Manager.
• Help develop department procedures.
• Complete other duties as assigned; occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

What you’ll need:

Junior

• Bachelor/Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
• Minimum 0-3 Years’ Work experience in the manufacturing or automation sectors
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD and MS Office (Excel and PowerPoint)
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A proactive learner who demonstrates ownership, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Ontario G Driver’s License
• Willingness and ability to travel, including internationally
• Adaptability: Demonstrate a proactive learning attitude by embracing challenges, accepting feedback, maintaining resilience under stress, and showing a willingness to learn and grow
• Communication: Demonstrate active listening, clear articulation of ideas, while showing respect, understanding, and openness to feedback
• Teamwork: Demonstrate effective collaboration with team members by actively contributing to projects and a willingness to work towards company goals, thereby fostering positive relationships and contributing to team objectives
• Problem Solving: Demonstrate basic analytical thinking skills by recognizing and highlighting issues, breaking down problems, and proposing solutions with guidance
• Time Management: Demonstrate efficient task completion by managing time effectively, identifying tasks based on priority, and seeking assistance when needed to meet deadlines

Intermediate

• Bachelor/Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent specialized experience
• Minimum 2-5 Years’ Work Experience in the manufacturing or automation sectors
• Proficiency with Solidworks, AutoCAD and MS Office (Excel and PowerPoint)
• Working knowledge and application of relevant Safety Codes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a customer-first mindset
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Mechanical Design experience is an asset
• Life Science manufacturing experience is an asset
• Ontario G Driver’s License
• Willingness and ability to occasionally travel both domestically and internationally
• Adaptability: Demonstrates proficiency in dynamic environments by adjusting to new conditions, effective prioritization, collaborating, and exhibiting a strong willingness to learn and apply new skills
• Communication: Showcase clear articulation of ideas and active listening skills, adapt your communication style to diverse audiences and situations, collaborate seamlessly with team members, and effectively resolve conflicts
• Teamwork: collaborate with colleagues to achieve company goals by actively contributing, mediating conflicts, delegating tasks effectively, and building relationships across the organization to foster a positive team environment
• Problem Solving: Demonstrate creative thinking by independently tackling complex issues, applying critical thinking to find innovative solutions, and proactively anticipating problem areas to propose effective solutions
• Time Management: Effectively prioritize tasks by developing plans, improving time estimation accuracy, delegating tasks, and adjusting priorities. Additionally, reflect on personal work habits to identify areas for improvement

Senior

• Bachelor/Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent specialized experience
• Minimum 7+ Years’ Work Experience in the manufacturing or automation sectors
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD and MS Excel
• Strong understanding of Assembly processes including but not limited to: Welding (Mig, Resistance, laser, etc.), Dispensing, Pressing, Fastening, Part feeding, Material handling, etc.
• Working knowledge and application of relevant Safety Codes
• Exceptional communication, presentation, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, lead technical discussions, and influence organizational decisions
• Valid Ontario G Driver’s License
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally, including internationally
• Experienced in developing work instructions and procedures in an ISO 9001 certified environment
• Life Science manufacturing experience is an asset
• Mechanical Design experience is an asset

For more information, visit our website at www.innovativeautomation.com.

If you require any accommodation during our recruitment process, please let us know.

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