Innovative. Collaborative. Strategic Beckhoff Automation is seeking an ambitious and skilled Application Development Engineer to support the development and delivery of cutting-edge automation solutions for our customers. As a member of the Advanced Applications Group, you will help shape Beckhoff's success by driving high-potential customer engagements through expert technical solutions and hands-on application development. In this role, you will be responsible for understanding complex customer needs and crafting elegant solutions that leverage Beckhoff technology. Reporting to the Advanced Applications Manager and working closely with the Product Management team and Regional Sales Teams, you will ensure that Beckhoff's solutions are strategically aligned with customer goals. You will focus on innovation and the rapid deployment of proof-of-concept testing to secure key business opportunities, positioning Beckhoff as a leader in automation.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Support & Customer Engagement
- Serve as a primary pre-sales technical resource for Product Management, Sales Engineers (SEs), and Application Engineers (AEs) to determine application fit and assess technical risk.
- Effectively communicate with internal and external customers to determine application requirements and demonstrate Beckhoff product capabilities.
- Evaluate customer challenges and provide guidance on the suitability of Beckhoff solutions.
Solution Development & Product Validation
- Develop and implement proof-of-concept hardware and software solutions to eliminate technical risk for complex or advanced customer applications.
- Prototype and test applications to validate concepts, quantify fit, and reduce technical risk before implementation.
- Test beta I/O products and provide feedback to the Product Management team.
- Help create and maintain effective demos and tradeshow displays.
Technical Expertise & Continuous Learning
- Develop and execute I/O-specific training for the Beckhoff engineering teams.
- Build and maintain an advanced level of knowledge of Beckhoff Automation products and related technologies.
- Embrace challenges and continuously expand technical skillset to address new customer needs and industry developments.
Disclaimer: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. The company reserves the right to modify duties or assign additional responsibilities as necessary to meet business needs. Other duties as assigned.
What Makes This Role Unique
- Best-in-Class Tech: Represent a highly differentiated automation platform.
- Established Culture: Join a strong, values-driven organization.
- Like Hardware?: Help support the largest I/O portfolio in the world.
What We’re Looking For – Required Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline (required); advanced degree a plus but not required.
- Solid electrical engineering foundation, including signal types, low-voltage DC signal analysis, filtering, and grounding principles (including EMF mitigation).
- Demonstrated expertise in test and measurement, including domain-specific suppliers such as National Instruments LabVIEW, Honeywell, and DEWESoft.
- Functional knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming languages.
- National Instruments LabVIEW experience strongly preferred.
- Multiple fieldbus experience a plus (EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, IO-Link, etc.).
- Rockwell and Siemens programming experience a plus.
- 10+ years of hands-on experience in industrial test and measurement, automated test system design, or applications engineering.
- Experience with power measurement and analysis a plus.
- Experience building custom machinery a plus.
- Ability to translate customer and application requirements into technical solutions.
- Comfortable presenting technical findings to both engineering and non-technical stakeholders.
- Embrace challenges and expand skillset when faced with new questions.
Work Location This is a fully remote position. Team members can work from any location within the United States, with occasional virtual meetings and collaboration. Preference will be given to those living near the Savage, MN or Broomfield, CO offices.
Travel This position requires varying travel ranging from 5-20% which may include day trips, overnight stays, and occasional extended travel depending on business needs. Travel may be local, regional, or national. All travel-related expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with company policy. Candidates must be able to meet the travel requirements of the role, and reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
What We Offer
Benefits
At Beckhoff Automation USA, our privately held, family-owned culture empowers candid collaboration, the freedom to create innovative solutions, and strong relationships built around cutting-edge technology and shared purpose.
- Generous Paid Time Off + 12 Paid Holidays
- Employer paid High-Deductible Medical plan, Dental, and Vision for Employee + Family!
- 401(k) with up to 6% employer match
- Employer-Paid Insurance: Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Elective Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Indemnity, and Pet Insurance
- Professional Development Opportunities
Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Ability to stand and sit for extended periods.
- Ability to use a computer screen for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and move as needed to perform job duties.
- Manual dexterity for operating tools and equipment.
- Adequate vision and hearing to perform essential tasks safely.
About Beckhoff At Beckhoff, automation is our calling. We empower engineers to differentiate and succeed as industry leaders –– to harness new technologies, embrace open standards and solve the world’s most complex problems. Founded and led by engineers, we organically create advanced controls, communication, IoT, and motion technologies that become unique tools for your one-of-a-kind challenges in an age of digital transformation. As a global partner with U.S. headquarters in Minneapolis, we remain committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and support for the people behind the automation. So, whether you’re powering the EV revolution, dazzling on Broadway, launching satellites, or developing fusion energy solutions – you can reach new heights for your business, industry, and humankind.
Beckhoff is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, participate in an interview, or otherwise take part in the recruitment process, please contact our Talent & Culture Team.