Applications Engineer

THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY CO LLC•Eugene, OR

19h

About The Position

The Applications Engineer plays a key role in developing and delivering advanced robotic automation solutions for manufacturing environments. This position leads the front‑end technical development of automation projects - from initial customer discovery through concept development, proposal support, and handoff to execution. While the role is primarily focused on robotic systems, projects may also include supporting automation technologies such as conveyance, material handling, vision systems, liquid dispensing and controls integration where required to deliver a complete solution. The Applications Engineer works closely with Customers, Sales, Engineering, and Operations to translate manufacturing challenges into practical, high‑performance automated systems that are technically sound, commercially viable, and aligned with internal capabilities. This is a high‑visibility role with direct influence on customer solutions, capital investment decisions, and the company’s long-term robotics and automation roadmap.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent hands on automation experience.
Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial robotics, automation integration, applications engineering, or technical sales.
Strong experience with robotic systems and automated manufacturing cells.
Working knowledge of PLC‑based control systems, HMIs, industrial sensing technologies, and system safety concepts.
Experience evaluating manufacturing processes and developing robotic automation concepts.
Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or 3D CAD tools.
Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production metrics, and automation ROI.
Experience developing technical proposals and system concepts.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts to both engineering teams and executive stakeholders.
Highly organized, self‑driven, and capable of managing multiple concurrent opportunities.
Valid driver’s license and US Passport required
Ability to travel 30–50% both domestic and internationally

Nice To Haves

CRM experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead technical discovery with customers to identify robotic automation opportunities and define system requirements.
Conduct on‑site evaluations of manual and semi‑automated processes, including cycle time analysis, throughput targets, quality requirements, ergonomics, and safety considerations.
Develop robotic system concepts including robot selection, cell layouts, material handling approaches, end-of‑arm tooling concepts, safety concepts, and overall system architecture.
Incorporate supporting automation elements (conveyors, vision systems, controls, peripheral equipment) as required to complete the robotic solution.
Create concept layouts, preliminary designs, and technical narratives to support proposals.
Assess technical feasibility, risks, assumptions, and integration constraints.
Support internal costing and quoting efforts with accurate technical input.
Serve as the technical lead during proposal reviews and transition projects to engineering and project management teams.
Support the technical portion of the sales cycle from initial engagement through proposal delivery.
Partner with Sales to identify, develop, and grow robotic automation opportunities with new and existing customers.
Present robotic system concepts, automation strategies, and ROI justification to customers and internal stakeholders.
Verify scope alignment, technical accuracy, and readiness prior to sales order release.
Maintain accurate technical notes, opportunity data, and activity tracking in the CRM system.
Attend customer meetings, sales events, and trade shows as required.