Applications Engineer II

Hitachi, Ltd.; Holland (MI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, is seeking an Applications Engineer II to translate customer requirements into capable automation concepts and proposals. You will own concept development, cost estimation, and RFP responses while collaborating with cross-functional teams and supporting Account Managers.

This role requires hands-on CAD experience (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, Visual Components) and 5+ years in automation or related industries.

Qualifications

• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Hands-on experience in Applications Engineering, quoting, and customer interaction.
• Experience in automation, machinery, or related technical industries (5+ years).
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, Visual Components).
• Current or prior JR Automation experience, or experience in the automation industry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Understand customer specifications and pain points.
• Interact with customers during definition of machine requirements and proposals.
• Generate conceptual automation solutions for applications with no standard solutions using CAD tools.
• Develop cost estimates, risk assessments, and system flow diagrams to support proposals.
• Prepare and participate in quote reviews, presenting concepts, costs, risks, and timelines.
• Write clear proposals detailing scope of work and customer requirements.
• Support Account Managers by incorporating customer pain points into proposals.
• Provide cross-functional technical support during quoting and early projects.
• Mentor junior engineers, co-ops, and interns.
• Travel to customer sites and company locations up to 20%.

Skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

CATIA

Visual Components

Job description

Job Description

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we’re always looking to strengthen our team across the globe. Join us as an Applications Engineer II, supporting our Holland Division (Quality Drive facility).

The Applications Engineer II is responsible for developing competitive, customer-focused automation solutions within the custom automation equipment industry. This role translates customer requirements and pain points into technically capable, cost-effective system concepts that can be proposed, sold, and executed. The Applications Engineer II/III owns concept development, cost estimation, and proposal creation in response to customer Requests for Proposal (RFPs), while supporting Account Managers and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Location Type:

This position can be hybrid or onsite.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Gaining a thorough understanding of the Customer Specifications, Requirements and existing Pain Points
• Develop and Define cost competitive, capable, Technical Solutions that meet Internal & External Customer requirements.
• Apply Practical Conformance to the JRA Applications Engineering Corporate Practices, Procedures and Tools
• Provide Cross Functional Team Support for Projects for which you were the assigned Application Engineer.
• Aiding in the Mentorship of Less Experienced Apps Engineers, Co-ops & Interns

Responsibilities:

• Develop a thorough understanding of customer specifications, requirements, and operational pain points.
• Interact with customers during the definition of machine requirements, concept development, and proposal presentation.
• Generate conceptual automation solutions for applications with no standard or prior solutions using CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or Visual Components.
• Develop cost estimates, risk assessments, cycle time analyses, and system flow diagrams to support proposals.
• Prepare and participate in internal and external quote reviews, presenting concepts, costs, risks, and delivery timelines.
• Author clear and comprehensive proposals defining scope of work, production rates, machine buy-off requirements, and customer part requirements.
• Support Account Managers by incorporating customer pain points and competitive advantages into proposals.
• Provide cross-functional technical support during the quoting and early project phases.
• Applying Practical Conformance to Corporate Practices, Procedures and Tools
• Mentor junior Applications Engineers, co-ops, and interns.
• Travel to customer sites and company locations as needed, up to 20%.

Note:

This list of responsibilities is not inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.

What You’ll Bring:

• Experience in Welding & Heavy Industrial/Agriculture OR Food & Beverage/Dairy industries is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field, calculated as two (2) years of relevant work experience for each year of academic study.
• Five or more years of experience in automation, machinery, or related technical industries.
• Hands‑on experience in Applications Engineering, quoting, and customer interaction.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, Visual Components).
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Current or prior JR Automation experience, or experience in the automation industry is strongly preferred.

Disclaimer: JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.

Company Overview:

At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what’s possible to automate for tomorrow.

Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.

Fueled by Possible.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to [e-mail]. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.