Application Engineer

Midwest Engineered Systems Inc. (MWES); Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Midwest Engineered Systems, Inc. (MWES) in Waukesha, WI, is seeking Applications Engineers for General Automation and Robotic Welding. You will act as a technical lead in pre-sales, translating customer needs into practical automation concepts and costed proposals.

Open positions include 2 General Automation Applications Engineers and 2 Robotic Welding Applications Engineers. Travel up to 20% and collaboration with Sales, Engineering, and Project Management are key parts of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline; equivalent industry experience considered.
• Minimum of 5 years in industrial automation, custom machinery, or systems integration.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs, specifications, drawings, and manufacturing requirements.
• Develop conceptual automation solutions including robotics, welding, assembly, and material handling.
• Create 2D and 3D layouts and preliminary system designs.
• Perform feasibility studies, cycle time analyses, and simulations.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for automation systems and coordinate with vendors.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Applications Engineer – General Automation & Robotic Welding

Midwest Engineered Systems, Inc. | Waukesha, WI

We're Hiring! Four Open Positions

(2) General Automation Applications Engineers

(2) Robotic Welding Applications Engineers

Company Description

Midwest Engineered Systems, Inc. (MWES) is a leading industrial automation provider that has been transforming manufacturing through advanced automation and robotics solutions since 1991.

With over three decades of experience, MWES has delivered more than 8,000 custom automation solutions across industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, and food & beverage.

Our team of over 150 engineers and automation specialists designs and integrates custom automation systems, robotic solutions, and web handling technologies that improve productivity, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.

MWES provides complete automation solutions, from initial concept and engineering through manufacturing, integration, and installation. Working with leading robotics manufacturers such as ABB, FANUC, and KUKA, we help customers implement innovative, reliable, and efficient manufacturing systems.

Position Overview

MWES is seeking experienced engineers and automation specialists to join our Applications Engineering team in Waukesha, Wisconsin, supporting our General Automation and Robotic Welding divisions.

As an Applications Engineer, you will serve as a technical lead during the pre‑sales process, working closely with Sales, customers, and internal engineering teams to develop custom industrial automation solutions.

This position combines engineering, conceptual design, technical problem‑solving, estimating, and customer interaction. You will take ownership of assigned quotations from initial RFQ review through proposal submission, helping transform customer requirements into practical, cost‑effective automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Concepts & Technical Development

• Review customer RFQs, specifications, drawings, and manufacturing requirements.
• Develop conceptual automation solutions involving robotics, welding, assembly, material handling, inspection, and custom machinery.
• Create 2D and 3D layouts and preliminary system designs.
• Perform feasibility studies, cycle time analyses, robotic reach studies, and simulations.
• Evaluate technical risks, identify potential challenges, and develop practical solutions.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for custom automation systems, including engineering, purchased components, fabrication, assembly, controls, and installation.
• Coordinate with vendors to obtain technical information, pricing, and lead times.
• Prepare technical proposals, quotations, and statements of work.
• Manage multiple quoting opportunities while maintaining accuracy, competitive pricing, and established deadlines.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Controls, Purchasing, and Project Management to develop technically sound solutions.
• Participate in customer meetings, technical discussions, presentations, and site visits.
• Work closely with Sales to understand customer needs and develop automation concepts.
• Present proposed solutions and communicate technical capabilities, assumptions, and requirements.
• Support the transition of awarded projects from Applications Engineering to project execution.
• Review completed projects to identify opportunities for improving future estimates and processes.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline preferred; equivalent industry experience considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation, custom machinery, or systems integration.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of automated manufacturing equipment.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

Experience with several of the following is desirable:

• Industrial robotics and robotic welding systems
• Custom assembly and material handling equipment
• Conveyors, tooling, and end‑of‑arm tooling
• Servo and motion control systems
• Pneumatics, sensors, and vision systems
• PLC‑based automation and machine safeguarding
• Robotic simulation software such as FANUC ROBOGUIDE, ABB RobotStudio, Visual Components, or similar
• Additional experience with industrial automation safety standards, ERP/CRM systems, or project management is a plus.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for technically driven individuals who enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, developing creative automation concepts, and working directly with customers.

Ideal candidates are self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast‑paced engineering environment.

Previous Applications Engineering experience is preferred, but we also encourage experienced Mechanical Design Engineers, Automation Engineers, Systems Engineers, and Project Engineers with relevant technical backgrounds to apply.

If you enjoy conceptual engineering, developing innovative solutions, and working on a wide variety of custom automation projects, this may be an excellent opportunity.

Additional Information

Department: Applications Engineering

Open Positions: 4 (2 General Automation / 2 Robotic Welding)

Travel: Up to approximately 20%

Interested in Joining Our Team?

If you're passionate about industrial automation and enjoy turning complex manufacturing challenges into innovative solutions, we'd like to hear from you.

Midwest Engineered Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.