Application Engineer — Fluid Power, Motion Control, Machine Vision & PLCs
Summary
The Application Engineer provides technical expertise and solution development for industrial automation applications involving fluid power, motion control, machine vision, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). This role works with customers, sales teams, suppliers, and internal operations to define requirements, select components, develop system concepts, troubleshoot applications, and support successful implementation.
Job Duties
- Collaborate with customers and sales personnel to identify application requirements, operating conditions, and performance objectives.
- Select and apply motion-control products such as motors, drives, gearboxes, linear actuators, sensors, and positioning systems.
- Support PLC-based automation solutions, including I/O selection, control architecture, communications, and basic programming or troubleshooting.
- Develop machine-vision concepts for inspection, identification, measurement, guidance, and quality-control applications.
- Review drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and technical documentation to ensure proper product selection and system compatibility.
- Provide startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and post-installation support as needed.
- Diagnose system issues involving mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, controls, communications, or vision components.
- Coordinate with manufacturers and suppliers for specialized engineering support, product availability, and application validation.
- Deliver product training and technical guidance to customers and internal sales teams.
- Follow applicable safety requirements, industry standards, and company procedures.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or a related field; equivalent technical training and applicable experience may be considered.
- Experience with industrial automation, fluid power, motion control, PLCs, machine vision, or related equipment.
- Working knowledge of pneumatic system principles.
- Familiarity with motors, variable-frequency drives, servo systems, linear motion, sensors, and industrial networks.
- Understanding of PLC hardware, I/O, HMI systems, and industrial communication protocols.
- Familiarity with machine-vision cameras, lighting, lenses, image-processing concepts, and inspection applications.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, hydraulic/pneumatic diagrams, mechanical drawings, and technical specifications.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and customer-service skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a customer-focused environment.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Experience supporting industrial distribution, OEMs, system integrators, or manufacturing customers.
- PLC programming and commissioning experience.
- Experience with robotic, safety, or industrial networking applications.
- Relevant fluid power, automation, or controls certifications.
- Proficiency with CAD software and technical documentation tools.
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GPC conducts its business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. GPC's policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering
- Zero to two years of related experience
- Proficiency with CAD software
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite software
- Strong communication skills with technical and non-technical personnel
Genuine Parts Company Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Genuine Parts Company and has not been reviewed or approved by Genuine Parts Company.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include a 401(k) with company match and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, with profit sharing and pension plans also mentioned. These elements indicate strong long-term financial support alongside ownership opportunities.
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Healthcare Strength — Benefits encompass medical, dental, and vision coverage with HSA and FSA options plus income-protection coverages like life, AD&D, and disability. This breadth suggests a robust core health and protection offering.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid maternity and paternity leave are provided in addition to short‑term disability, and an Employee Assistance Program supports families with counseling and life tools. These programs reinforce family support alongside standard PTO.
Genuine Parts Company Insights
What We Do
Genuine Parts Company (GPC), founded in 1928, is a global service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive and industrial replacement parts. We serve hundreds of thousands of customers from a network of more than 10,000 locations in 14 countries and have approximately 50,000 employees.
