Application Engineer - Custom Automation

Sterling Engineering; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering seeks an experienced Application Engineer to design innovative custom automation solutions for leading manufacturers in Buffalo Grove, IL. You will partner with customers to define goals, evaluate requirements, and develop concepts that improve efficiency.

You’ll guide proposals, layouts, and projects through installation, commissioning, and startup, delivering impactful results. You will mentor teammates and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience with custom automated machinery or factory automation.
• Proven experience in applications engineering, automation, or technical sales.
• Strong knowledge of robotics, conveyors, and industrial automation systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent industry experience.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Design custom automation solutions tailored to manufacturing challenges.
• Lead projects from concept and proposal through installation and startup.
• Collaborate with customers and multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions.
• Serve as a technical leader while mentoring team members.

Skills

Experience with automation

Applications engineering

Robotics & Conveyors

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Are you an engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges and seeing your ideas come to life? We're looking for an experienced Application Engineer to design innovative custom automation solutions for leading manufacturers.

In this role, you'll partner directly with customers to understand their production goals, evaluate technical requirements, and develop custom automation concepts that improve efficiency and productivity. From preparing proposals and system layouts to supporting projects through manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and startup, you'll play a key role throughout the entire project lifecycle.

What You'll Bring

• 4+ years of experience with custom automated machinery or factory automation
• Proven experience in applications engineering, automation, or technical sales
• Strong knowledge of robotics, conveyors, and industrial automation systems
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and SolidWorks
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent industry experience
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• Design custom automation solutions tailored to unique manufacturing challenges, not standardized products
• Lead projects from concept and proposal through installation, startup, and customer acceptance
• Collaborate with customers and multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions
• Serve as a technical leader while mentoring team members and supporting continuous improvement initiatives
• Professional development and career growth in a collaborative engineering environment

If you're looking for a role where your technical expertise directly influences innovative manufacturing solutions, we'd love to connect.