Smart Factory Project Engineer

TRUMPF•Chicago, IL

15h

About The Position

As a family-run, high-tech company with nearly 19,000 employees at 71 locations worldwide, we are looking for forward thinkers with unconventional ideas and drive to join our team. Our company culture, which values collaboration and mutual trust, creates the ideal framework for boldly trying new things and questioning the status quo. Our technologies inspire people to develop and produce things that are currently unimaginable. Whether lasers, machine tools, EUV or electronics - TRUMPF is building technological worlds for future generations. Are you ready for new challenges? The Smart Factory Project Engineer is responsible for driving and coordinating building blocks for TRUMPF’s Custom Robotic Solutions in North America. The role focuses on technical consultation, solution definition, and application support during the pre / post sales phases of the projects. Responsibilities include analysis of production workflows, customer requirements, and automation feasibility. The engineer develops robotic cell concepts in collaboration with customers and internal stakeholders, ensuring quality, usability, and functional objectives are met. The position collaborates cross-functionally with software, bending, and welding groups at TRUMPF to advance TRUMPF’s AI-powered Industry 4.0 solutions and demonstration capabilities in the local showroom.

Requirements

At least three years of professional experience in industrial automation, robotics (FANUC or similar platforms), or digital manufacturing within Industry 4.0 environments.
Proven experience in requirements engineering, custom 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, industrial robotics, and MES software tools (e.g. TRUMPF TruTops Fab, Oseon, Boost) is expected.
Excellent communication skills are required due to close interaction with customers, sales teams, and external partners.
Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering) is required.

Nice To Haves

FANUC Certification (FCR-T1/T2) is a plus.
German or Italian language skills are a plus.
Technical Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred.

Responsibilities

Independently generate and evaluate ideas, including intelligent automation and AI-powered robotics, to increase production efficiency and maximize customer value as part of TRUMPF’s Integrated Cutting, Bending & Welding strategy.
Develop and grow TRUMPF’s Custom Robotic Solutions portfolio together with strategic partners (e.g. FANUC, Starmatik, AGV/AMR suppliers) within the Smart Factory ecosystem.
Drive cross-functional alignment with product management, software, sales, and service teams for seamless customer integration with brownfield and greenfield applications.
Act as the primary technical interface for custom robotic solutions, supporting customers from solution definition through programming, training, and after-sales support.
Serve as the resident expert for FANUC robot programming and operation, cell troubleshooting, and coordinate escalation to third level support as required.
Collaborate with the Smart Factory Project Management Team during the execution phase, providing technical expertise, coordinating with partners, and ensuring solution readiness for successful SOP.
Work with the TRUMPF sales team to identify new customer opportunities that can leverage robotics to increase value proposition and differentiate from competition
Translate customer and partner insights into structured requirements, business cases, success metrics, and feedback for international product management and development.
Lead the implementation for AGVs/AMRs and their integration into intralogistics solutions.
Domestic and international travel up to 25% as required.