Automation Engineer

Rankin Automation is expanding our engineering team to support the growth of automation in manufacturing. We are looking for a mechanical or electrical engineer who brings an outstanding attitude, a strong work ethic, and a genuine interest in learning. Prior industrial automation experience is not required—we will provide the training, hands-on experience, and exposure needed to build expertise in some of the most exciting technologies in the industry, including robotics, pneumatics, motion control, sensors, and safety devices. The Application Engineer will support our sales team, help customers identify the right solutions, and contribute to engineering projects. If you are positive, willing to work hard, comfortable talking with customers, and excited to learn something new every day, we want to hear from you. 

Essential Functions: 

• Learn Rankin Automation’s industrial automation product lines and develop strong technical knowledge through structured training and hands-on experience 

• Support the engineering and production teams in building robotic, pneumatic, and electromechanical solutions 

• Assist with the design, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of automation solutions 

• Talk with customers to understand their applications and help identify the right solutions and components 

• Partner with salespeople to explain products, answer technical questions, and support customer opportunities 

• Work with collaborative robots, grippers, sensors, motion-control products, and other automation technologies in our facility and at customer sites 

• Prepare and deliver product demonstrations and technical presentations for customers and internal staff 

• Continue developing technical and customer-facing skills through supplier training, mentoring, and field experience 

Competencies: 

• A consistently positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges 

• Strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to following through 

• Comfort talking with customers, asking thoughtful questions, and explaining technical ideas clearly 

• Curiosity about industrial automation and enthusiasm for learning new technologies 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Good organizational and time-management skills 

• Ability to take direction, collaborate with a team, and work independently as skills develop 

• Foundational mechanical or electrical engineering knowledge and practical problem-solving ability 

• Comfort using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams 

• Willingness to learn AutoCAD or equivalent design tools 

• Interest in learning electrical and pneumatic circuit design 

• Interest in developing knowledge of PLCs, industrial computers, robotics, and related controls 

Work Environment: 

This job operates in an office located in Conshohocken, PA. This role may involve travel throughout the region to visit clients and prospective clients.  This role requires the use of standard office equipment such as laptop computers and smartphones. 

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. This would require the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.  The job requires the ability to travel throughout the Mid-Atlantic region as well as attend sales training, meetings, and supplier training. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work; 

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.  Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. 

Required Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field 

• No prior industrial automation experience required 

• Demonstrated positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn 

• Comfort interacting with customers and working collaboratively with sales, engineering, and production teams 

• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office tools 

Preferred Education and Experience:  

• Internship, co-op, project, or hands-on experience in engineering, manufacturing, robotics, controls, or industrial equipment 

• Exposure to AutoCAD, PLCs, industrial computers, pneumatic systems, or electrical controls 

• Experience presenting technical information, supporting customers, or working in a team-based environment 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: 

There are no additional eligibility qualifications for this position