Plc Applications Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Are you a technically skilled engineer who loves solving complex problems and designing innovative solutions? We're seeking an Applications Engineer to bridge the gap between customer needs and our technical capabilities. You'll research competitive products, design custom systems using industry-standard CAD software, program advanced automation systems, and provide expert technical support to our sales team and customers. You'll work on cutting-edge fluid power, electrical, and automation projects from initial concept through on-site implementation and customer training. If you're passionate about engineering, thrive in a collaborative environment, and love seeing your designs come to life, this is your opportunity to make a real impact. 

This role is perfect for an engineer who combines strong technical skills with excellent communication abilities and enjoys working cross-functionally across the organization. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities

Technical Design & CAD Development: 

• Design 80/20 structural assemblies using AutoQuoterX (AutoCAD) for rapid prototyping 
• Draw 2-D schematics for fluid power and electrical systems using AutoCAD 
• Design and draft mechanical adapters and manifolds in 3-D using Inventor and/or SolidWorks 
• Create detailed technical drawings that communicate design intent clearly 
• Develop Bill of Materials (BOM) in Excel for projects 
• Manage design files and maintain organized project documentation 
• Apply engineering principles to solve real-world customer challenges 
• Iterate designs based on customer feedback and technical requirements 

Automation & Control Systems Programming: 

• Program PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) for process automation 
• Configure HMI (Human Machine Interface) systems for operator interaction 
• Program VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) systems for motor control 
• Develop Servo control systems for precision motion control 
• Implement Vision systems for automated inspection and quality control 
• Program Robotic systems for manufacturing automation 
• Design Safety systems and interlocks to protect equipment and personnel 
• Master multiple programming platforms and languages 
• Troubleshoot control system issues and optimize performance 

Product Research & Competitive Analysis:

• Research competitor products and capabilities thoroughly 
• Cross-reference competitive equipment to our represented manufacturers 
• Analyze product specifications and performance characteristics 
• Stay current on industry trends and emerging technologies 
• Compile competitive intelligence for sales and management 
• Identify gaps in our product offerings 
• Provide technical recommendations for product selection 

Sales Support & Technical Liaison:

• Answer technical support calls from customers and sales teams promptly 
• Provide detailed equipment functionality and capability reports to sales force 
• Act as technical liaison between sales team and engineering 
• Explain complex technical concepts in clear, understandable language 
• Support sales proposals with technical specifications and feasibility analysis 
• Respond to customer technical questions with expert guidance 
• Help sales team understand product capabilities and applications 

Project Development & Quotation: 

• Price jobs and create customer quotations through P21 ERP system 
• Enter quotes, orders, and production orders into P21 
• Source and price products from new and existing vendors 
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate pricing 
• Create accurate project estimates and timelines 
• Manage project scope and specifications 
• Ensure projects are priced competitively and profitably 

Vendor & Project Management:

• Source products and components for projects 
• Work with new and existing vendors on procurement 
• Coordinate with vendors on pricing, delivery, and specifications 
• Manage vendor relationships professionally 
• Negotiate contracts and terms 
• Track project costs and budgets 
• Maintain vendor files and performance records 

Shop Coordination & Quality Control:

• Work with shop foreman and assemblers to complete projects 
• Provide technical guidance during project assembly 
• Ensure projects meet customer specifications exactly 
• Conduct quality checks on completed assemblies 
• Address technical issues during fabrication 
• Maintain communication between engineering and shop floor 
• Document lessons learned and design improvements 

Customer Support & Training:

• Provide start-up assistance for new systems and equipment 
• Offer on-site technical support during system commissioning 
• Conduct on-site product training for customers 
• Troubleshoot system performance issues with customers 
• Create training documentation and technical manuals 
• Build long-term customer relationships through technical expertise 
• Support customers through system optimization 

Documentation & Project Management:

• Log and maintain files and data on all projects 
• Maintain catalog library in engineering and AHP servers 
• Create and update technical documentation 
• Maintain organized project records and specifications 
• Document design decisions and engineering rationale 
• Create as-built drawings after project completion 
• Archive project information for future reference 

Requirements

Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Mechanical Aptitude a plus.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software to complete reports and logs.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with associates. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements:

• The essential functions of this role regularly require the employee to sit; use their hands to grasp, handle, or feel objects; and to speak and hear effectively. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Our Benefits!

• #1 CULTURE!!!
• Fun, Family-Oriented Work Environment!
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits that begin on your 1st day of work!
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Company Paid Life, Dependent Life, Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 10 Paid Holidays per year
• Vacation & Personal Time
• Employer HSA Contribution
• Company Paid Bereavement Time
• Company Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Gym Reimbursement

Are you an underappreciated, hard worker? Come see why AHP was voted a Nationally Certified "Great Place to Work"!

AHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer