Applications Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Applications EngineerJob Duties and Responsibilities:Provide technical support to the sales team, ensuring accurate and timely assistance.Interpret and establish a thorough understanding of contract documents, including customer technical specifications, user requirements, and component/assembly prints.Develop technical solutions aligned with the specified Scope of Work (SOW).Identify, communicate, and document potential risks associated with projects.Ensure technical correctness and feasibility of concepts.Supply engineering teams with all relevant information to initiate projects effectively.Provide regular updates on ongoing concepts to sales and management teams.Maintain and update tasks in the CRM system.Track and document time spent on individual projects.Assist sales staff during customer visits, presentations, and online meetings.Define project assumptions and exceptions in appropriate company documents.Schedule technical and financial reviews for projects.Implement and apply company standards in concept development and cost estimation processes.Analyze manual, automated, and robotic operations using industry-recognized methods.Identify high-cost or long-lead-time components and collaborate with vendors to obtain quotes.Ensure timely completion of Project Binders.Provide support to the Operations group as projects progress through the design and build phases.Collaborate with other company divisions' Applications and Sales departments as needed.Update and maintain the costing database as required.Ensure compliance with ISO 9000 procedures.Perform additional duties as assigned by the manager or supervisor.Qualifications:Associate degree (minimum); Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline preferred.Practical experience and knowledge in machine design.Familiarity with assembly automation and related processes.Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD systems (e.g., SolidWorks), word processing, and spreadsheet programs.Ability to travel as required. 5%Physical capability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more.Willingness to engage in occasional reaching, stretching, pulling overhead, kneeling, bending, or crouching. Applications Engineer - Custom AutomationCompensation: Up to $115,000 (based on experience)An established custom automation company is looking for an Applications Engineer to support technically complex automation projects from early concept through handoff to engineering and operations. This role sits at the intersection of sales, engineering, and operations, translating customer requirements into practical, cost-effective automation solutions.If you enjoy solving problems, defining solutions before a machine is ever built, and working closely with both customers and internal teams, this role will be a strong fit.What You'll Be DoingProvide technical support to the sales team during quoting, concept development, and customer discussionsReview and interpret customer specifications, SOWs, contract documents, and assembly/component printsDevelop technical concepts and automation solutions aligned with customer requirementsIdentify technical risks, assumptions, and exceptions and clearly document themEnsure concepts are technically sound, feasible, and aligned with company standardsPrepare and maintain accurate cost estimates, including identifying high-cost or long-lead componentsWork with vendors to obtain component pricing and technical inputSupport customer visits, presentations, and virtual meetings as neededMaintain project activity, time tracking, and updates within the CRM systemCoordinate technical and financial project reviewsSupport Operations as projects move into design and build phasesMaintain costing databases and ensure documentation (Project Binders) is completed on timeEnsure compliance with ISO 9000 proceduresCollaborate with other internal Applications and Sales teams as neededWhat They're Looking ForAssociate degree required; Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline preferredHands-on experience with machine design and automation conceptsFamiliarity with assembly automation, including manual, automated, and robotic operationsProficiency with 2D and 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred)Comfortable working with spreadsheets, documentation, and costing toolsStrong communication skills with the ability to bridge sales and engineeringWillingness to travel occasionally (~5%)Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform occasional physical activities related to the roleWhy This RoleWork on custom, non-cookie-cutter automation projectsHigh visibility role with strong interaction across sales, engineering, and operationsOpportunity to influence solutions early-before designs are locked inCompetitive compensation up to $115KStable, engineering-driven automation environmentQualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.


Meet Your Recruiter

Ric Delgado
Team Lead and Principal Recruiter

Ric is a Team Lead and Principal Recruiter at Sterling Engineering with more than a decade of technical recruiting experience, including over eight years with Sterling. In his role, he leads recruiting efforts while also working hands-on with clients and candidates throughout the full hiring process.

From sourcing hard-to-find technical talent to navigating offer negotiations, Ric focuses on creating strong, lasting matches that benefit both the individual and the organization. His approach is built on understanding technical environments, listening closely to hiring needs and career goals, and aligning the right people with the right opportunities.

Ric enjoys recruiting because of the meaningful impact it can have on someone's career. Whether helping a candidate pursue a growth opportunity, improve work-life balance, or step into a leadership role, he is driven by the opportunity to support people through important career decisions. At the same time, he takes pride in helping companies build high-performing teams that move their business forward.

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Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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