Lead Applications Engineer

Hitachi•Auburn Hills, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Lead Applications Engineer, you will work alongside a team of automation experts to develop accurate budgets and project quotes. This role involves outlining key concept points, sequence of operations, and mechanical descriptions to create custom, innovative, and integrated solutions for customers. It is ideal for a creative engineer who enjoys customer interaction and problem-solving.

Requirements

5-7+ years of industry experience leading successful projects (preferably in the automation industry)
Proficient in all Applications Engineering processes and tools
Experience in sales and/or customer interaction
Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field or related industry experience.
Mechanical or Mechatronics engineer background is ideal.

Nice To Haves

Background in automated manufacturing or industrial systems is preferred
Experience in Press/Stamping, Aerospace/Defense, General Industry/Consumer Goods Automation, Tire & Wheel Assembly, Energy (Battery Assembly), or Automotive General Automation considered highly relevant.

Responsibilities

Review customer technical specifications and requirements for the development of System Concepts, Costs, Risk Assessments, and Proposal Documents.
Apply Practical Conformance to JRA Corporate Practices, Procedures, and Tools for the Applications Engineering Department.
Coordinate and execute large multi-business unit quotes.
Manage core customers.
Develop internal win strategy and execution, understanding customer pain points, and facilitating quote package development.
Generate & Render Conceptual Solutions for customer problems in various CAD formats.
Facilitate Concept Brainstorming and lead docket review meetings with minimal support from higher-level AEs.
Prepare & Schedule Preliminary & Final, Internal & External Audience Quote Package Reviews (e.g., Concept Solutions, Cycle Time Charts, Flow Charts, Risk Assessments, System Costs, proposed Delivery Schedule).
Develop Proposals that clearly define the Scope of Work, Rate of Production, Machine Buy-off requirements, Customer Part requirements, and include Assumptions and Exceptions.
Aid in the Mentorship of Less Experienced Apps Engineers, Co-ops & Interns.
Support Account Managers by leveraging pain points and competitive advantages into Proposals.
Travel independently or with an Account Manager.
Present independently in meetings to internal functional team members, upper-level management, and customers.
Maintain assignment-specific AE related fields in company CRM.
Schedule and facilitate Project KickOff Meetings for PEP.
Support functional team members 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.
Possess higher/greater levels of practical AE and leadership experience compared to an Applications Engineer II.