Application Engineer

Valin Corporation; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Valin Corporation seeks an Application Engineer to support customers and sales teams by applying industrial controls technologies. Focus areas include PLCs, VFDs, process heat controllers, and motion control, with emphasis on practical application support rather than heavy mechanical design.

You will bridge Customers, Sales, and Suppliers across the application lifecycle, from discovery to startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and training. Travel and hands-on problem solving are expected.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience applying, configuring, programming, or troubleshooting industrial PLCs and their control systems.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control system documentation.
• Experience with industrial I/O, electrical controls, AC/DC power distribution, and industrial communications.
• Understanding of servo/motion control systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Sales to understand machine and application requirements and recommend practical controls solutions.
• Select, size, configure, and support PLCs, VFDs, heat controllers, and related components.
• Provide application-level support for PLC system architecture, I/O, and communications.
• Assist Customers with PLC configuration, diagnostics, and commissioning using supplier tools.
• Support VFD applications, including motor selection and parameter setup.
• Coordinate heating-system design needs with Valin resources.
• Translate requirements into technical proposals and BOMs with Sales and Suppliers.
• Provide pre-/post-sales technical support including site visits and troubleshooting.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Customer facing

Communication

Schematic reading

Education

Bachelors in EE

Tools

PLC programming tools

CAD software

Job description

Summary: The Application Engineer will support Valin’s Customer and Sales teams by applying industrial controls technologies to solve technical challenges and improve equipment performance. The primary focus is programmable logic controllers (PLCs), followed by variable frequency drives (VFDs), process heat and temperature control systems, and motion control technologies. The role emphasizes practical Customer application support, rather than detailed mechanical design.

This customer-facing technical role serves as a bridge between Customers, Valin’s Sales organization, and strategic Suppliers. Responsibilities extend across the application lifecycle, from requirements discovery and product selection to configuration, programming guidance, startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and training.

Job Responsibilities

• Partner with Sales personnel in Customer-facing technical discussions to understand machine, process, and application requirements and recommend practical controls solutions.
• Select, size, configure, and support PLCs, VFDs, process heat controllers, and related industrial automation components based on Customer application requirements.
• Provide application-level support for PLC system architecture, I/O selection, industrial communications, integration, and interface requirements.
• Assist Customers with PLC configuration and programming, diagnostics, troubleshooting, system startup, and commissioning using Supplier software tools.
• Support VFD applications, including drive and motor selection, parameter setup, motor control methods, integration with PLCs, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
• Support Customers with process temperature controllers and power controllers, including component selection, configuration, integration, and troubleshooting; coordinate specialized heating-system design needs with appropriate Valin resources.
• Provide secondary application support for servo drives, servo motors, and motion control components, including product selection, basic sizing, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Translate Customer requirements into technical recommendations, bills of materials, application documentation, and proposals in collaboration with Sales and Suppliers.
• Coordinate closely with strategic Suppliers to resolve application questions, evaluate alternatives, and ***escalate*** complex technical issues.
• Provide timely pre-sales and post-sales technical support, including periodic Customer site visits, startup assistance, and hands‑on equipment troubleshooting.
• Deliver product demonstrations and technical training to Customers and Valin team members; contribute application expertise to sales and marketing efforts.
• Maintain accurate application notes, configuration and programming records, and supporting technical documentation as appropriate.
• Stay current on PLCs, VFDs, process heat controllers, motion control, Supplier technologies, and competitive offerings.

Education, Experience and Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, Controls, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent relevant hands‑on industry experience will be considered.
• Hands‑on experience applying, configuring, programming, or troubleshooting industrial PLCs and their associated control systems.
• Working knowledge of variable frequency drives, AC motor applications, drive configuration, and troubleshooting; familiarity with servo and motion control systems is beneficial.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, component specifications, and control system documentation.
• Understanding of industrial I/O, electrical controls, AC/DC power distribution, and common industrial communications/networking.
• Experience with industrial process heat, temperature controllers, and power controllers is desirable.
• Ability to independently analyze technical problems, communicate solutions clearly, and balance multiple Customer priorities.
• Strong interpersonal, written communication, organizational, and follow‑up skills; a collaborative, Customer‑focused approach.
• Experience with Supplier PLC programming and VFD configuration tools and Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with CAD tools is a plus, not a primary requirement.
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial equipment, oil and gas, semiconductor, or other high‑technology applications is beneficial.
• Self‑motivated, adaptable, and willing to develop expertise through Supplier training and hands‑on application work.

Physical Capabilities and Requirements

Work includes extended periods of computer‑based technical analysis and communication, along with standing, walking, and working around operating equipment during Customer visits. May occasionally transport a laptop, demonstration equipment, or small components (typically 30 lbs or less). Must be able to navigate offices, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities and follow applicable site safety requirements.

Work Environment

Combination of office/remote technical support and on‑site work in industrial and manufacturing environments, potentially involving noise, temperature variation, and operating machinery. Travel by automobile or airplane, including occasional overnight stays, is required, with anticipated frequency no more than once per month. Some flexibility outside normal business hours may be needed for customer support or commissioning.

Compensation Details

The expected starting rate of pay for this position is $90,000 - $103,000 annually, based on experience. Compensation will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and other job‑related factors.

Why should you join Valin Corporation?

At Valin, we pride ourselves on providing complex and tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of our customers. Our commitment to excellence and innovation sets us apart in the industry, making us a leader in delivering impactful results.

What truly makes us special is our workplace culture. We foster an environment that is collaborative, respectful, and inviting. Here, your voice is heard, your ideas are valued, and your contributions make a real difference. Our team thrives on open communication and mutual support, creating a space where everyone can achieve their best.

Valin defines its value in the marketplace through innovation in business practices, a commitment to developing people, and the creation of unique service models for the benefit of our shareholders, customers, suppliers, and community. Our commitment to excellence, the embrace of responsibility, and honest accountability establishes our legacy of achievement that defines us as one of the best managed companies in wholesale distribution.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled