Automotive Application Engineer Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

Position: Application Engineer 

Position Location: Remote in Michigan, preferably near Detroit

On-Target Compensation: $85,000 - $130,000 (Compensation is an estimate and includes base salary plus incentives, depends on skills, knowledge, education, location, and experience) 

Position Snapshot: The Application Engineer provides technical expertise in motion control, drive systems, and industrial automation. This role supports customers with application development, drive and servo system selection, commissioning, troubleshooting, and machine performance optimization while partnering closely with Sales to develop differentiated motion solutions. 

About you:  You’re naturally analytical, detail-oriented, and love solving complex problems, especially when it helps customers succeed. You bring a strong foundation in industrial automation and enjoy translating technical challenges into practical, value-driven solutions. You’re a strong communicator who partners seamlessly with sales team members to drive results, building trust quickly and becoming a go-to resource for both customers and internal teams. You are considered reliable, customer-focused, and collaborative, and you take pride in being the person others count on to get it right and keep things moving forward. 

A day in the life: 

Solution Development & Engineering

• Develop system and application solutions, including motion architecture, system topology, and software design
• Create customer-specific application software and support full project lifecycle (prototype through commissioning)
• Configure and commission drives (VFDs, inverters, servo systems) and develop PLC/HMI programs
• Support testing, start-up, and field validation of automation solutions
• Capture and standardize application knowledge into reusable tools and best practices

Pre-Sales, Sales & Customer Engagement

• Partner with Sales to develop solution concepts aligned to customer requirements
• Provide technical support during pre-sales activities, including customer meetings, workshops, and presentations
• Assist in preparing proposals and identifying upsell or cross-sell opportunities
• Build strong customer relationships and support overall sales growth objectives

Technical Support & Product Expertise

• Deliver advanced technical support to customers and internal teams (remote and onsite)
• Size and select appropriate products and solutions based on application needs
• Support commissioning and troubleshooting during system start-up

Training & Demonstrations

• Conduct product demonstrations and deliver technical training to customers and internal teams
• Develop training materials, application documentation, and technical guides
• Support ongoing technical development within the Sales organization

Travel

• Travel up to 25% across the region for customer support, sales activities, and training

What you will need: 

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or Mechanical Engineering or relevant experience
• Proficient in IEC 61131-3 programming languages (Ladder, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram)
• Experience with motion control systems, PLC’s, HMI programming and industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, CAN, Ethernet-IP, RS232/485)
• Strong mechatronics background, integrating mechanical, electrical, and software systems
• Skilled in machine commissioning and creating application/machine specifications
• Familiarity with wiring diagrams and troubleshooting customer wiring
• Preferred experience with Visual Basic, Windows-based software installation and setup
• Knowledge of machine safety standards and project management practices
• Solid understanding of Windows OS and Microsoft tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, Visio, MS Project)
• Ability to travel up to 25%, including overnight travel within the region

Perks of being part of our team: 

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance – multiple plan options
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental Insurance 
• FSA, HSA options 
• Vision Insurance
• 401k with company match, fully vested
• Paid Time Off
• 10 company paid holidays 
• Company paid disability & AD&D insurance 
• 100% paid parental leave after one year of service
• Supplemental insurance plans (Identity theft, cyber protection, additional life, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Many of our positions offer flexible schedules to meet your needs
• Relaxed business casual environment 
• Sit/Stand desks for onsite office positions
• Frequent team building activities
• Career development opportunities 

About us: Lenze is a global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology - offering products, drive solutions, complete automation systems, and engineering services and tools from one single source. Our products can be found in many industries, including automotive, packaging, material handling and logistics, robotics, and industrial equipment (pumps/fans). 

A global network of distributors and representatives makes Lenze Americas perfectly positioned to meet the motion control needs of customers worldwide. Lenze Americas, the American subsidiary of Lenze SE of Germany, is headquartered in Uxbridge, Massachusetts; corporate global headquarters are in Hamelin, Germany.

Our culture: We’re powered by people. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and respect—where every voice matters and every idea has the potential to shape the future. We believe in balance, supporting our team with the flexibility and resources they need to thrive both professionally and personally. 

Lenze is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.