Industrial Automation Associate

About the role

A career at Crawford Electric Supply is more than a job. You’re investing in a brighter, more sustainable future together and joining a team that makes a real difference for our customers. Crawford Electric Supply offers electrical products and services to contractors. If it helps bring electricity to an office, home, factory or other building – you can find it here. We operate throughout the southeast region of the United States, and are part of the Sonepar group, the world’s #1 electrical distributor with over 45,000 associates around the globe.

Being “Powered by Difference” means we respect and value diverse perspectives. Crawford Electric Supply we offer a supportive culture and great benefits, and as part of the larger Sonepar group, we can offer exciting opportunities to grow your career.

Responsibilities

• Sales & Opportunity Support: Assist Automation Sales Specialists and the existing sales team with opportunity research, customer support, quoting coordination, and preparation of automation solution proposals.
• Technical Learning & Application Exposure: Support Automation Application Engineers with basic application tasks, product selection assistance, solution documentation, and exposure to system architectures and automation technologies.
• Customer Interaction & Engagement: Participate in customer meetings, site visits, and product demonstrations to gain exposure to OEM and End User environments, applications, and decision processes.
• Cross-functional Coordination: Coordinate with internal teams, vendors, and partners to support the execution of automation opportunities and customer requests.
• Training & Development: Participate in internal and external training programs to build foundational knowledge of industrial automation products, solutions, and sales processes.
• Operational & Market Awareness: Assist with market research, competitive analysis, and internal reporting to support sales and solution positioning efforts.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Business, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Experience: 1–3 years of experience in industrial, technical, or commercial roles. Internship or co-op experience in engineering, automation, manufacturing, or industrial sales preferred.
• Technical Aptitude: Interest in industrial automation and controls and a willingness to learn PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motion control, and industrial communication concepts. Comfort working with basic technical documentation and software tools.
• Professional Skills: Strong curiosity and desire to learn. Effective communication and teamwork skills. Ability to manage tasks, prioritize work, and support multiple stakeholders.

Environment

We offer great family-friendly benefits to full-time associates:

• 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
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
• Employer-paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
• Robust wellness program
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What We Offer You

• Military-friendly company
• Many employee resource groups (ERGs) help you make connections and feel supported

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.