Applications Engineer II

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Holland, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

JR Automation Technologies, LLC, a Hitachi Group Company, seeks an Applications Engineer II for our Holland, MI division. You will translate customer requirements into capable automation solutions, develop cost estimates, and prepare proposals in response to RFPs while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role supports hybrid or on-site work, requires CAD proficiency (SolidWorks/Creo/CATIA/Visual Components), and involves mentoring junior engineers and occasional travel up to 20%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• Five or more years of experience in automation, machinery, or related technical industries.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, Visual Components).
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Develop a thorough understanding of customer specifications, requirements, and pain points.
• Interact with customers during definition of machine requirements, concept development, and proposal presentation.
• Generate conceptual automation solutions using CAD tools.
• Develop cost estimates, risk assessments, 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 proposals defining scope of work and machine buy-off requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and interns.
• Travel to customer sites as needed (up to 20%).

Skills

Customer interaction

Proposal development

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

CATIA

Visual Components

Job description

Location: Holland, Michigan, United States Job ID: R0143104 Date Posted: 2026-08-28 Company Name: J.R. AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No

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

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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.

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.

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