Application Engineer

About Methods

Methods Machine Tools supplies high-quality, high-precision machine tools and automation solutions, and designs integrated custom machining processes and systems. Headquartered in Sudbury, Mass., and in operation since 1958, Methods provides an end-to-end portfolio of best-in-class products, engineering, service, parts, training, and integration. Methods has more than 300 employees, seven technology centers, one high precision machining center, and has installed in excess of 45,000 machines throughout North America.

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and innovative Application Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for the conceptual creation of automation cells and solutions using FANUC Robotics, CNC machines, material handling and feeding solutions, parts cleaning, post process inspection and other automation components. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to create clearly defined, detailed and documented concepts. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of mechanical systems, scope review, technical documentation and attention to detail. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exciting engineering projects and make a tangible impact in a highly technical, fast paced and dynamic work environment.

Responsibilities

• Application Development & Sales Support
  • Collaborate with customers, sales teams, and engineering personnel to understand manufacturing challenges and automation opportunities.
  • Evaluate CNC machine tending opportunities for feasibility, cycle time, ROI, and operational effectiveness.
  • Develop automation concepts for robotic machine tending part handling, inspection, palletizing, and secondary operations.
  • Generate system layouts, robotic cell concepts, and preliminary mechanical designs.
  • Prepare technical proposals, solution descriptions, statements of work, and project assumptions.
  • Support the sales team during customer presentations, site visits, and technical discussions.
  • Assist in defining system requirements, performance expectations, and acceptance criteria.
• Technical Solution Design
  • Develop robotic system concepts utilizing industrial robots, tooling, vision systems, conveyors, and peripheral equipment.
  • Perform cycle time analysis and throughput calculations.
  • Determine robot reach, payload capacity, machine accessibility, and tooling requirements.
  • Select appropriate automation hardware and components.
  • Create equipment specifications and bill of material estimates.
  • Support risk assessments and machine safety evaluations.
• Quoting and Cost Estimating
  • Develop accurate cost estimates and project budgets.
  • Work with vendors and suppliers to obtain pricing for components and services.
  • Analyze labor requirements, engineering hours, and implementation costs.
  • Maintain estimating tools, pricing databases, and standard costing models.
• Project Execution Support
  • Provide technical guidance to engineering, controls, mechanical design, and manufacturing teams.
  • Participate in project kickoff meetings and design reviews.
  • Support system testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance activities.
  • Assist in troubleshooting technical challenges during project implementation.
  • Ensure proposed solutions align with customer requirements and company standards.
• Customer Engagement
  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
  • Conduct customer site surveys and data collection activities.
  • Present technical solutions and automation concepts to customers and stakeholders.
  • Travel as needed to customer facilities for evaluations, meetings, and project support.
  • Provide technical consultation regarding manufacturing processes and automation best practices.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Stay current with emerging robotic technologies, AI, machine vision systems, and automation trends.
  • Recommend improvements to standard machine tending platforms and solution offerings.
  • Contribute to the development of standardized automation products and engineering practices.
  • Support process improvement initiatives within engineering and sales organizations.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Proposal win rate.
  • Quote turnaround time.
  • Estimate accuracy.
  • Engineering support responsiveness.
  • Customer satisfaction.
  • Project gross margin performance.
  • Number of qualified automation opportunities developed.
  • Successful project launches and customer acceptance outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related technical field. Equivalent combination of education and automation industry experience may be considered.
• 5–10 years of experience in industrial automation, robotics, machine tool integration, or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience with CNC machining processes and machine tending applications preferred.
• Experience supporting technical sales, proposal development, or application engineering activities.
• Experience with robotic automation systems integration.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% as required.

Skills

• Knowledge of industrial robotics (FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, KUKA, Universal Robots, or similar).
• Understanding of CNC machining operations and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to develop automation concepts and system layouts.
• Familiarity with machine vision systems and inspection technologies.
• Understanding of industrial safety standards and risk assessment principles.
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or equivalent.
• Ability to develop cycle time studies and production capacity analyses.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Robot programming experience.
• Experience with PLC-based automation systems.
• Understanding of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing technologies.
• Knowledge of pneumatic, hydraulic, and servo motion systems.
• Experience with simulation tools such as RoboGuide, RobotStudio, Process Simulate, or Visual Components.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Paid time off
• Education Assistance
• 401(k) Plan
• Great opportunity for career growth

Pay

$98,749.47 – $123,437.11