Applications Engineer (Machinery Automation Systems)

Why Join Mission?
At Mission Design & Automation, we build custom automation systems that solve real manufacturing challenges. Every project is different, every solution is engineered from the ground up, and every team member has a direct impact on the final result.

At Mission, you'll find:

• Challenging, custom automation projects - no repetitive production work.
• The opportunity to influence projects from concept through completion.
• A collaborative team where knowledge sharing and mentorship are part of the culture.
• Meaningful work that solves complex manufacturing challenges.
• Opportunities to grow professionally while working alongside talented engineers, designers, and builders.
• The satisfaction of seeing your designs become real machines that customers rely on every day.

Position Summary:
We're looking for an Applications Engineer who wants to make an impact.

In this role, you'll collaborate with customers, account managers, project managers, and engineering teams to develop innovative automation concepts that solve complex manufacturing challenges. You'll help shape solutions from the earliest conversations through proposal development and project handoff, balancing technical expertise with customer-focused communication.

If you enjoy solving unique problems, presenting creative concepts, collaborating across disciplines, and helping customers find the right solutions, we'd like to meet you.

Location: Full-time position onsite in Holland, MI. Shop hours are 7am-4pm

Benefits:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid company holidays
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Company-sponsored lunches, events, and team activities
• Access to employee resources and exclusive partner discounts
• Profit-sharing bonuses

What You’ll Do:
As an Applications Engineer at Mission Design & Automation, you will:

• Develop innovative automation concepts that solve manufacturing challenges, including applications with no standard or existing solution.
• Present automation concepts and technical solutions to customers independently or as part of a collaborative team.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, controls engineers, project managers, and sales teams to develop practical, customer-focused automation solutions.
• Support account managers by creating winning concepts, technical proposals, and quotation packages for both new and existing customers.
• Coordinate opportunities from initial customer engagement through proposal development and project award, helping drive successful outcomes.
• Define project scope by identifying customer requirements, specifying run-off criteria, and ensuring customer specifications are clearly understood and communicated internally.
• Facilitate concept brainstorming sessions and lead quote review meetings with account managers and project leaders to develop the strongest possible solutions.
• Support project teams after award by participating in kickoff meetings, design reviews, and production floor collaboration during project execution.
• Travel independently or with project teams to support customer meetings, project activities, and relational development.

What You Bring:
Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related business/engineering field and/or 1-3+ years of industry experience
• Strong mechanical aptitude and technical problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with both customers and internal teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, project-based environment.
• Strong collaboration and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with custom automation, machine design, robotics, or manufacturing systems.
• Customer-facing experience presenting technical solutions or supporting sales efforts.
• Experience reviewing technical specifications and developing project proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions and facilitate collaborative meetings.

Don’t Meet Every Qualification?
We understand that no candidate checks every box. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe you have the skills to succeed, we encourage you to apply.

Travel:
Travel of approximately 20% may be required for trade shows and customer support, including domestic and occasional international travel. 

What It’s Like to Work Here:
At Mission, we believe great engineering starts with great people.

You'll work alongside experienced professionals who enjoy solving difficult problems, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another. We value accountability, trust, continuous improvement, and taking pride in building quality equipment.

Whether you're commissioning a machine, helping a teammate overcome a technical challenge, or celebrating a successful customer startup, your work has a visible impact on our customers and our team.

Why West Michigan?
West Michigan is more than a great place to work. It is a great place to build your life.

West Michigan offers:

• A strong manufacturing and engineering economy
• An affordable cost of living compared to many major metropolitan areas
• A variety of communities, from urban cities to small towns or rural areas, all within a reasonable commute
• Welcoming communities, quality schools, and short commute times that support a healthy work-life balance
• Easy access to both the lakeshore and the city with Holland located just 10 miles from Lake Michigan and 25 miles from downtown Grand Rapids
• Year-round recreation, including beaches, parks, hiking and biking trails, skiing, festivals, local restaurants and breweries, arts and culture, and professional sports

Whether you're looking to advance your engineering career, enjoy an active lifestyle, or put down roots in a growing community, West Michigan offers the opportunity to do all.