Application Specialist

SMC; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SMC is seeking an Automation Application Specialist to provide technical expertise for implementing industrial automation solutions. You will work with sales and engineering to tailor concepts, deliver training, and support clients throughout implementation.

The role involves collaborating with client teams, conducting workshops, and guiding projects to successful outcomes while staying abreast of industry trends and new technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• Advanced industrial automation product and application experience with SMC or equivalent.
• Experience with competitive products and applications.
• Demonstrated ability to apply and implement newest high-tech products.

Responsibilities

• Participate in monthly conference calls and share success stories with the branch team.
• Identify and close major revenue-producing projects.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to design, configure, and customize automation solutions.
• Provide training to sales staff, customers and distributors on products and applications.
• Deliver training sessions and workshops to client engineering and operations teams.

Skills

Industrial automation knowledge

Customer training

Technical presentation

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Purpose

As an Automation Application Specialist, your primary responsibility is to 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 their manufacturing processes, improving efficiency, and leveraging automation technologies effectively.

Responsibilities

• Participate in monthly conference calls and provide application success stories, share and distribute details to branch team
• Focus on identifying and closing major revenue‑producing projects
• Be involved with key accounts and their projects directly, understanding buying influences and technical requirements for specific products
• Identify all specifications and regulatory needs at the customer level and relay them accurately to the appropriate engineer or product specialist
• Provide continuous training to sales employees, customers and distributors on products and applications, including assisting with local training presentations
• Deliver training sessions and workshops to clients' engineering and operations teams on use and maintenance of automation systems
• Document and monitor sales activity in CRM system, including meetings and opportunities
• Assist sales employees in detailed technical presentations to all levels of customers, including lunch & 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
• Collaborate with product development teams to provide feedback and insights for future product enhancements or new product development
• Provide guidance and best practices for operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting industrial automation equipment and software
• Provide technical support to clients during implementation phase, addressing system configuration, integration, and performance issues
• Successfully complete other duties as prescribed by sales management as necessary

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Fast‑paced environment (includes both office and field work)
• Travel with some extended stay away from home
• Physically capable of lifting SMC products and displays up to 50 lbs.

Minimum 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 product and applications
• Demonstrated ability to correctly apply and implement newest high‑tech products
• Extensive SMC Application knowledge or equivalent industry
• Extensive experience with various manufacturing products and processes, including (but not limited to) packaging, electronics, food, chemical, automotive and medical
• Fluid Power Pneumatic Specialist Certification preferred
• Proficient in CRM and ability to learn new programs and tools as required
• Clean driving record