Junior Applications Engineer - Automation and Concept Development

ATC Automation•Cookeville, TN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

ATC Automation is seeking a Junior Applications Engineer – Automation & Concept Development to join their team in Cookeville, TN. This role is ideal for an early-career engineer interested in custom industrial automation. The engineer will collaborate with experienced professionals and customers to develop concepts for custom automation systems, working on unique projects rather than repetitive designs. The position involves reviewing customer requirements, drawings, production processes, and cycle-time goals to determine automation feasibility, machine design, technology selection, cost estimation, and solution communication.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Approximately 1–3 years of engineering, manufacturing, automation, machine design, or related experience.
Experience with or working knowledge of SolidWorks.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and technical specifications.
Basic understanding of mechanical engineering and machine design principles.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to organize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel periodically.

Nice To Haves

Custom automation.
Machine building.
Special-purpose machinery.
Manufacturing engineering.
Mechanical design.
Applications engineering.
Cost estimating.
Quotation or proposal development.
Automated assembly.
Robotics.
Industrial equipment.
Manufacturing processes.
Machining or fabrication.
Pneumatic systems.
Electrical controls.
Automotive manufacturing.
Medical device or life science manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Develop Automation Concepts: Review customer drawings, specifications, production requirements, and manufacturing processes. Assist in developing conceptual machine designs and automation solutions. Create preliminary machine and tooling layouts using SolidWorks. Help determine machine processes, sequencing, operator interaction, and cycle-time requirements. Evaluate different approaches and technologies to identify practical and cost-effective solutions. Research automation components, technologies, and manufacturing processes.
Develop Estimates & Proposals: Assist with developing cost estimates for custom automation equipment. Research and estimate costs for purchased components, machining, fabrication, assembly, controls, and other equipment requirements. Develop estimated operator task times and manufacturing cycle times. Prepare technical proposals and quotation documentation. Create 3D concepts, renderings, layouts, and visuals that help customers understand the proposed solution. Assist with customer presentations and technical proposal reviews.
Work With Customers & Internal Teams: Collaborate with Sales, Applications, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Project Management, and Manufacturing. Participate in customer discussions to understand their manufacturing challenges and requirements. Help translate customer needs into practical automation concepts. Communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Support senior Applications Engineers throughout the quotation and proposal process. Manage assigned tasks and deadlines to support customer and sales objectives.