Automation Engineer Specialist

About the Company

The Kendall Group is a 100% employee-owned company comprised of eight divisions with 75+ locations in ten states, serving the Electrical, Automation, Pipe, Valve, Fitting, Steam, Lighting, Industrial Controls, and Instrumentation industries.

Our employee ownership model is the core of who we are. You will own part of the company and your future, with opportunities to learn and grow while being coached and mentored. More than 60% of our associates have over 5 years of tenure, and over 40% have more than 10 years. At Kendall, you will be valued, your ideas will be heard, and you’ll work alongside people who care about your success.

About the Role

Reporting to the Automation Sales Manager, the Automation Engineer Specialist is a key technical sales resource supporting Customers, Outside Sales, and Inside Sales Teams. This role focuses on the Automation portfolio, including Controllers, I/O, HMI, Safety Devices, Networks, Motion Control, Variable Speed Drives, Motor Controls, Motors, and Mechanical Products (gearboxes, actuators, and couplings).

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commercial leadership and collaboration with automation manufacturing partners.
• Collaborate with the Kendall Sales team to develop business and close sales opportunities.
• Work with Kendall Inside Sales to create BOMs for quoting, processing orders, and servicing customers.
• Assist customers with product selection for applications, projects, and other pre-sales activities.
• Address post-sale technical questions, issues, and commercial situations.
• Serve as a point of contact for manufacturing partners within the coverage area.
• Participate in annual planning with automation partners.
• Maintain quality service by adhering to Kendall Group policies, procedures, and standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Service Excellence
• Results and Action-Oriented
• Accountability and Responsibility
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Priority Setting
• Planning and Organizing

Requirements

• 2 years of hands-on electrical/mechanical knowledge and experience with PLCs, HMIs, Networks, Safety, Motion Control, VFDs, and other automation equipment.
• Understanding of manufacturing machinery, processes, networks, and analytics.
• High School diploma or GED.

Skills

• Experience designing control systems and equipment in collaboration with others.
• Business acumen, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical abilities.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and customer service skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to learn new technologies and meet deadlines.
• Effective presentation skills in small and large group settings.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of industrial distribution experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology degree/certificate, or equivalent training/experience.

Work Environment

• Normal office environment.
• Warehouse and fabrication environment with exposure to moving equipment.

The physical demands include sitting, talking, hearing, standing, walking, climbing stairs, and operating a vehicle. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.