Applications Engineer

Senior Applications Engineer - Project Lead for Automation & Metrology Equipment Pittsburgh, PA Hybrid | Travel up to 10% (North America & Europe)

The Senior Applications Engineer (Sr AE) is a highly assertive, results-driven technical and project management leader who serves as the primary liaison between the sales team and high-value customers. This role is instrumental in rapidly defining, proposing, and managing the delivery of complex automation and precision metrology solutions. The Sr AE acts as the primary technical authority during the pre-sales process, translating complex customer manufacturing and R&D challenges into specific, customized system proposals. Following the sale, the Sr AE serves as the owner and project manager for implemented solutions, organizing a cross-functional team to drive quick and successful deployment. This role demands a professional with a bias for action, independence, and detail, ensuring continuous high-trust relationships with clients and supporting the overall growth objectives of the company.

Essential Functions

By the end of the first year of being on the team, the accomplishments below are expected outcomes from this role. Executing these tasks and delivering customer projects from inception to completion independently is the definition of success.

• Pre-Sales Engineering Support
• Technical Proposal Authority: Take the lead on technical solution design, Statement of Work (SOW) preparation, and cost estimates for complex systems. Deliver this information to customers in a way that provokes confidence.
• Winning Solution Design: Translate customer manufacturing challenges into ROI-based system proposals that clearly articulate technical superiority.
• Technical Diplomacy: Take the lead on challenging customer assumptions when necessary to guide them toward the best technical outcome.
• Project Management
• Systems Execution: Work with internal order processing systems and tools to organize customer orders and projects.
• Customer Solution Timeline Ownership: Serve as the project owner of implemented solutions by managing customer's requirements and internal project resources. This role is done well when projects lead to customer advocacy.
• Building Foundation: When project work leads to success, organize and document the accomplishment in ways that can be used in future selling scenarios. White papers, application notes, and general purpose marketing materials are common.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Systems, or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited college or university.
• 5+ years of combined experience in applications engineering, equipment technical sales, or project management focused on capital equipment, industrial automation, or precision metrology.
• Proven success in a customer-facing role, including experience managing technical requirements and leading client solution meetings.

Technical Expertise

• Strong functional expertise in industrial automation concepts (robotics, machine vision, PC based automation) and advanced precision metrology (e.g., CMMs, laser scanning, optical systems).
• Understanding of motion, controls, sensors, or metrology hardware.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting mechanical drawings (including GD&T) and electrical schematics.
• Competent in advanced mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry) and skilled in spreadsheet-based calculations for engineering concepts (e.g., equations of motion, sensor accuracy/repeatability).

Core Competencies

• Results-Oriented Mindset: Confident decision-maker with a bias for action and a track record of taking ownership and driving outcomes.
• Leadership Presence: Strong communication and leadership presence, naturally geared toward proactive and assertive engagement.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and time-management skills, able to handle multiple complex tasks simultaneously while maintaining a focus on accuracy.
• Travel: Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time to customer sites in North America and Europe.
• Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. Peak Metrology does not provide US work authorization sponsorship for this position. OPT and CPT visa holders are not eligible for employment if they will need work authorization sponsorship at any time in the future.

What You'll Love About Us

We are a growing organization in an expanding market for automated machinery. This growth also means that we will continue to invest in our products and people. This leads to many opportunities for you to make an impact and learn new skills. Furthermore, we provide a flexible work environment and excellent benefits. Finally, we have built our business around our employees and strive to create a culture of excitement and inclusion that builds the future of work for our people.