Mechatronics Application Engineer - Minneapolis, MN

Founded in , Festo Corporation is the leading worldwide supplier of automation technology and the performance leader in industrial training and education programs. For many years, Festo has been providing impetus for factory automation and offers a wide product and service portfolio – from individual components to complex customized solutions and systems. As a family-owned company, we act from a holistic perspective. We take responsibility for our actions globally and locally, aiming to contribute to the quality of life and conservation of resources through new technologies, knowledge, and education.

At Festo, we hire people who embody our five core values:

• We are Ambitious
• We are Determined
• We are Visionary
• We Value Each Other
• We are Dependable

Join Festo Corp in revolutionizing the industrial automation and robotics industry with our innovative motion control and advanced mechatronic products and systems. If you are passionate about technology and thrive in a customer-focused environment, we invite you to apply for the role of “Mechatronic Applications Engineer”. In this role, you will work closely with our customers to design and implement innovative, complex mechatronic solutions.

Summary: The Application Engineer (MAE) plays a vital role in enhancing sales and market share for Festo in North America. They specialize in Mechatronics, focusing on Motion Control technology and 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 to the sales team, distribution partners, and customers, considering commercial factors and collaborating across departments. They also lead post-sales technical support, guiding customers from project inception to operation, closing sales, and opening new opportunities.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Provide technical advice and support regarding applications and production processes within industry segments.
2. Create technical content for marketing, including tutorials and videos.
3. Engage with control groups on public platforms to stay updated on market trends.
4. Develop relationships with controls engineers at customer organizations.
5. Maintain communication with other MAEs and Technical Support teams across North America.
6. Support onsite customer prototypes, including product sizing and integration, and have good knowledge of third-party PLC software and network configuration.
7. Establish and maintain a repository of software applications and libraries.
8. Gather and relay customer feedback to Product Management.
9. Collaborate with Technical Support to resolve technical tickets promptly.
10. Evaluate proposals for technical and commercial feasibility.
11. Discuss and optimize machine performance through technical proposals.
12. Contribute to machine design discussions and define specifications.
13. Support compliance with norms and regulations.
14. Identify and secure projects through application and automation expertise.
15. Share knowledge with Business Drivers to promote solutions.
16. Work additional hours as needed, including occasional travel for training, customer visits, or company events.
17. Act as the key technical interface during pre-sales, coordinating with the Sales Engineer.
18. Provide technical training and transfer knowledge to internal teams.
19. Work closely with Technical Support to address customer issues.

Experience / Education Preferred:

• Proficiency in English; Spanish is a plus.
• Ability to analyze complex documents and respond effectively to inquiries.
• Effective presentation skills for technical topics.
• Experience with IEC-3 programming languages and familiarity with CODESYS, Rockwell Studio, Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT 3, Omron Sysmac Studio, plus Python, C++, C#, LabVIEW.
• Knowledge of EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, TCP/IP, IO-Link.
• Understanding of motion control, PLCs, and distributed I/O.
• Ability to size and design servo motor applications.
• Familiarity with pneumatics and pneumatic control logic.
• CAD knowledge.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechatronics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering; MBA preferred.
• 5-10+ years experience in project management, controls engineering, sales, or technical support in industrial automation.
• Experience in Festo is a plus.
• Solid knowledge of industrial automation, mechatronics, electromechanical, or robotics engineering.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

The salary range for this position is $, - $,.