Applications Engineering Automation Jobs in Kitchener, ON

Total Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Rate: $88,000 - $121,000 per annum
• Eligible for Annual Incentive Bonus
• Stock Purchase Plan
• 3 Weeks Vacation
• Health Care Benefits + $600 Health Care Spending Account
• Employee Engagement Events (Employee BBQ’s and lunches, weekly treat day, etc.)
• Employee Development Programs

Major Duties

In this role, you are a key technical contributor within ATS IA’s Specialty Automation Applications Engineering team, responsible for developing automation solutions for complex, custom manufacturing challenges across diverse industries.
This position blends applications engineering, structured concept development, commercial acumen, and cross‑functional leadership to deliver compelling technical solutions and proposals that win complex, capital automation projects.
You will work closely with Sales, Engineering, Operations, and Customers to define solution strategies, develop technical concepts, build cost models, manage risk, and ensure proposals are delivered with technical integrity, commercial competitiveness, and execution readiness.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities Applications & Proposal Development

• Lead front‑end applications engineering activities from opportunity qualification through proposal approval, supporting transition into project execution as required.
• Analyze and interpret customer technical, operational, and business requirements to define accurate scope and differentiated automation concepts.
• Develop system concepts, machine architectures, line layouts, machine breakdown structures, and preliminary Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Prepare engineering estimates, cost models, and risk assessments aligned with ATS standards and best practices.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical, commercial, and schedule risks throughout the proposal lifecycle.

Cross‑Functional & Team Collaboration

• Coordinate multi‑disciplinary teams, including internal engineering SMEs (mechanical, controls, robotics, vision) and external technology partners.
• Facilitate technical alignment sessions, pre‑bid reviews, and bid review meetings with internal stakeholders.
• Support knowledge transfer from applications/proposals into execution teams to ensure continuity and successful project launch.

Commercial & Financial Accountability

• Develop comprehensive proposal budgets, including labour, materials, purchased equipment, and third‑party supplier costs.
• Source and evaluate suppliers and technology partners to ensure competitive, robust, and scalable solutions.
• Present technical concepts, risk profiles, and cost structures to senior leadership for review and approval.

Customer Engagement & Sales Support

• Engage directly with customers through technical discussions, site visits, concept reviews, and proposal presentations.
• Assess existing manufacturing processes and automation environments to recommend solutions that deliver measurable operational and business value.
• Actively support sales strategy, pursuit planning, and competitive positioning for specialty automation opportunities.
• Represent ATS IA with professionalism and integrity in all customer and partner interactions.

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Initiatives

• Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities within applications and proposal development processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across engineering, sales, and specialty automation practices.
• Support special projects aligned with innovation, standardization, and strategic growth initiatives as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or post‑secondary diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Experience

• 5+ years of engineering experience in advanced automation environments;
• Experience developing applications concepts and proposals for complex custom automation or capital equipment projects.
• Strong understanding of automation systems, robotics, machine controls, manufacturing processes, and system integration.
• Proven ability to balance high‑level concept development with detailed technical and commercial execution.
• Experience supporting competitive bid environments and working in cross‑functional, matrixed teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent) and 2D CAD tools preferred.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong financial, analytical, and cost‑modeling skills.
• Ability and willingness to learn new technologies, industries, and automation approaches.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and executive‑level presentation skills.
• Highly motivated, self‑driven, and comfortable working independently and within collaborative team environments.
• Ability to influence stakeholders, lead without formal authority, and make sound technical decisions in fast‑paced, dynamic environments.

Health & Safety Requirements

All employees have the responsibility to work in a healthy and safe manner, report any health, safety or environmental concern to their manager or supervisor in a timely manner, and participate in the safety culture of the organization.
Employee responsibilities for Health, Safety and Environment include:

• Work in conformance with divisional health, safety and environmental procedures and compliance to legislative requirements;
• Refrain from removing or altering safety devices or guarding unless hazardous energies are controlled through lockout-tagout methods;
• Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts, defect in any equipment or protective device, and any accidents/incidents to the supervisor;
• Ensure that the required protective equipment is used for assigned tasks. Attend all required health, safety and environmental training;
• Assist in investigating accidents/incidents where applicable.