Applications Engineer - Industrial Automation

AAP is looking for an Applications Engineer to join our team in Salt Lake City, UT!

Location: Salt Lake City, 84107

As an Applications Engineer you will be responsible for modifying, designing, and developing components and/or automation systems per customer request. He / she applies engineering and automation principles to develop mechanical or electronic/electrical products/systems that meet customer technical/functional specifications as well as manufacturing cost/efficiency requirements. The Applications Engineer is solutions oriented with a broad range of skills in all facets of small to medium size automation solutions including but not limited to: Mechanical Design, Electrical Design, PLC Programming, HMI Screens, Robotics, and Safety.

What You'll Do:

• Interpret customer/sales specifications and scopes of work to evaluate feasibility, design, and implementation of customized automation solutions.
• Provide world class technical support to OTC sellers, customers, and vendors.




• Improve reliability and performance of OTC supplied equipment and/or solutions.
• Add value to our customers' operations through technology and automation.

• Support the commercial team by being a technical resource during sales calls,
• Present technical demos to customers
• Provide product training to customers to promote familiarity with our products
• Develop relationships with vendors and stay updated on latest technologies and products

• Execute all aspects of the projects from order to implementation ($0 to ~$100k projects)




• Mech/Elec Drawings
• PLC/HMI Programming
• Robotics / AMR's
• All other peripheral devices




• Collaborate and work with the greater systems engineering team on larger projects with target customers in the regional area.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Desire and ability to learn new controls technology.
• Provide technical support, problem solving, maintenance, modifications/updates, and continuous improvement for existing automated equipment and process control systems
• Lead efforts for the remediation, migration, or upgrade of existing control systems
• Implement new and/or modify existing programming and HMI screens in various control platforms
• Participate in capital projects, new installations, testing, and modernization projects for new systems.
• Specify all components (parts) needed for project completion.
• Provide customer with all CAD drawings needed for project completion.
• Provide software programming, including PLC, HMI, etc.
• Other job duties, as assigned

Education & Experience:

• Minimum 5 yrs. experience within Industrial Automation
• Proven knowledge of electrical & automation devices desired.
• Proven mechanical capability to size and select mechanical components, such as gearboxes, ballscrews, belt drives, motors, etc.
• Proven Knowledge and understanding of controls systems governed by platforms such as, but not limited to: Bosch Rexroth, Codesys, Omron, Wago, Nanotec, Lenze, Linmot, Exor, etc. Experience with multiple platforms a plus
• Proven Experience with Industrial Safety Application Equipment: Light Curtains, Safety Relays, Door Switches, Safety Scanners, etc.
• Proven knowledge of drafting techniques / engineering terminology
• Ability to create detailed mechanical & electrical drawings.
• Experience developing & Integrating Robotic Systems
• Kuka Robotic experience a plus
• Ability to travel to local customer site(s) on a regular basis
• Ability to travel domestically in the US up to 25% of the time
• Well-developed problem solving, communication, and interpersonal skills required
• Experience working in a high pace, dynamic environment with limited supervision
• Excellent interpersonal skills. The candidate must enjoy and excel at personal relationship building with internal and external clients at multiple levels: customers, vendors, engineers, branch managers, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply technical and scientific product-related information.
• Proven success and positive track record of consistent engineering performance in complex markets with diverse customer segments operating with a high degree of integrity.
• Ability to operate as a "team player" in cooperation with collaboration partners and internal colleagues to reach common goals.
• Proven prior use of Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.
• Knowledge of codes and standards within the Automation Industry
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good listening skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong Mechanical Aptitude a plus
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, profit margins, unit conversions, percentages, etc.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Requires ability to walk, climb, stand, carry materials, stoop, kneel, bend at waist.
• Maximum unassisted lift = 50 lbs. Average lift less than 50 lbs.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Adaptability - Ability to be flexible and adjust to changes in your work environment. You can respond quickly to changing ideas, responsibilities, expectations, trends, strategies and other processes. Being adaptable also means possessing soft skills like interpersonal, communication, creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Accuracy - Ability to detect errors in normal course of work by standard check or routine crosscheck. Errors resulting from inaccuracy would create minor confusion, delay or expense to correct the situation.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Keeps commitments.
• Initiative - Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Problem Solving - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Planning/Organization - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Demonstrates group presentation skills.
• Collaboration - Ability to work with others to achieve a common goal; Building and maintaining relationships through shared responsibility, respect, and empathy.