Principal Application Engineer - Life Sciences

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; United States; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, seeks a Principal Applications Engineer for Life Sciences to lead a multidisciplinary AE team in pursuing new life sciences opportunities in the United States. You will partner with account managers to craft winning technical solutions and direction to win future projects.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years leading major projects, deep life sciences automation expertise, and proficiency with AE tools and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related business or engineering field.
• 10+ years of industry experience leading successful projects and highly motivated teams.
• Proficient in all Applications Engineering processes and tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Team of Application Engineers to pursue new customer opportunities within the Life Sciences vertical.
• Develop strategic direction and win strategies with a team of Engineers to secure future work.
• Manage development of cost-effective technical solutions meeting customer requirements.

Skills

Team Leadership

Life Sciences

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

CRM

Job description

Location: Remote - Michigan, United States Job ID: R0107558 Date Posted: 2025-12-03 Company Name: J.R. AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science Job Schedule: Full time Remote: Yes

Job Description

The Opportunity: 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 looking to create a Life Sciences Market Applications Engineering team to pursue new customers within the Life Sciences market. Join us as a Principal Applications Engineer – Life Sciences Vertical. Location Type: This is a hybrid position located near any of our existing JR Automation Divisions in Holland, Stevensville, Detroit, Greenville, Nashville, or Salt Lake City.

How You’ll Make an Impact

A Principal Applications Engineer – Life Sciences, will partner with our account managers to develop new customer win strategies and winning technical solutions which meet our customer requirements within the Energy market vertical. The Principal AE will be a Subject Matter Expert as it pertains to various technologies and processes within the Life Sciences vertical. The Principal AE will lead a team of engineers and provide direction while in pursuit of future projects for JR Automation to execute.

Requirements for a Principal Applications Engineer role typically include, but are not limited to

• Lead a Team of Application Engineers to pursue new customer opportunities within the Life Sciences vertical.
• Develop strategic direction and develop win strategies with a team of Engineers to be successful in obtaining future work from new customers within the Life Sciences market.
• Manage the Development of Cost-Effective Technical Solutions which meet Customer requirements and achieve the targeted price associated with opportunity while meeting customer requirements.
• Promote innovation by identifying new technologies and approaches to improve our win rate on with new customers.
• Work closely with the Market Vertical Leader and sales team to identify potential Merger & Acquisition targets to support our corporate growth objectives
• Identify & Implement Continuous Improvement Initiatives related to AE Tools and Processes.
• Evaluate the viability of new customer opportunities introduced by the Sales Team Members.
• Ensure proper Application Engineer Staffing and Competency Levels to meet the Sales & Business Objectives for future growth within the Life Sciences vertical.
• Direct and Supervise the Applications Engineering Team for Life Sciences.
• Develop the skills of greater Application Engineering team through guidance, feedback, and knowledge sharing.

Responsibilities

Possess thorough knowledge of automation within Life Sciences and leverage Cost-Effective Solutions in keeping with the Business Capabilities. Manage the Development of Win Strategies and Cost-Effective Technical Solutions to Customer Opportunities consistent and compliant with the Capabilities, Requirements, Standards and Objectives of the Division and overall company. Qualifying incoming opportunities to ensure strategic alignment with the Life Sciences vertical growth objectives. Managing & Maintain AE-related fields in Company CRM. Ensure AE team is adhering to company best practices and procedures. Supporting Application Engineers and divisionally based Functional Teams to solve problems with no previous or standard solution. Actively engaged in development and review of quote packages prior to submission. Ensures conformance to specifications, development of project risk assessments, accuracy and quality of information developed through the quote development process. Generating and presenting company strategy for achieving yearly business objectives including necessary Periodic Reports for Management Review. Continuously improve company-wide processes and team member performance. Ensure that all quotes include appropriate Risk Mitigation Plans. Ensure conformance to “As Sold” scope of work within the early stages of each project through attending and engaging with PEP milestones thru concept review. Supporting Account Managers by attending customer visits for key accounts. Developing company standards specific to automation equipment within Life Sciences. Annual performance reviews of team members within the Life Sciences AE Team. 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 a related business or engineering field.
• 10+ years of industry experience leading successful projects and highly motivated teams (15+ years’ experience preferred).
• Proficient in all Applications Engineering processes and tools.

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. 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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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.