Automation Application Engineer
Position Summary
The Automation Application Engineer serves as the primary technical authority supporting industrial automation solutions for End Users and OEM customers. This role partners closely with Automation Sales Specialists and Account Managers by providing application expertise, solution design, and technical guidance throughout the pre-sales and post-sales lifecycle. The Automation Application Engineer ensures recommended solutions are technically sound, scalable, and aligned with customer performance objectives.
Responsibilities
- Technical Pre-Sales & Solution Support: Provide technical expertise to support automation sales opportunities by developing system architectures, validating applications, and partnering with Automation Sales Specialists to deliver technically sound solutions.
- Solution Design & Application Engineering: Design and recommend industrial automation solutions—including PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networking—that meet customer performance, reliability, and scalability requirements.
- Customer Consultation & Technical Support: Engage with End Users and OEMs to assess applications, provide technical guidance, support troubleshooting and escalations, and ensure successful adoption of recommended solutions.
- Project & Partner Coordination: Coordinate with manufacturers, system integrators, and internal teams to support implementation, commissioning, and alignment between customer requirements and delivered solutions.
- Training & Enablement: Deliver technical training, product demonstrations, and application workshops for customers and internal stakeholders to drive solution understanding and adoption.
- Technical & Market Awareness: Stay current on automation technologies, industry trends, and competitive platforms, and provide technical insights to support solution positioning and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience)
- Experience: 5–10 years of experience in industrial automation application engineering, controls engineering, or technical pre-sales supporting End Users, OEMs, and/or system integrators.
- Technical Skills: Hands-on knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motion control, industrial safety, and industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.). Familiarity with major automation platforms such as Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, and Siemens.
- Professional Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. Effective time and priority management across multiple opportunities and projects
Environment
Not specified
What We Offer You
- Healthcare plans
- Dental & vision
- Paid time off
- Paid parental leave
- 401(k) retirement savings with company match
- Professional and personal development programs
Opportunity to become a shareholder
Not specified
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
Not specified
Employer-paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
Not specified
Robust wellness program
Not specified
Gym reimbursement
Not specified
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Not specified
Military-friendly company
Not specified
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other categories protected by federal, state or local law.
Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision
Sonepar follows Executive Order 11246, including the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. To learn more, Click here.