Junior Applications Engineer - Automation and Concept Development

Are you an engineer who enjoys figuring out how things should work, solving manufacturing problems, and turning ideas into practical equipment solutions?

ATC Automation is looking for a Junior Applications Engineer – Automation & Concept Development to join our team in Cookeville, TN.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer who wants to build a career in custom industrial automation. You will work alongside experienced Applications Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Controls Engineers, Sales professionals, and customers to develop concepts for custom automation systems.

You won't be designing the same product over and over. At ATC, every project is different.

You'll review customer requirements, drawings, production processes, and cycle-time goals and help determine:

• How can this process be automated?
• What should the machine look like?
• What technology should we use?
• Can the process meet the customer's production requirements?
• What will the equipment cost?
• How do we clearly communicate the proposed solution to the customer?

If you enjoy problem-solving, mechanical design, estimating, and learning how machines are built, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

About ATC Automation

Since 1977, ATC Automation has been a trusted leader in designing and building custom automation solutions. From concept to commissioning, we partner with some of the world's top brands to deliver precision-engineered machinery that improves efficiency, reliability, and performance. Our expertise spans industries that shape the way we live and move-Life Sciences, Transportation, Consumer Products, and General Industry.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and compensation package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• 401(k).
• Life insurance.
• Paid Time Off.
• Professional development and technical training.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• Collaborative engineering and manufacturing environment.
• Opportunity to work on unique, custom-designed automation systems.
• Exposure to a wide range of industries and automation technologies.

What You'll Do

• Develop Automation Concepts.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, production requirements, and manufacturing processes.
• Assist in developing conceptual machine designs and automation solutions.
• Create preliminary machine and tooling layouts using SolidWorks.
• Help determine machine processes, sequencing, operator interaction, and cycle-time requirements.
• Evaluate different approaches and technologies to identify practical and cost-effective solutions.
• Research automation components, technologies, and manufacturing processes.

Develop Estimates & Proposals

• Assist with developing cost estimates for custom automation equipment.
• Research and estimate costs for purchased components, machining, fabrication, assembly, controls, and other equipment requirements.
• Develop estimated operator task times and manufacturing cycle times.
• Prepare technical proposals and quotation documentation.
• Create 3D concepts, renderings, layouts, and visuals that help customers understand the proposed solution.
• Assist with customer presentations and technical proposal reviews.

Work With Customers & Internal Teams

• Collaborate with Sales, Applications, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Project Management, and Manufacturing.
• Participate in customer discussions to understand their manufacturing challenges and requirements.
• Help translate customer needs into practical automation concepts.
• Communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support senior Applications Engineers throughout the quotation and proposal process.
• Manage assigned tasks and deadlines to support customer and sales objectives.

What You'll Learn

• Customer requirements.
• Manufacturing processes.
• Automation feasibility.
• Machine concept development.
• Mechanical design.
• Cycle-time analysis.
• Cost estimating.
• Proposal development.
• Robotics and automation technologies.
• Pneumatics and electrical controls.
• Machining and fabrication.
• Customer presentations.
• Custom machine building.

You will have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced engineers and professionals who have spent years designing and building custom automation systems.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is curious, mechanically minded, analytical, and interested in how things work. We're looking for someone who has a solid technical foundation and the desire to develop into a strong Applications Engineer.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Approximately 1–3 years of engineering, manufacturing, automation, machine design, or related experience.
• Experience with or working knowledge of SolidWorks.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Basic understanding of mechanical engineering and machine design principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel periodically.

Experience That Would Make You Stand Out

• Custom automation.
• Machine building.
• Special-purpose machinery.
• Manufacturing engineering.
• Mechanical design.
• Applications engineering.
• Cost estimating.
• Quotation or proposal development.
• Automated assembly.
• Robotics.
• Industrial equipment.
• Manufacturing processes.
• Machining or fabrication.
• Pneumatic systems.
• Electrical controls.
• Automotive manufacturing.
• Medical device or life science manufacturing.

The Type of Person Who Will Succeed Here

• Enjoy figuring out how to make a process better.
• Like taking a problem and developing a solution.
• Have a strong mechanical aptitude.
• Enjoy working with CAD and seeing your ideas become physical equipment.
• Are comfortable working with numbers and developing estimates.
• Ask questions and want to understand how things work.
• Enjoy working with engineers, customers, sales professionals, and manufacturing teams.
• Are comfortable learning new technologies.
• Want a career where no two projects are exactly the same.

If you're looking for more than a traditional engineering job and want the opportunity to design concepts, solve manufacturing problems, develop estimates, work with customers, and see your ideas become real equipment, we want to hear from you.

Join ATC Automation and start building a career in one of the most exciting areas of manufacturing engineering.

Apply today and help us build what's next.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This job description is subject to change but will remain in effect until superseded or canceled in writing by Human Resources.

ATC Automation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

ATC Automation is the Automation segment of TASI Group. The TASI Group of Companies is comprised of four technologically advanced Strategic Business Segments commonly linked by a disciplined focus on Product Integrity, Package Integrity, and Automation. Each TASI company delivers world-class products and services, focusing on our global customer needs in diverse market segments. TASI has served several thousand global customers over the years and enjoys a very high rate of repeat customers, many of which are Blue Chip Global Companies. Major Markets include: Automotive, Medical Devices, Life Science, Pharmaceutical, Packaging, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, Consumer Goods and General Industrial Equipment.