Atlanta Outside - Application Specialist

About the role

As an Automation Application Specialist, your primary responsibility is to provide technical expertise, support, and guidance to clients in implementing industrial automation solutions. You will serve as a subject matter expert, assisting clients in optimizing their manufacturing processes, improving efficiency, and leveraging automation technologies effectively.

Responsibilities

• Participate in monthly conference calls and provide application success stories, sharing and distributing details to the branch team
• Focus on identifying and closing major revenue-producing projects
• Be involved with key accounts and their projects directly, including understanding buying influences and technical requirements for introducing specific SMC products
• Identify all specifications and regulatory needs at the customer level and relay them accurately and completely to the appropriate SMC Engineer or Product Specialist
• Provide continuous training to sales employees, customers, and distributors on products and applications, including assisting the SMC training group with local presentations
• Deliver training sessions and workshops to clients' engineering and operations teams on the use and maintenance of automation systems
• Document and monitor sales activity in SMC’s SalesConnect system, including meetings and opportunities as invited user or team member to the respective CRM entry
• Assist sales employees in detailed technical presentations to all levels of customers, including lunch & learns, tent shows, mini panel expos, etc.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their unique manufacturing processes, challenges, and automation objectives
• Work closely with clients and internal engineering teams to design, configure, and customize automation solutions
• Stay abreast of competitive outlook, assisting with gap analysis, industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in industrial automation
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and innovation within client operations, recommending new automation solutions or enhancements
• Collaborate with product development teams to provide feedback and insights for future product enhancements or new product development
• Provide guidance and best practices for operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting industrial automation equipment and software
• Provide technical support to clients during the implementation phase, addressing system configuration, integration, and performance issues

Physical demands / Work environment

• Fast-paced environment (includes both office and field work)
• Travel with some extended stays away from home
• Physically capable of lifting SMC products and displays up to 50 lbs

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience
• Advanced industrial automation product and application experience with SMC or equivalent industry
• Experience with or knowledge of competitive products and applications
• Demonstrated ability to correctly apply and implement newest “high tech” products
• Extensive SMC application knowledge or equivalent industry
• Extensive experience with various manufacturing products and processes, including (but not limited to): packaging, electronics, food, chemical, automotive, and medical
• Fluid Power Pneumatic Specialist Certification preferred
• Proficient in CRM and the use of computers and ability to learn new programs and tools as required
• Clean driving record

Pay

The expected salary range for this position is $74,259–$114,648 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors.

Benefits

• Eligible to participate in SMC's Sales Incentive Program (SIP)
• Company-provided vehicle with company-paid maintenance and fuel
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Life and disability insurance
• Other employee benefits and programs