Special Projects Engineer

About the Role

The Special Projects Engineer plays a critical role in delivering high-impact automation solutions by supporting customer projects through advanced software development, system design, product implementation, and integration of third-party equipment into TwinCAT-based systems. This role drives successful technical outcomes and strengthens customer capability through mentorship, troubleshooting expertise, and guidance across complex automation challenges.

What makes this role unique:

• Represent a highly differentiated automation platform.
• Work directly with OEMs and clients implementing Beckhoff systems for the first time.
• Design, deploy, and troubleshoot cutting-edge control, motion, and IoT solutions.
• Join a strong, collaborative organization built around engineering excellence.

Responsibilities

Technical Solution Delivery

• Provide application support for customer projects, including software development, system design, product implementation, and integration of third-party equipment into a TwinCAT system.
• Perform software development across the Beckhoff Automation product line at the client’s direction to bring projects to completion.
• Diagnose and resolve customer implementation issues using advanced troubleshooting tools and techniques.

Customer Enablement & Engineering Guidance

• Mentor and train client engineering staff throughout system development and implementation.
• Provide clients the ability to develop and implement systems they may not have the resources or expertise to complete independently.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner directly with Product Management on implementation of key technologies.
• Support Professional Development teams with feedback on developing engineers’ strengths and career trajectories.

Operational Execution

• Embrace complex challenges and expand skillsets as new technical questions arise.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and 4–6 years of relevant experience.
• Deep experience with industrial systems design and application-level engineering solutions.
• Hands-on experience with industrial control technologies including PLC, embedded systems, and PC-based automation.
• Strong ability to manage and prioritize multiple issues while effectively engaging cross-functional resources.
• Demonstrated capability to lead team efforts on large-scale projects and collaborate to resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Proven ability to excel in customer-facing technical environments and communicate effectively with technology end users.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, composure, and sound judgment in high-pressure or fast-paced environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including comfort presenting to clients and internal teams.

Work Location

This is a remote work position. Team members can work from any location within the United States, with occasional virtual meetings and collaboration. Annual team and company meetings will be held in-person to facilitate learning, professional development, and team building.

Travel

This position requires varying travel up to 50%, which may include day trips, overnight stays, and occasional extended travel depending on business needs. Travel may be local, regional, or national. All travel-related expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with company policy.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off + 12 Paid Holidays.
• Employer-paid High-Deductible Medical Plan, Dental, and Vision for Employee + Family.
• 401(k) with up to 6% employer match.
• Employer-Paid Insurance: Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
• Elective Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Indemnity, and Pet Insurance.
• Professional Development Opportunities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods, including the ability to drive in a car between 2 to 5 hours, one-way, multiple times a month.
• Ability to use a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and move as needed to perform job duties.
• Manual dexterity for operating tools and equipment.
• Adequate vision and hearing to perform essential tasks safely.

About Beckhoff

At Beckhoff, automation is our calling. We empower engineers to differentiate and succeed as industry leaders by harnessing new technologies, embracing open standards, and solving the world’s most complex problems. Founded and led by engineers, we organically create advanced controls, communication, IoT, and motion technologies that become unique tools for your one-of-a-kind challenges in an age of digital transformation. As a global partner with U.S. headquarters in Minneapolis, we remain committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and support for the people behind the automation.