Automation Estimation Engineer

About the role

The Solutions Architect role at Cybertrol is a senior, customer-facing technical position. You will define, estimate, and deliver industrial automation solutions that align with customer needs and Cybertrol's capabilities. This role combines front-end solution development with architecture-level engineering leadership.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with Cybertrol management and customers to understand business objectives, technical constraints, and success criteria; translate needs into a clear project scope and solution approach
• Create estimations, bill of materials, and proposal documents for internal review and external customer presentation
• Architect end-to-end industrial automation solutions, including controls, networks, software, and services, leveraging Cybertrol standards and approved vendor offerings
• Develop clear and well-structured Functional Specifications and other required technical documentation to support project execution
• Design and develop automation strategies as Project Architect, providing system-level thinking, problem-solving, and technical leadership across disciplines
• Develop and implement complex PLC/HMI code in a modern, team-based software framework; support simulation, testing, and customer acceptance activities as needed
• Partner with Manufacturing Intelligence, Hardware, and Industrial OT engineers to deliver comprehensive solutions that meet customer requirements
• Consult with customers' technical teams to validate requirements, review technical specifications, and provide clarifications, exceptions, and recommended alternatives
• Present proposals and technical recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, clearly articulating how the solution addresses customer needs
• Maintain customer engagement throughout the project lifecycle and for a period following commissioning to ensure successful adoption and identify follow-on opportunities
• Ensure quality processes are followed to deliver high-quality, reliable, and maintainable solutions and software
• Build and maintain vendor relationships by becoming certified and/or registered within key partner organizations (e.g., Cisco, Panduit, VMware) and staying current on relevant technologies
• Remain current on customer preferences and solution options by attending sales meetings, vendor trainings, trade shows, and reviewing industry publications
• Provide account management support for assigned house accounts, including periodic customer visits, identifying potential needs, developing scope, assembling proposals, and presenting recommendations

Requirements

• B.S. in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Chemical) or related engineering field; or Associate Degree in Engineering Technology (Electrical, Computer, IT, Electro-Mechanical) or related engineering technology field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in industrial automation
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing PLC/HMI solutions, including commissioning/startup support
• Experience producing customer-facing technical documentation (e.g., functional specifications, proposals, scope documents) and presenting solutions to stakeholders
• Strong consultative skills, including discovery, and managing ambiguity to a defined scope
• Effective technical writing skills with the ability to create clear, structured specifications and proposal content
• Proven ability to work independently, overcome resistance, and manage multiple requests while following standard workflows
• Collaborate effectively across Engineering, Operations, and Sales, including engaging specialty resources for uncommon applications
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including mentoring, technical guidance, and contributing to a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence
• Desire to continuously learn new technologies and applications; commitment to staying current with vendor and industry developments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and internal business systems/applications

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license is required
• Ability to travel up to 15% for scope-definition visits to customer sites, quarterly business reviews for assigned accounts, project commissioning support as needed, and trade show attendance

Skills

• Ability to architect and explain technical solutions to both technical and non-technical customer contacts
• Strong consultative skills, including discovery, and managing ambiguity to a defined scope
• Effective technical writing skills with the ability to create clear, structured specifications and proposal content
• Proven ability to work independently, overcome resistance, and manage multiple requests while following standard workflows
• Collaborate effectively across Engineering, Operations, and Sales, including engaging specialty resources for uncommon applications
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including mentoring, technical guidance, and contributing to a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence
• Desire to continuously learn new technologies and applications; commitment to staying current with vendor and industry developments

Benefits

• Discretionary bonus based on company and personal performance
• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid holidays and personal paid time off (PTO)
• Supplemental insurance plans
• Education reimbursement

Pay

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Hybrid role based in Maple Grove, MN. Ability to travel up to 15% for scope-definition visits to customer sites, quarterly business reviews for assigned accounts, project commissioning support as needed, and trade show attendance.