Description
Position: Application Engineer
Position Location: Detroit, Michigan
Position Type: Remote
On-Target Compensation: $85,000 - $130,000 (Compensation is an estimate and includes base salary plus incentives, depends on skills, knowledge, education, location, and experience)
Position Snapshot: The Application Engineer provides technical support and develops automation solutions for customers, including troubleshooting, product selection, and programming. This critical role supports projects both remotely and onsite, conducts product demonstrations and training, and partners closely with Sales to align technical solutions with business objectives and strengthen customer relationships
About you: You’re naturally analytical, detail-oriented, and love solving complex problems, especially when it helps customers succeed. You bring a strong foundation in industrial automation and enjoy translating technical challenges into practical, value-driven solutions. You’re a strong communicator who partners seamlessly with sales team members to drive results, building trust quickly and becoming a go-to resource for both customers and internal teams. You are considered reliable, customer-focused, and collaborative, and you take pride in being the person others count on to get it right and keep things moving forward.
A day in the life:
Solution Development & Engineering
Develop system and application solutions, including motion architecture, system topology, and software design
Create customer-specific application software and support full project lifecycle (prototype through commissioning)
Configure and commission drives (VFDs, inverters, servo systems) and develop PLC/HMI programs
Support testing, start-up, and field validation of automation solutions
Capture and standardize application knowledge into reusable tools and best practices
Pre-Sales, Sales & Customer Engagement
Partner with Sales to develop solution concepts aligned to customer requirements
Provide technical support during pre-sales activities, including customer meetings, workshops, and presentations
Assist in preparing proposals and identifying upsell or cross-sell opportunities
Build strong customer relationships and support overall sales growth objectives
Technical Support & Product Expertise
Deliver advanced technical support to customers and internal teams (remote and onsite)
Size and select appropriate products and solutions based on application needs
Support commissioning and troubleshooting during system start-up
Training & Demonstrations
Conduct product demonstrations and deliver technical training to customers and internal teams
Develop training materials, application documentation, and technical guides
Support ongoing technical development within the Sales organization
Travel
Travel up to 25% across the region for customer support, sales activities, and training
Requirements
What you will need:
Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or Mechanical Engineering or relevant experience
Proficient in IEC 61131-3 programming languages (Ladder, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram)
Experience with motion control systems, PLC’s, HMI programming and industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, CAN, Ethernet-IP, RS232/485)
Strong mechatronics background, integrating mechanical, electrical, and software systems
Skilled in machine commissioning and creating application/machine specifications
Familiarity with wiring diagrams and troubleshooting customer wiring
Preferred experience with Visual Basic, Windows-based software installation and setup
Knowledge of machine safety standards and project management practices
Solid understanding of Windows OS and Microsoft tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, Visio, MS Project)
Ability to travel up to 25%, including overnight travel within North America
Perks of being part of our team:
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance – multiple plan options
Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental Insurance
FSA, HSA options
Vision Insurance
401k with company match, fully vested
Paid Time Off
10 company paid holidays
Company paid disability & AD&D insurance
100% paid parental leave after one year of service
Supplemental insurance plans (Identity theft, cyber protection, additional life, etc.)
Tuition reimbursement
Many of our positions offer flexible schedules to meet your needs
Relaxed business casual environment
Sit/Stand desks for onsite office positions
Frequent team building activities
Career development opportunities
About us: Lenze is a global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology - offering products, drive solutions, complete automation systems, and engineering services and tools from one single source. Our products can be found in many industries, including automotive, packaging, material handling and logistics, robotics, and industrial equipment (pumps/fans).
A global network of distributors and representatives makes Lenze Americas perfectly positioned to meet the motion control needs of customers worldwide. Lenze Americas, the American subsidiary of Lenze SE of Germany, is headquartered in Uxbridge, Massachusetts; corporate global headquarters are in Hamelin, Germany.
Our culture: We’re powered by people. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and respect—where every voice matters and every idea has the potential to shape the future. We believe in balance, supporting our team with the flexibility and resources they need to thrive both professionally and personally.
Lenze is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.