Systems Application Engineer III

SICK AG; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 101,820 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

SICK is a global leader in sensor-based automation solutions. We are seeking a Systems Application Engineer III to drive advanced logistics automation projects, lead technical initiatives, and partner with customers to design scalable Track & Trace, Vision, RFID, and dimensioning solutions.

Strong leadership and hands-on execution are required. The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, proof-of-concept development, and mentoring junior engineers, with hybrid work options and

Qualifications

• 8+ years in industrial automation or related roles.
• 5+ years in logistics automation or industrial controls.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, industrial, computer engineering or related field.
• Travel up to 50–60% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and validation of complex Track & Trace, Vision, RFID, Dimensioning, Weighing, and Automation solutions.
• Serve as technical lead for strategic customer opportunities and initiatives.
• Develop proof-of-concept demonstrations and advanced application testing.
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of complex field issues.
• Provide guidance on network architecture, software integration, data communications, and system performance optimization.
• Participate in customer discovery meetings and technical design reviews.
• Lead customer application assessments and recommend optimized solutions.
• Support sales with technical consultations and executive-level presentations.
• Evaluate competitive technologies and identify new business opportunities.
• Define product gaps and collaborate with Product Management and Engineering on future requirements.
• Lead evaluation and qualification of third-party technologies.
• Support design, implementation, commissioning, and acceptance testing across projects.
• Develop customer documentation, test plans, installation guidelines, and training materials.
• Mentor and develop Application Engineers; lead training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Skills

Barcode & Auto-ID

RFID Systems

Machine Vision

OCR/ICR

Dimensioning & Weighing

PLC Integration

Industrial Networking

Data Communication Protocols

Troubleshooting

Root Cause Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

CRM systems

Python

Job description

SICK is one of the world’s leading solutions providers for sensor-based applications in the industrial sector. Founded in 1946 by Dr.-Ing. e. h. Erwin Sick and headquartered in Waldkirch im Breisgau near Freiburg, the company is a technology and market leader with 63 subsidiaries and affiliates as well as numerous agencies around the globe. SICK has more than 10,000 employees worldwide and generated a group revenue of EUR 1.8billion in the 2025 fiscal year.

Job Description Systems Application Engineer III

Mission of the Role

This position serves as a senior technical resource within the Integrated Automation logistics team, developing and supporting advanced automation solutions for logistics and distribution operations. This role partners with customers and cross-functional teams to solve complex application challenges involving scanning, vision, RFID, dimensioning, weighing, and software integration while providing technical leadership and customer support throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership:
  • Lead the development and validation of complex Track & Trace, Vision, RFID, Dimensioning, Weighing, and Automation solutions.
  • Serve as the technical lead for strategic customer opportunities and critical business initiatives.
  • Develop proof-of-concept demonstrations and advanced application testing.
  • Drive root cause analysis and resolution of complex field issues.
  • Provide guidance on network architecture, software integration, data communications, and system performance optimization.
• Customer Support & Business Development:
  • Participate in customer discovery meetings and technical design reviews.
  • Lead customer application assessments and recommend optimized solutions.
  • Support sales teams with technical consultations and executive-level customer presentations.
  • Evaluate competitive technologies and recommend strategies to maintain market leadership.
  • Assist in identifying new business opportunities and emerging technology trends.
• Product & Solution Development:
  • Define product gaps and enhancement recommendations.
  • Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering on future product requirements.
  • Contribute to development of standardized solutions and reusable application templates.
  • Lead evaluation and qualification of third-party technologies.
• Project Execution:
  • Support project teams during design, implementation, commissioning, and acceptance testing.
  • Review project requirements, specifications, and acceptance criteria.
  • Develop customer documentation, test plans, installation guidelines, and training materials.
  • Support critical onsite deployments and escalations.
• Mentoring & Continuous Improvement:
  • Mentor and develop Application Engineers I and II.
  • Lead technical training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
  • Establish best practices for troubleshooting, validation, and customer support.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across engineering processes.
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or required.

Key Qualifications

• Experience:
  • 8+ years of industrial automation, systems engineering, application engineering, or related experience preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience supporting logistics automation, materiel handling, manufacturing automation, or industrial controls.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline required.
• Certifications: None is required.
• Position-specific Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting key industry logistic customer.
  • Experience with automated sortation systems and conveyor controls.
  • Experience defining system architecture and communication interfaces.
  • Project leadership experience.
  • Technical training and mentoring experience.
  • Technical Skills: Barcode and Auto-ID technologies, RFID systems, Machine Vision and OCR/ICR technologies, Dimensioning and Weighing systems, PLC integration, Industrial networking, Data communication protocols, and system troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Computer/Technological: Use of CRM systems; Python; extensive computer use (monitor more than 4 hours a day).
• Language: Professional written and spoken fluency in English required.
• Schedule: Generally Monday to Friday, full time; be on-call on some weekends (if required).
• General Working Conditions: Be able to usually work in an office environment; flexible (hybrid) work arrangements available.
• Travel: Travel up to 50 – 60% of the time.
• Work Status: Legally permitted to work in the country you are applying and willing to undergo an employment background check.

Compensation

The base salary is one part of our Total Rewards package and is determined within a range. The starting base salary range for this position is listed below; the actual starting salary will be based on a variety of factors including experience, skill set, education, performance, licenses/certifications, business needs and other job-related factors, as permitted by law.

• Starting Base Annual Salary Range: $101,820 - $154,000
• Bonus Eligibility: This role is eligible for an annual bonus based on a combination of company and individual performance.

SICK is an equal opportunity employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.