Field Application Engineer

We are an innovative, Vancouver-based startup at the forefront of robotics, AI, and machine vision technologies. Backed by VC funding and recognized as a 2024 BCTIA Growth Award winner, we are on a mission to redefine the future of AI-driven robotic vision systems.  Apera AI helps manufacturers make their factories more flexible and productive. Robots enhanced with Apera’s software have 4D Vision – the ability to see and handle objects with human-like capability. Challenging applications such as bin picking, sorting, packaging, and assembly are now open to fast, precise, and reliable automation. Apera is led by an experienced team from high-growth companies focused on robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

Imagine deploying cutting-edge AI vision systems that guide robots in real time, redefining the future of factory automation. As a Field Application Engineer at Apera AI, you won’t just support tech—you’ll lead it. You’ll be at the center of our customer success, driving the installation, optimization, and adoption of our AI-powered robotic vision platforms in manufacturing facilities across North America. This role blends deep technical execution with real-world impact, giving you hands-on ownership of smart automation deployments that improve safety, efficiency, and flexibility on the factory floor. You’ll work with industry leaders, collaborate cross-functionally, and gain exposure to the most advanced robotics in commercial use today. 

Why Join Apera AI?

Purpose 
We’re automating what used to be impossible. Our AI vision systems let robots handle unpredictable environments with stunning precision. You’ll be enabling this transformation on the frontlines of global manufacturing. 

Growth 
You’ll develop mastery across robotics, AI, and field deployment in real-time environments. This isn’t a desk job—it’s a launchpad for becoming a leader in smart automation. Your ideas influence product development and your work creates direct, measurable outcomes. 

Motivators 
If you thrive in fast-paced environments, love solving real-world engineering challenges, and want to travel while implementing next-gen tech, this is your arena. We’re growing fast and we want people who are excited by change, challenge, and impact. 

And last, but certainly not least: We’re Not Just Hiring — Apera AI Is Scaling Fast

We're growing and we’re looking for four exceptional Field Application Engineers to help lead the charge.

Our AI vision systems are changing what’s possible in robotics — enabling machines to operate with real-time intelligence on factory floors across North America - and the world! Demand is rising, and we’re scaling up to meet it. That’s why we’re expanding our customer success team with multiple new roles that put you at the heart of cutting-edge deployments.

This is not just a job — it’s a chance to travel, lead, and shape the future of automation in the real world. If you want to work where AI meets industrial impact — and you’re excited to solve high-stakes problems with speed and skill — we want you on this journey with us.

Major Objectives 

Lead Seamless Robotic Vision Deployments 
Within your first 60 days, lead the installation, setup, and commissioning of AI-driven robotic vision systems at customer sites. Ensure reliable hand-off into production by using diagnostic tools and AI-based validation to fine-tune system performance. 

Drive Hands-On Customer Enablement 
By day 90, independently deliver field training to three customer teams. Create high-retention learning moments that reduce support needs and maximize user confidence. Evaluate where AI-powered tutorials or simulation tools can accelerate training. 

Deliver Field Insights That Shape Product Innovation 
Regularly document technical feedback from real-world deployments and collaborate with the Engineering team to improve usability, reliability, and functionality. Your insights help turn customer pain points into new product features. 

Critical Subtasks 

1. Conduct Pre-Deployment Site Audits
   Within your first month, visit customer sites to evaluate technical readiness. Prepare installation plans that incorporate AI setup and verify system compatibility.
2. Own the Technical Implementation Plan
   Create execution plans for each install. Identify integration challenges early and adapt standard AI vision configurations to client-specific needs.
3. Be the Cross-Functional Glue
   Work with Sales, PMs, and Engineers to ensure alignment on technical scope and business objectives. Drive clarity between vision system requirements and customer expectations.
4. Manage Complex Robotic Deployments
   Own timelines and risk during multi-robot rollouts. Use AI diagnostics to track install health, and lead issue resolution with minimal downtime.
5. Optimize Systems in Production
   After go-live, track performance over a 90-day period. Use empirical data and AI analytics to resolve emerging issues and improve uptime.
6. Respond Rapidly to Critical Issues
   Be a first responder when systems fail. Diagnose problems on the ground or remotely, then deploy fast, root-cause fixes that minimize customer disruption.
7. Continuously Evaluate and Integrate AI to Improve Performance
   Identify where AI or automation tools can replace manual work, from system calibration to customer training. Pilot tools and report impact.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a technical field such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, systems design, or controls, or a technologist diploma with equivalent experience.
• Must be able to travel 75%, with the possibility of international travel to Mexico and Canada.
• Willingness to travel on short notice, and weekend work as needed.
• 3-5 years of experience in automation, mechatronics, controls, or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English (a second language is a bonus).
• Proven working knowledge of robotics, machine controls, automation principles, and manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic troubleshooting.
• The ability to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic prints and related technical documentation.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• • Experience with vision systems or vision engineering.
  • Knowledge of FANUC robots, controllers, and peripheral equipment.
  • Familiarity with FANUC application software (e.g., Roboguide) and programming.
  • Experience with or programming of ABB, Kuka, Yaskawa Motoman, Staubli, Universal Robots, or other industrial robotic systems.

Culture and Situation Fit 

Apera is bold, agile, and committed to redefining automation with intelligence. Our teams thrive in high-ownership, low-ego environments where collaboration and speed are the norm. This role demands technical depth, creative thinking, and comfort with change. You’ll often be on the road, solving tough challenges in dynamic manufacturing environments. If you love working where hardware meets AI—and every day brings a new mission—this is your place. 

Why Join Us?

People are our greatest strength they are friendly, smart, and driven to build amazing products; we tackle challenges as a team, we are close-knit and scrappy. We also offer competitive total compensation, health benefits, and vacation. Our teams are motivated, talented, hardworking and have an entrepreneurial spirit. We enjoy making large impact, solving challenging problems rooted in real-world physics using science, imagination, creativity, and persistence.

What do we offer?  

1. A chance to make a difference. People are our greatest strength they are friendly, smart, and driven to build amazing products; we tackle challenges as a team, we are close-knit and scrappy. Our teams are motivated, talented, hardworking and have both an intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial spirit. We enjoy making a large impact, solving challenging problems rooted in real-world robotic vision optimization using science, imagination, creativity, and persistence. 

1. Build your skills. Build your career. We don’t just promise opportunities—we back them with personalized development plans, annual learning budgets, and time dedicated to innovation. Come for the mission, stay to master it. 

1. Equity that empowers. As an employee-owned company, every Aperian receives a meaningful stock-option package, because we succeed together. You don’t just contribute; you get a share of the upside. 

1. Straightforward compensation. At Apera AI, we believe that transparency and fairness are key to building a thriving team. For this Field Application Engineer role, we offer a competitive base salary range of $100,000–$110,000 USD per year, plus annual bonus. 

This range reflects the base salary for a highly qualified candidate. The final offer will depend on a range of factors including your unique skills, experience, contributions to team diversity, and the value you bring to our vision of transforming industrial automation with AI-powered vision systems. 

 #LI-RS1