Automation Solutions Engineer - Process Automation

Thorp Controls; Quinte West; On-site; CAD 104,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Company vehicle reimbursement (FAVR)

Job summary

Thorp Controls is seeking an Automation Sales Engineer to lead growth of Schneider Electric process automation solutions across locations. Based in our Denver area team, you’ll collaborate with account managers company-wide and learn from experienced colleagues.

You will develop expertise in Control Expert, Modicon PLCs, and EcoStruxure Automation Expert, identify opportunities, lead sales calls, and deliver compelling demonstrations to engineers and plant personnel while supporting pre- and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent hands-on automation experience.
• Ability to work independently in technical sales or applications engineering.
• Comfort presenting and selling to customers.
• Strong analytical skills and quick learning of new software in automation environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a team orientation.
• Self-motivated and organized; can manage multiple priorities in a matrixed team.
• Willingness to travel 20-40%, including overnight.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Develop deep expertise in Schneider Electric's process automation portfolio, including Control Expert and Modicon PLCs, EcoStruxure Automation Expert (IEC 61499), and related products.
• Identify and pursue process automation sales opportunities with Thorp Controls account managers and Schneider Electric personnel.
• Lead both independent and joint sales calls to promote process automation solutions and align with business goals.
• Assess customer needs quickly and help define the problem before proposing solutions.
• Create and deliver presentations and live product demonstrations for engineers, decision-makers, and plant personnel.
• Guide customers through solution development and benefits analysis to reduce risk and obtain project approvals.
• Provide pre-sale and post-sale technical support, including commissioning assistance and troubleshooting.
• Complete, maintain and leverage manufacturer-supplied training (online, virtual, in-person).
• Develop and lead technical training classes for customers and Thorp Controls staff.
• Support marketing initiatives to build awareness and demand for Thorp Controls' products and solutions.
• Track and manage sales opportunities in the CRM; ensure clear communication and proper handoffs across teams.
• Work with Schneider Electric End User Automation Sales and resources to develop and sell optimized solutions and strengthen distributor-manufacturer relationships.

Skills

Technical sales

Business development

Presentations

Customer relations

Analytical skills

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About the role

• Thorp Controls Automation Solutions is searching for the right candidate to join our Automation Sales Engineering Team to lead growth of Schneider Electric process automation solution sales across all locations. This role is based in our Denver, CO location and supports customers and account managers company-wide. We are expanding an already strong team, so the selected candidate will have the opportunity to learn from experienced coworkers.

What you'll do

• Develop deep expertise in Schneider Electric's process automation portfolio, including Control Expert and Modicon PLCs, EcoStruxure Automation Expert (IEC 61499), and related control and networking products.
• Proactively identify and pursue process automation sales opportunities in collaboration with Thorp Controls account managers and Schneider Electric personnel.
• Lead both independent and joint sales calls to promote process automation solutions, understand customer pain points, and propose technical solutions that align with business goals.
• Quickly assess customer needs - often with limited information - and help customers define the problem before proposing the solution.
• Create and deliver compelling presentations and live product demonstrations for engineers, decision-makers, and plant personnel.
• Guide customers through solution development and benefits analysis to reduce risk and help get projects approved.
• Provide pre-sale and post-sale technical support, including commissioning assistance, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Complete, maintain and leverage manufacturer-supplied training, which will include online self-paced, virtual live and in-person training.
• Develop and lead technical training classes for customers and for Thorp Controls' sales and technical staff.
• Support marketing initiatives to build awareness and demand for Thorp Controls' products and solutions.
• Track and manage sales opportunities in Thorp Controls' CRM, ensuring clear communication and proper handoffs across all teams.
• Work closely with Schneider Electric End User Automation Sales and Technical resources to develop and sell optimized solutions and foster strong distributor-manufacturer relationships.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience in industrial automation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a technical sales, business development, or applications engineering role.
• Comfort and confidence presenting and selling in front of customers.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to quickly learn new software and technologies and apply them in industrial automation environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a positive, team-oriented approach.
• Self-motivated and organized, capable of managing multiple priorities in a matrixed team structure.
• Ability to travel 20-40%, including overnight, in support of all locations.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• Experience selling or supporting technical products in industrial markets, particularly within OEM, system integrator, or plant engineering accounts.
• Background in industrial automation or control systems - such as PLC programming, SCADA design, or industrial networking.
• Experience with Schneider Electric's Control Expert platform and Modicon PLCs.
• Experience with Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Automation Expert platform or other IEC 61499 environments.
• A strong drive to compete and win business, not just support it.
• Interest and ability to develop and lead technical training classes.
• Leadership aptitude and interest in developing people and managing technical capabilities as a future growth opportunity.
• Existing relationships with industrial customers in the Midwest (KS, MO, NE, CO) is a plus.

Compensation and benefits

• Base salary range: $75,000 - $125,000 per year
• Additional compensation: Eligible for monthly bonuses based on company sales of applicable products.
• Benefits include:
• • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off, which includes sick leave
  • Paid holidays
  • Company vehicle reimbursement program (FAVR) for business travel