Sales / Applications Engineer

AWL Automation is a global leader in advanced automated machinery, delivering innovative solutions to customers across the automotive and industrial sectors. We are seeking a driven and technically strong Sales / Applications Engineer to support commercial growth by combining engineering expertise with customer-focused sales execution.

What Will Be Your Role?

As a Sales / Applications Engineer, you will serve as the technical and commercial link between our customers and internal teams. You will support the full sales cycle — from initial concept and proposal development through negotiation and order execution — ensuring technical accuracy, commercial viability, and customer satisfaction.

This role requires strong application engineering expertise, commercial awareness, and the ability to collaborate across US and Netherlands-based teams.

What Do We Expect From You?

Core Responsibilities

Sales & Proposal Management

• Participate in bidding, quoting, and negotiation processes.
• Prepare comprehensive sales proposals including technical descriptions, project conditions, cost calculations, schedules, and acceptance criteria.
• Perform technical, cost, and schedule evaluations associated with key accounts.
• Manage purchase orders, order acknowledgements, delivery coordination, and onsite logistics.
• Ensure additional work and scope changes are properly documented and commercially aligned.

Application Engineering & Technical Expertise

• Develop automation concepts for automotive and industrial customers.
• Apply advanced engineering knowledge in robotics, laser systems, welding processes, and automation equipment.
• Support tooling, fixturing, dimensional data evaluation, and geometric tolerancing.
• Ensure alignment with automotive customer quality requirements and company guidelines.
• Contribute to lessons learned, project reviews, norms, and hour rate evaluations.

Account & Market Development

• Develop and manage customer relationships at key accounts in collaboration with Sales and Concept Engineers.
• Enter and track all projects to maintain accurate pipeline status and forecasting.
• Assist in account planning, revenue forecasting, and profitability management.
• Monitor market and competitor activities and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Maintain excellent customer communication to build and extend long-term partnerships.

Financial & Commercial Insight

• Perform cost engineering activities, including material, labor, and processing cost evaluations.
• Provide financial insight into pricing strategies and cost structures.
• Align with Planning to coordinate internal schedules and resource allocation.
• Support administrative processing of orders and offerings.

Cross-Functional & Cross-Cultural Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with US- and Netherlands-based teams.
• Coordinate with Planning, Engineering, and Management to ensure offering alignment.
• Support marketing activities as required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or 2–4 year Technical Degree in a related field required.
• Minimum 5–10 years of experience in Application Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with automotive proposal generation, contract acceptance criteria, and quality requirements.
• Strong background in robotics, peripheral equipment, laser industry standards, and mechatronics.
• Experience in weld quality (penetration, heat-affected zones, inspection processes).
• Understanding of material characteristics, including high-strength steels.
• Knowledge of control technology, manufacturing processes, and production philosophies.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Mechanical CAD proficiency required.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present concepts in written and visual formats.
• Financial understanding of project costing and business drivers.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with earned value, risk management, capacity planning, and status reporting.
• Ability to influence stakeholders throughout the full project cycle — from design through delivery.

Travel

• Minimum 50% travel required, including domestic and international travel.
• Valid passport required or ability to obtain one promptly.

What Can You Expect From Us?

At AWL Automation, you will work on cutting-edge automation technologies within a collaborative and international environment. We offer the opportunity to combine technical expertise with commercial impact, contribute to high-profile automotive projects, and grow professionally within a global organization.

Apply Today!

If you are a technically strong, commercially minded engineer who thrives at the intersection of sales and automation technology, we invite you to apply and become part of AWL Automation’s growing team.