Automation Applications Engineer

Process Distribution Group; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Process Distribution Group is seeking an Application Engineer to support customers by designing and implementing motion control and automation solutions. You will act as the technical bridge among customers, suppliers, and internal teams, delivering high-performance systems for industries such as semiconductor and biotech.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field and have strong skills in automation systems and project management. The expected starting salary is up to $100,000 annually, with additional incentives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Strong understanding of automation systems and electromechanical design.
• Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop motion control and automation systems.
• Support customer-facing technical discussions and solution development.
• Configure and program automation components using vendor tools.

Skills

Automation systems

Motion control

Programming (C++, Python, .NET)

Technical communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field

Tools

PLCs

Automation components

Job description

As an Application Engineer in Valin’s Automation Group, you will support customers and sales teams by designing and implementing motion control and automation solutions. You will act as the technical bridge between customers, suppliers, and internal teams—helping deliver high-performance systems for industries like semiconductor, biotech, and advanced manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop motion control and automation systems (motors, drives, stages, controllers)
• Partner with sales engineers to support customer-facing technical discussions and solution development
• Translate customer requirements into engineered solutions, bills of materials, and proposals
• Support the full project lifecycle: pre‑sales (design/quoting) to post‑sales (troubleshooting/commissioning)
• Configure and program automation components using vendor tools
• Provide technical training and support to customers and internal teams
• Work closely with suppliers to select and apply the right technologies
• Create documentation, drawings, and tools to streamline quoting and project execution
• Stay current on automation technologies, competitor products, and market trends
• Contribute technical expertise to marketing content and product positioning

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• Strong understanding of automation systems, motion control, or electromechanical design
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly
• Experience managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines
• Basic programming and software knowledge
• Experience with motion control systems, PLCs, and industrial automation preferred
• Familiarity with programming languages (e.g., C++, Python, .NET) preferred
• Experience in semiconductor, biotech, or high‑tech manufacturing environments preferred

Compensation

The expected starting rate of pay for this position is $100,000 annually, depending on experience. This position is also incentive eligible, based on specific and relevant business metrics.

Work Environment

Combination of office work and customer/site visits, with hands‑on involvement in system testing and troubleshooting.

Legal Notice

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals occupying this position of employment. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of all individuals assigned to this job title. Management reserves the right to modify all or part of this job description at its discretion in order to meet location requirements, staffing levels, and/or any other needs of the business. All of the essential functions of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or equivalent state law, may not have been described. All requests for reasonable accommodation(s) will be reviewed and evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled