Application Engineer I - Chicago

Our curiosity has made us a driving force in automation technology for decades. Today, we have more than 20,000 employees all over the world working towards our vision of inspiring customers with intelligent and intuitive industrial automation solutions. We want to keep the world moving, so we’re looking for inventive talents and team players – colleagues who can make a real contribution.

About the role

The Applications Engineer (AE) (Level I) provides engineering, product, and application support, including engineering input for modifications to standard products to work in the customer’s application, as well as conceptual proposals of machine design in the pre-sales phase, taking commercial considerations fully into account. Additionally, AEs provide training and technical sales support. In this customer-facing role, AEs are expected to spend 50% to 75% of their time visiting customers and making sales calls with Sales Representatives. AEs provide commissioning services for new installations and conduct service calls until the service department is staffed.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical support to sales and customers on specific applications and production processes in factory and process automation in addition to specific industry segments.
• Focus on commercial and technical feasibility of proposals, based on technical and application knowledge for the corresponding Industry/Technology Segment.
• Proposes customer-specific solutions, in accordance with industry practices or specific customer specifications.
• Responsible for specification lists for the specific industry segments (e.g., Project Books*).
• Maintains files consisting of technical data, application examples, competitor info, test data, and additional information as needed.
• Creates Requirement Specification together with the customer.
• During the pre-sales phase, acts as interface between customer and all relevant departments within Festo, always in coordination with the sales engineer.
• Provides technical training and arranges knowledge transfer to the customer for the relevant products/applications.
• Supports and provides PMM with products/applications requirements as input for Product Development.
• Supports in questions of norms and regulations.
• Assists in the identification and winning of projects based on application/automation/sector competence.
• Knowledge Transfer for Multiplication of Solutions.
• May serve as mentor for less experienced AEs.
• May oversee installation and performs commissioning in alignment with specifications and requirements.
• Troubleshoots system failures by reviewing and recommending redesigns of schematic diagrams, in coordination with Festo Engineering Department, and may modify computer operating software programs from existing programs or support the implementation of new operating software programs based on the direction of Festo Engineering Department or the customer’s specifications.
• Supports product introduction (training support, e.g., onsite training during commissioning).
• Writes bug/failure reports.
• Travel will be required for business reasons such as training, customer sites/visits, or company business events.
• Identifies standardized or custom applications and functional solutions and develops application descriptions to fulfill the customer’s needs.
• Discusses machine concepts to optimize machines, define specifications, and concepts.
• Promotes the use of new products and technologies that offer Festo greater competitive advantage.
• Drives the phase-out process by assisting in the transition of inactive products to newer products.
• Supports the Product Segmentation Model through the selection of relevant products for solutions and actively gives input to PMM for the program’s continued development.
• Participates in different projects, varying in number of people and duration.
• Supports, follows up, and influences team members.
• Transfers knowledge to team members and colleagues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in electrical, mechatronics engineering, or mechanical engineering OR 2-4 years of relevant business experience necessary.
• Fluent in English.
• MS Office proficiency.
• Experience in project engineering or a similar role desirable.
• 2 years of experience in the industry segment a plus (OEM).
• Experience in Quick Search Plus, Festo Part Data Manager.
• Proficiency in Positioning Drives, HGO, CACOS, Part Data Manager, Fluid Draw.

Pay

The annual base pay range for this role is between $85,000 and $100,000.

Benefits

Festo Corporation offers a robust benefits package designed to help employees and their dependents stay healthy, feel secure, and maintain a work/life balance. Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Programs
• Short-term and Long-term disability
• 401k
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational assistance