Milwaukee - Application Specialist

About the role

As an Application Specialist, you will provide technical expertise, support, and guidance to clients in implementing industrial automation solutions. You will serve as a subject matter expert, assisting clients in optimizing manufacturing processes, improving efficiency, and leveraging automation technologies effectively.

Responsibilities

• Participate in monthly conference calls, share application success stories, and distribute details to the branch team.
• Identify and close major revenue‑producing projects.
• Engage directly with key accounts, understand buying influences, and address technical requirements for SMC products.
• Identify customer specifications and regulatory needs, and relay them accurately to SMC engineers or product specialists.
• Provide continuous training to sales employees, customers, and distributors on products and applications, including assisting the SMC training group with local presentations.
• Deliver training sessions and workshops to clients’ engineering and operations teams on the use and maintenance of automation systems.
• Document and monitor sales activity in SMC’s SalesConnect system, including meetings and opportunities.
• Assist sales employees with detailed technical presentations, lunch‑and‑learns, tent shows, mini‑panel expos, etc.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their unique manufacturing processes, challenges, and automation objectives.
• Work closely with clients and internal engineering teams to design, configure, and customize automation solutions.
• Stay abreast of competitive outlook, assist with gap analysis, industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in industrial automation.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and innovation within client operations, recommending new automation solutions or enhancements.
• Provide feedback to product development teams for future product enhancements or new product development.
• Offer guidance and best practices for operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting industrial automation equipment and software.
• Provide technical support to clients during implementation, addressing system configuration, integration, and performance issues.
• Complete other duties as prescribed by sales management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Advanced industrial automation product and application experience with SMC or equivalent industry.
• Experience with or knowledge of competitive products and applications.
• Demonstrated ability to correctly apply and implement newest “high‑tech” products.
• Extensive SMC application knowledge or equivalent industry expertise.
• Broad experience with manufacturing products and processes, including packaging, electronics, food, chemical, automotive, and medical.
• Fluid Power Pneumatic Specialist Certification (preferred).
• Proficiency in CRM systems and computer applications; ability to learn new programs and tools.
• Clean driving record.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Fast‑paced environment that includes both office and field work. Travel within the assigned Milwaukee territory with occasional extended stays away from home. Ability to lift SMC products and displays up to 50 lb.

Pay

The expected salary range for this position is $74,259–$114,648 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, geographic location, and other job‑related factors.

Benefits

• Eligibility to participate in SMC’s Sales Incentive Program (SIP).
• Company‑provided vehicle with company‑paid maintenance and fuel.
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Additional employee benefits and programs.