Senior Applications Engineer — Custom Automation

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

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.