Application Specialist

Atlas Copco IAS LLC; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlas Copco IAS LLC in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking an Application Specialist to lead development, testing, and optimization of micro-dispense processes across lab, customer sites, and production environments. You will set up and program dispensing systems, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with engineering, sales, and project management to deliver robust, high-precision fluid dispensing solutions.

This role emphasizes hands-on technical work, documentation, and customer-facing demonstrations,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in engineering or related field.
• Experience with precision dispensing, robotics, automation, or process development.
• Strong troubleshooting and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute precision dispensing trials in lab, customer, and production environments.
• Set up, operate, program, and troubleshoot dispensing equipment and robotic systems.
• Develop and optimize dispensing processes for adhesives and precision fluids.
• Evaluate dispensing performance including dot size, bead geometry, and placement accuracy.
• Troubleshoot dispensing issues related to material behavior and process parameters.
• Support sample prep, feasibility studies, and development projects.
• Document observations, parameters, and results with detailed reporting.
• Assist with installations, validation efforts, and process debugging as needed.
• Provide recommendations on equipment selection and process improvements.
• Translate trial results into practical process solutions to improve quality and throughput.
• Conduct customer demonstrations and explain capabilities.
• Assist with customer training, workshops, and trade shows.
• Collaborate with engineering to evaluate new dispensing technologies.
• Maintain lab equipment and fixtures, stay current on trends.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Electrical troubleshooting

Dispensing systems programming

Robotic systems familiarity

Motion control platforms

Process optimization

Technical documentation

Electronics assembly familiarity

Customer demonstrations

Analytical/problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or associate degree in engineering or related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience in dispensing/automation/robotics

Tools

Robotic systems

Motion control platforms

Precision dispensing systems

Automation integration

Dispensing pumps/valves/controllers

Job description

Your role

As an Application Specialist, you will be responsible for developing, executing, troubleshooting, and validating precision fluid dispensing processes in laboratory, customer-facing, and production-style environments. This position focuses primarily on micro dispense applications involving adhesives, thermal interface materials, underfills, coatings, sealants, and other precision-applied fluids used in electronics, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. You will combine hands-on technical expertise, material knowledge, and automation experience to support application development, equipment validation, customer demonstrations, and production process optimization. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with advanced dispensing technologies, precision motion systems, and robotic automation while collaborating across engineering, sales, project management, and customer teams.

This position reports to the Applications Lab Manager.

Job responsibilities

• Execute precision dispensing trials in laboratory, customer-facing, and production-style environments.
• Set up, operate, program, and troubleshoot micro dispense equipment, pumps, valves, controllers, and robotic systems.
• Develop and optimize dispensing processes for adhesives, thermal materials, underfills, coatings, sealants, UV materials, and other precision-applied fluids.
• Evaluate dispensing performance, including dot size, bead geometry, placement accuracy, repeatability, material flow characteristics, and process capability.
• Troubleshoot application issues involving dispense consistency, material behavior, process parameters, and equipment performance.
• Support customer sample preparation, proof-of-concept testing, feasibility studies, and application development projects.
• Capture trial observations, process parameters, technical results, and recommendations through detailed documentation and reporting.
• Support equipment installations, commissioning activities, validation efforts, and process debugging as required.
• Provide technical recommendations to engineering, sales, project management, and customer teams regarding equipment selection, process improvements, and application feasibility.
• Translate trial results into practical process solutions that improve quality, throughput, and reliability.
• Conduct customer demonstrations and explain process capabilities, equipment functionality, and application results.
• Assist with customer training, technical workshops, trade shows, and other customer-facing activities.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to evaluate new dispensing technologies, equipment enhancements, and material applications.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, fixtures, and testing resources to support efficient execution of application projects.
• Stay current on emerging precision dispensing technologies, materials, automation trends, and industry best practices.

SKILLS:

• Strong hands-on mechanical, electrical, and process troubleshooting abilities.
• Experience setting up, programming, and optimizing precision dispensing systems.
• Knowledge of precision dispense technologies included micro dispense, one- and two-component dispense, needle dispense, flow-based systems, vacuum potting, and precision valve technologies preferred.
• Experience with robotic systems, motion control platforms, and automation integration.
• Understanding of fluid behavior and how viscosity, temperature, rheology, and application parameters impact dispensing performance.
• Familiarity with dispensing pumps, valves, controllers, tooling, fixtures, and process monitoring equipment.
• Ability to optimize dispense processes based on performance data and application requirements.
• Experience supporting application development, technical demonstrations, and process validation activities.
• Strong technical documentation and reporting skills.
• Experience working with electronics assembly, automotive manufacturing, precision assembly, or industrial automation environments preferred.
• Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's or associate degree in engineering, manufacturing technology, automation, robotics, industrial technology, electronics technology, or a related technical field.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience with precision dispensing, fluid handling systems, robotics, automation, electronics manufacturing, or process development preferred.

PERSONALITY REQUIREMENTS/ATTRIBUTES/BEHAVIORS:

• Ability to think entrepreneurially, strategically, and cross-functionally.
• Strong technical curiosity and desire to continuously learn new technologies.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with disciplined documentation practices.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in dynamic, fast-paced trial environments.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Positive, motivated, and solutions-oriented team player.
• Customer-focused mindset with strong interpersonal skills.

Job location

Auburn Hills, MI