Application Engineer - Boston & Connecticut

Beckhoff Automation USA; Burlington (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) with match

Professional development

Job summary

Beckhoff Automation USA is seeking an Application Engineer who will collaborate with the Regional Sales Team and engineering groups to drive team-based selling, deliver demonstrations, and own technical customer engagements from discovery to deployment.

You will bring deep knowledge of industrial automation, including PLCs, motion control, robotics, fieldbus systems, and HMIs, and you will work from our Boston, MA area with remote collaboration and on-site days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering required.
• 3+ years in a sales or industry-related role.
• Experience architecting, building, and commissioning automation control systems.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Regional Sales to develop team-based selling strategies.
• Lead technical discussions and demonstrations to showcase Beckhoff capabilities.
• Own technical customer engagements from discovery through prototype and deployment.
• Provide technical input for proposals, BOMs, and application designs.

Skills

Automation engineering

Industrial automation

IEC 61131-3 (OO)

C#, C++, Python

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

EtherCAT

Industrial Windows

Job description

The Application Engineer reports to the Regional Director and collaborates with the sales and engineering teams to develop and execute team selling strategies. The Application Engineer is responsible for the technical win, securing the customer’s confidence and trust in Beckhoff products and technologies. They do this by bringing Beckhoff technology to life, sparking innovation through customer engagement; whiteboarding, technology discussions, and product demonstrations.

This individual must have a deep understanding of industrial automation equipment including, but not limited to PLCs, motion control, robotics, fieldbus systems, and HMIs, as well as working collaboratively in a customer facing, team selling environment.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Engagement & Technical Leadership

• Collaborate with the Regional Sales Team to develop and execute team-based selling strategies.
• Lead technical discussions and provide discovery-driven product demonstrations that showcase Beckhoff’s capabilities.
• Own technical customer engagements from initial discovery through prototype and development phases, and support customers during implementation to ensure successful outcomes and long-term adoption.
• Lead pre-sales technical support with a strong commercial discovery mindset, partnering with Sales and following established company sales processes and best practices.
• Proactively drive technical issues to resolution.

Solution Development & Support

• Provide technical input for proposals, bills of materials (BOMs), and application designs.
• Deliver training and knowledge transfer to empower customers and strengthen long-term relationships.

Documentation & Process

• Maintain accurate records of customer interactions, project details, and technical activities using established tools and methods.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. The company reserves the right to modify duties or assign additional responsibilities as necessary to meet business needs. Other duties as assigned.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Real-World Impact: Shape how Beckhoff technology is adopted in applications that power modern life, from advanced factory automation to energy and scientific systems, enabling next-generation machines.
• Advanced Technology Exposure: Work with automation technologies that are used and leveraged in ways rarely possible on other platforms, enabling highly integrated and flexible machine designs.
• Enduring Technical Relevance:Build system-level engineering expertise across controls, motion, networking, and software, developing skills that remain valuable as tools and technologies evolve.
• Collaborative Culture:Work alongside a high-performing regional team in a supportive, growth-oriented environment.
• Visible Results:Technical wins translate directly into customer adoption and measurable business results.

What We’re Looking For – Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering from a four-year college, or an automation/mechatronics degree from a technical school.
• Demonstrated success architecting, building, and commissioning industrial automation control systems, with firsthand experience owning production control software in prior roles.
• Deep, working knowledge of industrial automation technologies, including PLCs, motion control, robotics, distributed I/O, fieldbus systems (EtherCAT), and HMI technologies.
• Proficiency with IEC 61131-3 programming languages (including object-oriented extensions), C#, C++, and Python; Objective-C knowledge is a plus.
• Engineering-level Windows literacy for industrial control systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a creative, solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and resolve challenges effectively under pressure.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a sales or industry-related role required.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Work Location

As Application Engineers engage with customers throughout the region as part of a collaborative, team-selling model, this position follows a remote work model. You will be based out of our Boston, MA office for designated on-site days for team collaboration.

Travel

This position requires varying travel ranging from 50% which may include day trips, overnight stays, and occasional extended travel depending on business needs. Travel may be local, regional, or national. All travel-related expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with company policy. Candidates must be able to meet the travel requirements of the role, and reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

What We Offer

• At Beckhoff Automation USA, our privately held, family-owned culture empowers candid collaboration, the freedom to create innovative solutions, and strong relationships built around cutting-edge technology and shared purpose.
• Generous Paid Time Off + 12 Paid Holidays
• Employer paid High-Deductible Medical plan, Dental, and Vision for Employee + Family!
• 401(k) with up to 6% employer match
• Employer-Paid Insurance: Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Elective Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Indemnity, and Pet Insurance
• Professional Development Opportunities
• CarData Program: Fixed monthly reimbursement + Variable monthly mileage
• Additional $200.00 to $800.00 (Disclaimer: dependent on location)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods.
  • Including the ability to drive in a car between 2 to 5 hours, one-way, multiple times a month.
• Ability to use a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and move as needed to perform job duties.
• Manual dexterity for operating tools and equipment.
• Adequate vision and hearing to perform essential tasks safely.

About Beckhoff

At Beckhoff, automation is our calling. We empower engineers to differentiate and succeed as industry leaders –– to harness new technologies, embrace open standards and solve the world’s most complex problems. Founded and led by engineers, we organically create advanced controls, communication, IoT, and motion technologies that become unique tools for your one-of-a-kind challenges in an age of digital transformation.

As a global partner with U.S. headquarters in Minneapolis, we remain committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and support for the people behind the automation. So, whether you’re powering the EV revolution, dazzling on Broadway, launching satellites, or developing fusion energy solutions – you can reach new heights for your business, industry, and humankind.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Beckhoff is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, participate in an interview, or otherwise take part in the recruitment process, please contact our Talent & Culture Team.