Applications Engineer - Material Handling & Automation

About the role

Backed by more than six decades of success in the food processing and industrial manufacturing industries, this organization designs and builds custom material handling systems, conveyors, automation solutions, and integrated production equipment for customers across North America. Their engineered solutions help manufacturers improve throughput, efficiency, safety, and overall plant performance while tackling complex operational challenges. This is a highly visible, customer-facing engineering role for someone who enjoys being on manufacturing floors, understanding how production systems operate, and developing practical solutions to improve processes. You'll work directly with customers to identify challenges, evaluate existing operations, and create custom equipment and automation concepts that move projects from idea to execution.

Responsibilities

• Meet with customers to understand production goals, manufacturing challenges, and operational requirements
• Conduct site visits, plant walkdowns, and technical discovery meetings
• Evaluate equipment, product flow, throughput, space constraints, and existing manufacturing processes
• Develop custom solutions involving conveyors, material handling systems, automation equipment, and custom machinery
• Create conceptual layouts, equipment recommendations, and project scopes
• Evaluate system accessibility, maintainability, sanitation requirements, safety considerations, and installation feasibility
• Support proposal development and technical customer presentations
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Estimating, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Project Management teams
• Work with vendors and suppliers to obtain equipment quotations and budgetary pricing
• Assist with project costing, technical evaluations, and solution development
• Lead the technical handoff from proposal stage into detailed engineering and project execution

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in Applications Engineering, Project Engineering, Systems Integration, Proposal Engineering, or a related technical role
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred
• Experience with conveyors, material handling systems, industrial automation, packaging equipment, food processing equipment, custom machinery, or engineered-to-order systems
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, product flow, mechanical systems, equipment integration, and facility layouts
• Experience developing equipment layouts, system concepts, technical scopes, and engineered solutions based on customer requirements
• Experience with estimating, proposal development, equipment costing, budgeting, vendor quotations, and equipment selection
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and preferably SolidWorks, Inventor, or other CAD software
• Installation, startup, commissioning, or field support experience is a plus
• Familiarity with robotics, sensors, controls, and industrial automation technologies
• Strong customer-facing communication skills with the ability to lead technical discussions and manage multiple priorities

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Career Growth Opportunities

Pay

$100,000 - $140,000 Base + Full Benefits

Schedule

Souderton, PA (Hybrid)