Smart Factory Project Engineer

TRUMPF•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Smart Factory Project Engineer drives and coordinates building blocks for TRUMPF’s Custom Robotic Solutions in North America. The role focuses on technical consultation, solution definition, and application support during pre- and post-sales project phases. It collaborates with software, bending, and welding groups to advance TRUMPF’s AI-powered Industry 4.0 solutions and showroom demonstration capabilities. The engineer develops custom robotic solutions with strategic partners and supports customers from solution definition through programming, training, and after-sales support. The position also contributes technical expertise during project execution, helps integrate robotics and AGVs/AMRs into manufacturing and intralogistics solutions, and translates customer and partner insights into requirements and feedback for product development. Domestic and international travel of up to 25% is required as needed.

Requirements

At least three years of professional experience in industrial automation, robotics (FANUC or similar platforms), or digital manufacturing in Industry 4.0 environments.
Proven experience in requirements engineering, industrial robotics or automation solutions, and Smart Factory integration.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a structured working style, and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and cultures.
Good understanding of manufacturing systems, sheet metal fabrication, custom robotics, and MES software tools.
Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline such as Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or Electrical Engineering.

Nice To Haves

FANUC Certification (FCR-T1/T2).
Technical Master’s degree in a relevant field.
German or Italian language skills.
Familiarity with MES software tools such as TRUMPF TruTops Fab, Oseon, or Boost.

Responsibilities

Generate and evaluate ideas for intelligent automation and AI-powered robotics to improve production efficiency and customer value as part of TRUMPF’s Integrated Cutting, Bending & Welding strategy.
Develop and grow TRUMPF’s Custom Robotic Solutions portfolio with strategic partners, including FANUC, Starmatik, and AGV/AMR suppliers.
Coordinate cross-functional alignment with product management, software, sales, and service teams for customer integration in brownfield and greenfield applications.
Serve as the primary technical interface for custom robotic solutions, supporting customers through solution definition, programming, training, and after-sales support.
Act as the resident expert for FANUC robot programming and operation, troubleshoot cells, and coordinate escalation to third-level support as required.
Work with the TRUMPF sales team to identify customer opportunities where robotics can increase value and differentiate TRUMPF from competitors.
Collaborate with the Smart Factory Project Management Team during project execution, providing technical expertise, coordinating with partners, and ensuring solution readiness for successful SOP.
Translate customer and partner insights into structured requirements, business cases, success metrics, and feedback for international product management and development.
Lead implementation of AGVs/AMRs and their integration into intralogistics solutions.
Travel domestically and internationally up to 25% as required.

Benefits

401(k) with generous company match.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits with employer HSA contributions and 100% employer-paid vision premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
Tuition reimbursement and student loan guidance.
Paid family and parental leave programs, plus reproductive and family health resources.
Paid time off available from day one and 11 paid company holidays.
Company-paid life insurance at two times base salary, plus short- and long-term disability coverage.
Gym membership subsidy.
Employee referral bonuses.
Recognition awards.
Scholarship program for employees’ children.