Application Engineer

Application Engineer - Fluid Power, Motion Control, Machine Vision & PLCs

Summary

The Application Engineer provides technical expertise and solution development for industrial automation applications involving fluid power, motion control, machine vision, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). This role works with customers, sales teams, suppliers, and internal operations to define requirements, select components, develop system concepts, troubleshoot applications, and support successful implementation.

Job Duties

• Collaborate with customers and sales personnel to identify application requirements, operating conditions, and performance objectives.
• Select and apply motion-control products such as motors, drives, gearboxes, linear actuators, sensors, and positioning systems.
• Support PLC-based automation solutions, including I/O selection, control architecture, communications, and basic programming or troubleshooting.
• Develop machine-vision concepts for inspection, identification, measurement, guidance, and quality-control applications.
• Review drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and technical documentation to ensure proper product selection and system compatibility.
• Provide startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and post-installation support as needed.
• Diagnose system issues involving mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, controls, communications, or vision components.
• Coordinate with manufacturers and suppliers for specialized engineering support, product availability, and application validation.
• Deliver product training and technical guidance to customers and internal sales teams.
• Follow applicable safety requirements, industry standards, and company procedures.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or a related field; equivalent technical training and applicable experience may be considered.
• Experience with industrial automation, fluid power, motion control, PLCs, machine vision, or related equipment.
• Working knowledge of pneumatic system principles.
• Familiarity with motors, variable-frequency drives, servo systems, linear motion, sensors, and industrial networks.
• Understanding of PLC hardware, I/O, HMI systems, and industrial communication protocols.
• Familiarity with machine-vision cameras, lighting, lenses, image-processing concepts, and inspection applications.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, hydraulic/pneumatic diagrams, mechanical drawings, and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a customer-focused environment.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Experience supporting industrial distribution, OEMs, system integrators, or manufacturing customers.
• PLC programming and commissioning experience.
• Experience with robotic, safety, or industrial networking applications.
• Relevant fluid power, automation, or controls certifications.
• Proficiency with CAD software and technical documentation tools.

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GPC conducts its business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. GPC's policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons.