Application Engineer - LA

Beckhoff Automation; El Segundo (CA); Remote; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays and PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

401(k) with company match

Life & Disability Insurance

Elective benefits: accident, critical-

Professional development

CarData mileage program

Job summary

Beckhoff Automation USA is seeking an Application Engineer in California to combine technical expertise with consultative sales. You will lead demonstrations, advise on solutions, and collaborate with sales and engineering to win technical engagements.

The role supports remote work from the Los Angeles area with up to 25% travel, involving prototype development, BOM input, and customer training. A BS in engineering and PLC/IT knowledge are required.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or related technical field; 2–5 years experience.
• Experience with IEC 61131-3 languages and C#/C++ is required.
• Understanding of PLCs, motion control, robotics, fieldbus, and HMIs.
• Proficient with Windows, IT networking, and MS Office.
• Excellent communication and team collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute team-selling strategies with the Regional Sales Team.
• Deliver discovery-driven product demonstrations and technical input for proposals.
• Guide customers through prototype, development, and solution deployment.
• Document activities and manage priorities across Sales, Engineering, and customers.

Skills

IEC 61131-3

C#

C++

Python

Education

Bachelor of Science in engineering or related field

Tools

IEC 61131-3 (OO extension)

Windows IT networking

HMI technologies

BOMs and proposals tooling

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Sales-California Full Time El Segundo, CA, US

Salary Range: $160,000.00 To $180,000.00 Annually

Consultative. Technical. Customer-Focused

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

Technical Sales & Customer Engagement

• Work as part of the Regional Sales Team to develop and execute team-selling strategies
• Develop and deliver discovery-driven product demonstrations
• Empower and guide customers during prototype and development phases
• Advise customers on the selection, use, maintenance, and training of technology

Application Engineering & Problem Solving

• Proactively drive technical issues to resolution
• Provide technical input on project proposals and Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Apply technical expertise and creative problem-solving to customer applications
• Support customers in implementing solutions that meet their operational needs

Project Management & Documentation

• Document and record customer activities using established methods and tools
• Manage priorities and timelines effectively
• Support collaboration between Sales, Engineering, and customers
• Navigate conflicts and facilitate successful project outcomes

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

• Customer-Centric Innovation:Help customers transform ideas into successful automation solutions.
• Technical & Commercial Impact:Combine engineering expertise with consultative sales to influence key business decisions.

What We’re Looking For – Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in engineering or related technical field from a four-year college or technical school; or equivalent combination of education and experience, 2-5 years’ experience.
• Experience with programming languages IEC 61131-3 (object-oriented extension), C#, C++, etc. Python, objective C-programming knowledge a plus.
• Understanding of PLCs, motion control, robotics, distributed I/O, fieldbus systems (EtherCAT) and HMI technologies.
• Experience with Windows, IT-networking, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Self-starter with a results-driven personality.
• Strong analytical and reasoning skills to participate in a fast-paced, action-oriented team.
• Ability to work in a high stress environment while maintaining professionalism.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to present to customers, companywide, and/or at departmental meetings.

Work Location

This is a fully remote position. Team members can work from anywhere in the Los Angeles area. The Beckhoff Los Angeles office is available as a resource for hosting customer trainings, events, and team collaboration as needed. This approach ensures strong customer engagement and effective teamwork, balanced with work-life flexibility.

Travel

This position requires varying travel ranging up to 25% 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.

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 the Talent & Culture team.