About the role The Applications Engineer is an experienced individual contributor responsible for developing manufacturing system concepts, preparing automation proposals, and supporting the Axis team through the transition of awarded solutions. This role requires strong working knowledge of project budgeting, custom automated equipment, manufacturing processes, and related engineering disciplines including controls, mechanical, industrial, and welding applications. This role combines technical problem-solving, estimating, process development, and customer interaction to develop practical, accurate, and commercially responsible proposals for custom automation projects. The Applications Engineer works with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional Axis team members to understand requirements, develop concepts, establish scope, estimate cost and timing, identify risks, and support projects through successful handoff. Responsibilities Prepare detailed automation proposals including manufacturing concepts, process steps, budgets, cycle time analysis, labor estimates, material requirements, risks, assumptions, project timing, and technical scope. Develop automation concepts for assembly, welding, adhesive, machining, material handling, inspection, robotics, and other automated processes. Translate customer requirements and specifications into clear proposal and project inputs. Collaborate with mechanical engineering, controls engineering, and project management teams to develop complete solutions. Lead or support customer and internal meetings involving concepts, scope, assumptions, risks, and commercial considerations. Independently manage assigned opportunities and escalate technical, commercial, or schedule concerns as needed. Participate in proposal reviews and contribute to estimating accuracy and proposal quality. Support project kickoff by communicating proposal intent, customer requirements, assumptions, and scope to project teams. Share lessons learned, vendor information, and estimating feedback to improve future proposals and processes. Provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing to less experienced Applications Engineers. Maintain professional communication with customers, suppliers, and internal teams. Travel occasionally for customer meetings, project reviews, and proposal activities. Requirements Bachelor's Degree in an engineering-related field preferred, or comparable field experience in industrial automation, manufacturing engineering, applications engineering, or a similar technical role. Experience in industrial automation, manufacturing engineering, applications engineering, quoting/estimating, or project management. Strong knowledge of custom automation, manufacturing processes, budgeting, estimating, cycle time analysis, and proposal development. Familiarity with assembly, welding, adhesive, machining, robotics, inspection, material handling, or similar automated processes. Ability to develop concepts, define process steps, estimate cost and timing, and identify risks and assumptions. Strong communication and collaboration skills with customers, suppliers, and internal teams. Ability to work independently and manage multiple opportunities. Ability to provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing to less experienced team members. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word. Familiarity with CAD, 3D modeling, Visual Components, Spinfire, or similar tools preferred. Level 3 Salary: $85,000 - $105,000 Level 4 Salary: $100,000 - $125,000 Benefits Axis offers a comprehensive benefits package to our employees with immediate eligibility upon hire.
