Application Engineer

Starfish Partners; Rochester Hills (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading robotics solutions provider is seeking an experienced Application Engineer based in the northern suburbs of Detroit, MI. This onsite role involves designing and developing robotic automation systems for welding and palletizing applications. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of experience, strong proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and programming in C++ and Python. Candidates must be ready to collaborate with clients and travel 30–40%. This position promises opportunities for technical challenges and career growth.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in robotic integration or application engineering.
• Hands-on experience with robotic welding and/or palletizing systems.
• Ability to travel 30–40% to customer sites.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop robotic automation systems for welding and palletizing applications.
• Create and modify 3D mechanical layouts.
• Program and troubleshoot robotic systems and PLC-controlled automation cells.
• Support system integration, FAT/SAT, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Define scope, troubleshoot issues, and ensure successful system performance.

Skills

Robotic welding experience

Robotic palletizing experience

Proficiency in SolidWorks

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Programming in C++

Programming in Python

Experience with PLCs (programming/troubleshooting)

System commissioning experience

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

PLC systems

Job description

Application Engineer – Robotics (Welding / Palletizing)

Location: Northern Suburbs of Detroit, MI

Travel: 30–40%

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Application Engineer with hands‑on experience in robotic welding and/or palletizing systems. This individual will play a key role in designing, programming, commissioning, and supporting robotic automation solutions across multiple industries.

This is an onsite position based in the northern suburbs of Detroit and requires moderate travel to customer sites for system startup, troubleshooting, and support.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop robotic automation systems for welding and palletizing applications
• Create and modify 3D mechanical layouts using SolidWorks and AutoCAD
• Program and troubleshoot robotic systems and PLC‑controlled automation cells
• Support system integration, FAT/SAT, startup, and commissioning activities
• Develop application logic using C++ and/or Python where required
• Collaborate with Sales, Project Management, and Controls Engineering teams to deliver turnkey solutions
• Interface directly with customers to define scope, troubleshoot issues, and ensure successful system performance
• Provide technical documentation including schematics, layouts, and application specifications

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in robotic integration or application engineering
• Hands‑on experience with robotic welding and/or palletizing systems
• Strong proficiency in:
• SolidWorks
• AutoCAD
• PLCs (programming and troubleshooting)
• C++ and Python
• Experience with system commissioning and customer site support
• Ability to travel 30–40%

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with major robot brands (FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, KUKA, etc.)
• Understanding of end‑of‑arm tooling, safety circuits, and industrial networking
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills

What Success Looks Like

• Successful deployment of robotic welding or palletizing cells
• Smooth commissioning and startup at customer sites
• Strong collaboration across engineering and customer teams
• High customer satisfaction and repeat business