Applications Engineer

Title: Applications EngineerLocation: Rolling Meadows, ILHire Type: Contract to HireCompensation: $35-45/hrlyBenefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.Overview:Are you an Applications Engineer who thrives at the intersection of technology, customer collaboration, and problem-solving? Do you enjoy turning complex service needs into clear, value-driven technical solutions? Join a fast-growing, innovation-driven automation organization where your expertise directly impacts customer success.This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys owning customer opportunities, influencing technical solutions, and partnering closely with service and sales teams to deliver exceptional outcomes. You’ll play a critical role in shaping service strategies, supporting cutting-edge automation systems, and strengthening long-term customer relationships.Job Duties: Translate customer service needs into accurate, compelling service proposals and RFQs across a broad portfolio of automation service offerings.Serve as a trusted technical partner, engaging customers to understand their systems, challenges, and long-term goals, and recommending value-added solutions.Own and manage the service opportunity pipeline using CRM tools, ensuring visibility, accuracy, and momentum from inquiry through delivery.Collaborate with service and sales leadership to develop commercial service packages, plan customer visits, and support strategic growth initiatives.Support customer satisfaction initiatives by tracking feedback, following up on service performance, and driving continuous improvement.Identify and contribute to process improvements that streamline service operations and enhance the customer experience.Assist with resolving open service invoices when needed to maintain strong customer partnerships.Stay current on evolving service offerings, automation technologies, and best practices through ongoing technical and sales training.Leverage CRM, ERP, and business systems to improve efficiency and ensure seamless cross-functional communication.Operate in alignment with company policies, safety standards, and ethical guidelines.Qualifications: Bachelors degree or higher in Engineering, Technology, or a related business/technical discipline.5+ years of experience in a technical service, applications engineering, parts, or solution-oriented sales environment.Strong ability to understand complex automation or manufacturing systems and communicate solutions clearly to customers.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.