Automation Engineer Specialist

The Kendall Group is comprised of eight divisions with 75+ locations in ten states, serving the Electrical, Automation, Pipe, Valve, Fitting, Steam, Lighting, Industrial Controls, and Instrumentation industries. As a 100% employee-owned company, Kendall offers a rewarding career where you will own part of the company and your future. More than 60% of associates have over 5 years of tenure, and 40% have over 10 years, reflecting a supportive environment where your ideas are valued and your growth is prioritized.

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 in selecting product solutions for applications, projects, and other pre-sales activities.
• Address post-sale technical questions, issues, and commercial situations for customers.
• Serve as a point of contact to 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.

Requirements

• 2 years of hands-on electrical/mechanical knowledge and experience.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and provide excellent internal and external customer service.
• Self-motivated with a willingness to learn new technologies and meet deadlines.
• Effective presentation skills in small and large group settings.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving, and written/verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

Preferred but not required:

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

Skills

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

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear.
• Must be able to stand, walk, climb stairs, and operate a vehicle.

Work Environment

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