Applications Engineering Supervisor

About the role

Powell Global Service is seeking an experienced Applications Engineering Supervisor to lead our Applications Engineering team in Houston, Texas. In this critical leadership role, you will serve as the primary technical and business focal point for Powell's electrical equipment and field service portfolio. You will partner closely with Sales and Strategic Account teams to drive high-quality bid decisions, optimize technical and commercial strategies, and maximize win rates at target margins. You will lead a team of applications (estimating) engineers, delivering complex technical solutions for medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) electrical distribution equipment, including switchgear, MCCs, E-Houses, and power systems. This position combines hands-on technical leadership, team management, process improvement, and strategic growth initiatives to support the continued expansion of Powell's Service Division.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical expert and business focal point for Powell's electrical equipment and Field Service portfolio.
• Provide informed technical input to enquiry/bid go/no-go decisions.
• Partner with Sales and Strategic Accounts to ensure technically sound, commercially optimized bid strategies that align with company objectives and maximize order win probability at the best possible margins.
• Manage the PGS-Houston Applications Engineering resources, balancing strategic tender priorities while maintaining departmental flexibility to handle urgent workloads - with a strong emphasis on quality of wins over quantity of tenders.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of estimating engineers, including task assignments, performance management, on-the-job training, information management, and supplier/vendor coordination.
• Develop and refine standard solutions and processes to drive continuous improvements in cost, quality, and execution efficiency.
• Analyze project specifications, drawings, and data sheets to determine material, labor, and equipment requirements for MV and LV electrical distribution systems.
• Lead technical initiatives to support division growth, including customer site visits to deliver innovative solutions tailored to customer needs.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships while proactively managing expectations on deliverables.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of managerial/leadership experience of engineering teams.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (Electrical Engineering preferred) from an accredited institution, plus 8-10 years of relevant industry experience OR a minimum of 15 years of relevant industry experience without a degree.
• Senior-level technical expertise in at least one of the following areas:
  • Electrical Equipment Field Service (installation, testing, start-up, and training)
  • Power Systems
  • Electrical System Integration (preferably switchgear and MCC applications)
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and problem-solving skills with the ability to guide engineering teams.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and the development/use of estimating-related KPIs to track growth, efficiency, and cost performance.
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