Mechanical Applications Engineer

We’re growing, and we’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us.

As a Mechanical Applications Engineer, you will visit customer manufacturing sites across North America to understand customers’ challenges and identify opportunities along with the Business Development Manager. You will conceptualize custom automation solutions and prepare technical proposals. Your mission is to deliver comprehensive proposals covering scope, costing, schedule, and performance criteria. Given the client-focused nature of the work, occasional weekend or after-hours work may be required. This position reports to the Engineering Manager

What we’re looking for:

Required:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 3-5+ years of automation industry experience,
• Direct experience in Quoting, Sales and Customer Interaction is preferred.
• Ability to read mechanical design drawings and customer part prints.
• Ability to develop quick CAD concepts.
• Understanding of Electrical & Pneumatic controls architecture preferred.
• Use standardized tools include proposal templates, cost worksheets, CAD for concept design, industry/customer compliance matrices, and FAT/SAT criteria.
• Strong communication skills to present to internal teams, customers, and vendor partners.
• Recognize cost factors such as timelines, materials, labor, and tooling.

What you’ll do:

• Meet with new and existing customers in manufacturing with the sales team to evaluate new automation project opportunities
• Evaluate each opportunity with the sales team based on technical feasibility, economic value, customer readiness and strategic fit
• Visit customer sites with the sales team and gather data for automation opportunities, photos/videos of existing parts/process, samples of parts/assemblies etc.
• Review customer RFQ/RFP/URS documents and identify key automation requirements
• Interact with customers to understand and fill the gaps in RFQ/RFP/URS documents
• Review supporting documents like part/assembly drawings, current operating procedures, layout drawings etc.
• Create internal summary documents for each automation opportunity, summarizing application requirements; standard component brands, UI design requirements, FAT/SAT criteria, documentation deliverables
• Conceptualize automation concepts based on the requirements assisted by the Engineering team where necessary
• Prepare and present basic concepts in 2D/3D using PowerPoint/Draftsight/Solidworks for internal and customer review
• Work with vendors/distributors to gather budgetary estimates for components
• Identify key components like robots using reach studies and payload needs in Solidworks and robot simulation software
• Estimate total project costs using standardized internal templates with: material/component estimates, engineering and shop hours
• Present budgetary proposals with the sales team for customer review and lead the technical discussion for the application
• Prepare technical sections of the written proposals with the sales team and help identify key customer benefits and ROI calculations
• Serve as the bridge between Sales and Engineering, ensuring a smooth handover from proposal through project launch and early design stages

This position is fully in-office, located in Morrisville, NC. Remote or hybrid work options are not available, and relocation expenses are not covered.

About AAE North America

AAE North America is a family-owned technology company headquartered in the Netherlands, known globally for innovation, precision, and a people-first culture. Based in Morrisville, NC, just minutes from Research Triangle Park, we design and build advanced automation solutions for medical, semiconductor, and other high-tech industries.

We don’t build standard machines. We develop sophisticated modules, systems, and complete automation solutions capable of producing up to 350 million products per year. Our projects are complex, custom, and constantly evolving, which means you’ll always be challenged and learning.

As we continue to grow, we’re looking for driven engineers who want to grow with us, expand their skills, influence projects, and build a long-term career in a collaborative, family-like environment. At AAE, you’re not just an employee, you’re a valued part of something meaningful.

Employee Benefits at AAE North America

At AAE North America, we believe in supporting our employees’ well-being, security, and growth. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive Pay – Market-aligned compensation to recognize your skills and contributions.
• Health Coverage – Company-sponsored medical, vision, and dental.
• Short-Term Disability - Company-paid gap coverage
• Life Insurance – Company-provided life insurance for additional financial protection.
• 401(k) Plan – With employer contributions to help you build long-term financial security.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – Flexible paid time off to recharge and take care of personal needs.
• Holiday Pay – Paid company holidays throughout the year.

Respect for all people:

AAE North America is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. AAE North America makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Please Note: To 3rd Party Search Firms/Employment Agencies: Please do not call or email any AAE North America employee about current or future job openings. All resumes submitted by search firms or employment agencies to any employee at AAE North America via email, telephone, social media, or other means will be deemed to be the sole property of AAE North America unless the firm submitting the resume has previously entered into a written agreement with AAE North America regarding recruitment services and has been approved by Human Resources to work on an open position. AAE North America will not pay any fee or remuneration concerning candidates without complying with this requirement.