Senior Applications Engineer - Automation Concept and Estimating

About ATC Automation

Since 1977, ATC Automation has been a trusted leader in designing and building custom automation solutions. From concept to commissioning, we partner with some of the world's top brands to deliver precision-engineered machinery that improves efficiency, reliability, and performance. Our expertise spans industries that shape the way we live and move—Life Sciences, Transportation, Consumer Products, and General Industry.

What Makes This Role Different

This isn't a position where you'll spend your day working on the same machine or repeating the same design. At ATC Automation, you'll work on custom-engineered automation projects, each with different customer requirements, manufacturing challenges, processes, and technical considerations. You'll be involved from the beginning—helping answer questions such as: What should we build? How should the process work? Can we automate it? What technology should we use? How much will it cost? Can we build it within the customer's requirements? You'll then help turn those answers into a concept, estimate, and proposal that can ultimately become a completed automation system.

What You'll Do

• Review customer drawings, specifications, production requirements, tolerances, cycle-time expectations, and manufacturing processes to determine project feasibility.
• Develop conceptual automation solutions for custom assembly machines, manufacturing systems, tooling, test equipment, and special machinery.
• Create preliminary machine layouts, tooling concepts, process flows, and 3D conceptual designs using SolidWorks and other engineering tools.
• Determine the appropriate combination of mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, controls, robotics, vision, and other automation technologies for proposed solutions.
• Develop accurate project cost estimates for custom automation equipment, including purchased components, fabricated components, machining, assembly, controls, engineering, and other project costs.
• Develop estimated operator task times, machine cycle times, and process requirements to support proposed automation concepts.
• Work with suppliers, engineering teams, manufacturing personnel, and internal subject matter experts to validate concepts and costs.
• Research automation technologies, components, manufacturing processes, and equipment to identify practical and cost-effective solutions.
• Prepare detailed technical proposals, quotations, concept presentations, and supporting documentation.
• Create 3D renderings, layouts, visuals, and other materials that clearly communicate proposed solutions to customers.
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Project Management, and company leadership throughout the quotation process.
• Participate in customer meetings and presentations to explain technical concepts, project assumptions, capabilities, and proposed solutions.
• Evaluate alternative concepts and make recommendations based on technical feasibility, cost, manufacturability, cycle time, and customer requirements.
• Maintain quotation schedules and priorities to meet customer deadlines and sales objectives.
• Travel periodically for customer meetings, site visits, and other business needs.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in custom automation, special machinery, machine building, applications engineering, estimating, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing automation concepts and/or quotations/estimates.
• Strong understanding of machine design and automated manufacturing processes.
• Ability to interpret customer drawings, specifications, GD&T, production requirements, and technical documentation.
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and controls systems used in automated equipment.
• Ability to understand manufacturing processes, including machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and purchased components.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to customers, sales teams, engineers, and leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple quotations and priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel periodically.

Preferred Experience

• Custom automation estimating or quoting.
• Applications engineering.
• Special machine design.
• Automated assembly equipment.
• Manufacturing process development.
• Machine concept development.
• Proposal engineering.
• Automation sales support.
• Cost estimating for engineered-to-order equipment.
• Robotics and robotic automation.
• Vision inspection systems.
• Automated testing.
• Pneumatic and servo-driven systems.
• PLC-controlled machinery.
• Medical device or life science automation.
• Automotive or transportation automation.
• Consumer products or packaging automation.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and compensation package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• 401(k).
• Life insurance.
• Paid Time Off.
• Professional development and technical training.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• Collaborative engineering and manufacturing environment.
• Opportunity to work on unique, custom-designed automation systems.
• Exposure to a wide range of industries and automation technologies.
• Remote flexibility may be available for highly experienced candidates.