Applications Engineer

Sterling Engineering, Inc.; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

HSA/FSALife and Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Development Assistance

Job summary

Sterling Engineering, Inc. in Buffalo Grove, IL is seeking an Applications Engineer – Custom Automation to design and deliver tailored automation solutions for manufacturing clients.

This role combines applications engineering with technical sales, guiding projects from initial concept through installation and startup. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in custom automation, strong CAD skills and project leadership, and excellent communication for customer interactions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven experience in custom automation or factory automation.
• Proven knowledge of PLCs, robotics, conveyors, and industrial automation systems.
• Strong experience with AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Experience managing automation projects from concept through installation and production startup.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and present custom automation solutions for manufacturing customers.
• Evaluate customer requirements and technical documentation to draft concepts.
• Prepare detailed proposals, quotations, budgets, layouts, and project estimates.
• Manage automation projects from concept to commissioning and startup.
• Collaborate with customers, engineering, and operations to ensure project success.
• Meet with customers to identify new business opportunities and provide technical guidance.
• Serve as technical resource and SME for automation solutions.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to engineering team members.
• Participate in reviews, troubleshooting, and design optimization.
• Support installation, startup, validation, and customer acceptance activities.
• Travel to customer sites for meetings and reviews as needed.

Skills

5+ years experience in automation

PLCs

Robotics

Conveyors

Industrial automation systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial/Mechatronics or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Title: Applications Engineer – Custom Automation
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL Area (Onsite)
Hire Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Shift: Monday–Friday, Day Shift
Compensation: $90,000–$120,000 annually

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• HSA/FSALife and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Assistance

Must Have Skill Set

• Must have a minimum of 5+ years of proven experience in custom automated machinery or factory automation.
• Must have working knowledge of PLCs, robotics, conveyors, and industrial automation systems.
• Must have strong experience with AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Needs to have proven experience managing automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and production startup.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Applications / Sales Engineer with a strong background in custom automation and manufacturing systems to develop innovative automation solutions for customers. This role is responsible for evaluating customer requirements, designing custom automation concepts, preparing technical proposals and cost estimates, and managing projects from initial concept through manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and production startup. The ideal candidate has proven experience in applications engineering, technical sales, factory automation, and machine design, along with exceptional customer-facing communication skills and the ability to lead technical discussions while supporting business development initiatives. This position requires a highly collaborative engineering professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex automation challenges.

Job Duties

• Design, develop, and present complete custom automation solutions that improve manufacturing productivity and operational efficiency.
• Evaluate customer requirements, specifications, manufacturing processes, and technical documentation to develop innovative automation concepts.
• Prepare detailed proposals, quotations, budgets, layouts, project estimates, and supporting technical documentation.
• Manage automation projects from concept, engineering release, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, startup, and production support.
• Collaborate closely with customers, engineering teams, manufacturing, and operations to ensure successful project execution.
• Meet directly with customers to identify new business opportunities, review project requirements, and provide technical expertise throughout the sales process.
• Serve as the primary technical resource and subject matter expert for automation solutions and custom machinery.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to engineering team members.
• Participate in project reviews, troubleshooting efforts, continuous improvement initiatives, and design optimization.
• Support equipment installation, startup, system validation, and customer acceptance activities.
• Travel to customer facilities for project meetings, equipment reviews, installation support, commissioning, and system acceptance as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Technology, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in custom automation, factory automation, or automated machinery.
• Proven experience in applications engineering, automation systems integration, technical sales, or automation cost estimating is required.
• Experience working with an automation systems integrator is highly preferred.
• Strong proficiency using AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Proven knowledge of PLCs, robotics, conveyors, machine design, and industrial automation systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple automation projects from concept through installation and commissioning.
• Excellent technical writing, presentation, communication, and customer relationship skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25% to customer locations.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.