Want to work at Buchanan Automation?

Buchanan Automation is seeking a Customer Application Engineer/Technician to support customers and internal teams with optimized product selection, application review, and technical problem solving primarily in pneumatic and fluid power systems. This role supports day-to-day application questions, specification review, and solution verification, and can also assist with controls and motion products when needed.

Position Summary

The Customer Application Engineer/Technician serves as a technical resource for pneumatic components and systems, helping ensure that proposed solutions are accurate, practical, and aligned with customer requirements. The role works closely with sales, customers, suppliers, and internal support teams and does not include direct supervisory responsibility. The candidate’s responsibilities also include structured in-house training on our products, tools, and processes, along with ongoing technical development to deepen skills over time.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support customers and internal sales teams with pneumatic and fluid power application questions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and working knowledge of pneumatic and fluid power principles, whether gained through formal schooling, manufacturer training, or on-the-job experience.
• Review customer requirements, product selections, and application details for technical fit and completeness. Ability to review mechanical layouts, product specifications, and basic schematics.
• Verify specifications for cylinders, valves, air preparation, fittings, vacuum components, and related products.
• Assist with troubleshooting pneumatic system issues by phone, email, virtual meeting, and occasional site support when needed.
• Provide technical support for related product areas including sensors, basic electrical controls, and motion products as required.
• Work with manufacturer technical teams to confirm selections, identify alternatives, and resolve application issues.
• Support quote development by helping define the correct technical solution and required components.
• Maintain application notes, reference materials, and common solution guidelines for internal use.
• Continuing education and professional development on pneumatic products, common applications, and industry best practices.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation, fluid power, pneumatics, technical support, applications engineering, or industrial product support.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and working knowledge of pneumatic and fluid power principles.
• Ability to review mechanical layouts, product specifications, and basic schematics.
• Proficient organizational skills with ability to manage multiple stakeholder requirements
• Experience supporting industrial components through a distributor, manufacturer, OEM, or integrator environment preferred.
• Working familiarity with basic electrical controls or motion products is preferred but not the primary focus of the role.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, Outlook, and standard business systems.
• Strong verbal communication skills with ability to work cross-functionally and client facing with ability to clearly present information to non-technical audiences. Effective written communication skills and a practical customer service mindset.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent combination of technical education, manufacturer or industry training, and hands-on experience is fully considered; candidates without a formal degree but with relevant experience are encouraged to apply
• Associate degree in a technical field + relevant industry experience
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, industrial technology, or related field + relevant experience

Compensation and Benefits

Buchanan Automation offers a competitive compensation package designed to support long-term careers at its Snohomish and Fremont locations. Employees receive a competitive salary package, paid time off, and employer-sponsored health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. We also provide retirement benefits and the business tools or travel support needed to be effective in a customer-facing technical role.