Automation Applications Engineer

Location: Rock Island, IL - Relocation Assistance Available for Qualified Candidates

A growing manufacturer of advanced industrial automation equipment is expanding its engineering team and seeking an experienced Automation Applications Engineer to help develop innovative robotic manufacturing solutions for customers across North America.

This is an opportunity to own technically challenging automation projects from concept through installation while working with cutting edge robotic systems, custom mechanical equipment, and advanced manufacturing technologies. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex engineering problems, collaborating directly with customers, and seeing their designs become fully operational production systems.

This Role Offers

• Competitive base salary plus performance based bonus opportunity.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Opportunity to lead highly customized automation projects from beginning to completion.
• Exposure to advanced robotic manufacturing technologies.
• High visibility with engineering leadership and customers.
• Variety of responsibilities spanning design, integration, commissioning, and customer support.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead automation integration projects from initial customer requirements through final system acceptance.
• Develop practical robotic manufacturing solutions using industrial robots, motion systems, and custom automation equipment.
• Design mechanical tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions that improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Collaborate with customers to understand production objectives and recommend technical solutions.
• Coordinate engineering activities with manufacturing, sourcing, assembly, and field service teams.
• Support equipment commissioning, startup, and production validation.
• Evaluate robotic reach studies, process feasibility, and equipment layouts during project planning.
• Assist with robot programming, system optimization, and production troubleshooting.
• Prepare technical proposals, project documentation, and engineering deliverables.
• Travel approximately 20 percent to support installations, commissioning, and customer projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Three or more years of experience integrating industrial robotics, automation systems, or capital equipment.
• Strong mechanical engineering background with experience designing custom tooling, fixtures, or specialized equipment.
• Experience managing engineering projects from concept through customer handoff.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work directly with customers.
• Experience using 3D CAD software for mechanical design.
• Willingness to work onsite in western Illinois and travel up to 20 percent as projects require.

Preferred Experience

• FANUC robotics experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting robotic welding or automated material handling systems.
• Knowledge of PLC controls or motion control systems.
• Familiarity with manufacturing process improvement and equipment commissioning.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical and automation systems.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS