Applications Engineer III

Hitachi•Auburn Hills, MI

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is seeking an Application Engineer in Auburn Hills, MI. This role focuses on developing competitive technical solutions for custom automated equipment. The position involves reviewing customer specifications, developing system concepts, costs, and proposals, and managing customer relationships. The engineer will also be responsible for generating conceptual solutions, leading brainstorming sessions, and coordinating reviews of quote packages. Additionally, the role includes mentoring less experienced engineers, supporting account managers, and presenting solutions internally and externally. The position requires maintaining CRM data, scheduling kickoff meetings, supporting project tollgate meetings, and attending design reviews to ensure scope conformance.

Requirements

5+ years of industry experience leading successful projects.
Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field or related industry experience.
Proficient in all Applications Engineering processes and tools.
Experience in sales and/or customer interaction.

Nice To Haves

Mechanical or Mechatronics engineer strongly preferred.
Background in Body in White applications and quoting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Review customer technical specifications and requirements in preparation for the development of System Concepts, Costs, Risk Assessments, and Proposal Documents that define the content and functionality of the proposed Scope of Work.
Apply Practical Conformance to the JRA Corporate Practices, Procedures and Tools, specifically those developed for the use and function of the Applications Engineering Department.
Coordinating and executing large multi-business unit quotes.
Managing core customers.
Developing internal win strategy and execution, understanding customer pain points, and facilitating quote package development towards a winning quote package.
Generating and rendering conceptual solutions for customer problems which may have no previous or standard solutions in various CAD formats.
Facilitating concept brainstorming, leading docket review meetings with little need of support higher level AE’s.
Coordinating and scheduling both preliminary and final reviews of Audience Quote Packages, including internal and external assessments. These reviews cover Concept Solutions, Cycle Time Charts, Flow Charts, Risk Assessments, System Costs, proposed Delivery Schedules, and potential Customer Requirements that require management attention.
Developing Proposals that clearly and completely defined the proposed Scope of Work, the Rate of Production, outlines the Machine Buy-off requirements, identifies Customer Part requirements thru all Project Phases, and includes appropriate Assumptions and Exceptions to the proposed Scope of Work.
Aiding in the mentorship of less experienced Apps Engineers, Co-ops and Interns.
Supporting Account Managers by ensuring pain points and competitive advantages are leveraged into the Proposals.
Traveling independently or with an Account Manager.
Independently presenting in meetings to internal functional team members, upper level management and to customers.
Maintaining assignment-specific AE related fields in company CRM.
Schedule and facilitate Project Kickoff Meetings for PEP.
Supporting functional team members associated with a project by facilitating required Tollgate Meetings for awarded work and consulting with the PM for scope variation.
Attend early Phase Project Design Reviews to ensure conformance to “As Sold” Scope of Work.