Applications Engineer

The Applications Engineer serves as a technical subject matter expert (SME) for industrial pneumatic products and systems including valves, FRLs, and cylinders. Ideal candidate would be an SME in pneumatics, but also have experience in industrial controls, PLC platforms, and industrial communication networks.

This position reports to the Applications Engineering Manager and ensures technical excellence, customer application success, and alignment of profitable growth through supporting customers and distributors.

Your Main Responsibilities:

• Supports field sales and distributors
• Serve as technical authority for pneumatic products and systems including valves, FRLs and cylinders - to close on final sale and establish new opportunities.
• System sizing, technical applications, product understanding and customer support.
• Provide advanced technical support and escalation for complex applications
• Training customers, distributors and field sales as needed.
• Desired experience in PLCs
• Automation systems, and industrial communication networks
• PLC and industrial networking and communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, IO-Link, OPC UA, etc.)
• Integrated electro-pneumatic automation systems
• Supports product launch and commercialization activities
• Provides input and supports VOC efforts for new product development
• Collaboration with field sales on executing division strategy for new product launches and growth initiatives.
• Deliver training programs, technical seminars, and enablement tools for internal teams, distributors, and customers
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to engineering efficiency, solution quality, and customer satisfaction
• Travel to customer sites, trade shows, and industry events as required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field (required)
• Experience in pneumatics, industrial automation, application engineering or similar (required)
• Fluid Power Certified (preferred)
• Controls - PLC and industrial networking (preferred)
• Experience supporting product development and product launches (preferred)

• Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Strong expertise of pneumatic systems and industrial applications
• Experience designing and troubleshooting system-level automation solutions
• Familiarity with industrial standards, safety systems, and performance optimization

• Business & Product Skills

• Experience in solution selling and providing value to customers through technical expertise.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
• Ability to translate technical concepts into customer value

• Leadership & Competencies

• Proven ability to lead discussions with customers
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Customer-focused mindset
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced technical environment

• Travel

• Travel as required.

• Working Condition

• Combination of office and customer site environments.

Parker Hannifin

In Motion Systems Group and Pneumatic Division, we play a pivotal role in applications that change our world. We are in almost everything that moves. With our wide range of technologies, we help our customers solve their most complex engineering challenges by living our purpose: enabling engineering breakthroughs that lead to a better tomorrow. We believe that our team members are our key assets and that a diverse workforce is a driving force to bring our purpose to life. We foster a culture where every team member feels safe, included and empowered. We all belong, we all matter, and we all make a difference. We have an exciting opening for an Applications Engineer in Richland, MI. If you are looking for an opportunity to make an impact and grow your career, consider putting your experience in motion at Parker Pneumatic Division (PDN). Here you will find a passionate team built on a winning culture that puts our people and customers first. We are inspired by our purpose of Enabling Engineering Breakthrough that Lead to a Better Tomorrow., Parker Hannifin is a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. For more than a century, we've enabled engineering breakthroughs that make energy cleaner, transportation safer, medical treatments more effective, and manufacturing more efficient. With empowered team members in more than 40 countries, Parker serves customers across aerospace & defense, energy, HVAC & refrigeration, in-plant & industrial equipment, off-highway and transportation. Our scale is global, but our purpose is personal. We enable breakthroughs that improve lives, strengthen communities and create a brighter future. Our Purpose - Enabling Engineering Breakthroughs that Lead to a Better Tomorrow - comes to life through our people-first culture where teamwork drives performance, inclusion fuels innovation and growth is encouraged. This environment fosters collaboration and empowers team members from engineering and manufacturing to finance, supply chain, human resources, information technology and beyond. By combining deep expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit, we help customers succeed in markets that demand performance, reliability, and sustainability. As we look to the future, Parker is advancing initiatives in energy efficiency and sustainability while developing the next generation of talent and leaders to engineer a better tomorrow.