Applications Engineering Supervisor

Powell; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Powell Global Service in Houston seeks an experienced Applications Engineering Supervisor to lead the Applications Engineering team responsible for MV/LV electrical distribution solutions. You will drive high-quality bid decisions, optimize technical and commercial strategies, and collaborate with Sales and Strategic Accounts to maximize win rates at target margins.

You will manage estimating engineers, develop standard solutions, and mentor staff while coordinating with field service, sales,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 8–10 years of relevant industry experience with degree, or 15+ years without degree.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills for engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical and business focal point for Powell’s electrical equipment and field service portfolio.
• Provide input to bid go/no-go decisions and optimize bid strategies.
• Lead and develop a team of estimating engineers, including task assignments and coaching.
• Collaborate with Sales and Strategic Accounts to maximize win rates with target margins.
• Analyze project specs and data to determine material, labor, and equipment needs for MV and LV systems.
• Travel up to 25% to support customers and site visits.
• Develop standard solutions and processes to improve cost, quality, and execution.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

English communication

Bid/estimation input

Travel willingness

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Alternative: 15+ years experience

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Job Description

Powell Global Service is seeking an experienced Applications Engineering Supervisor to lead our Applications Engineering team in Houston, Texas. In this critical leadership role, you will serve as the primary technical and business focal point for Powell’s electrical equipment and field service portfolio. You will partner closely with Sales and Strategic Account teams to drive high-quality bid decisions, optimize technical and commercial strategies, and maximize win rates at target margins.

Job Description

Powell Global Service is seeking an experienced Applications Engineering Supervisor to lead our Applications Engineering team in Houston, Texas. In this critical leadership role, you will serve as the primary technical and business focal point for Powell’s electrical equipment and field service portfolio. You will partner closely with Sales and Strategic Account teams to drive high-quality bid decisions, optimize technical and commercial strategies, and maximize win rates at target margins.

You will lead a team of applications (estimating) engineers, delivering complex technical solutions for medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) electrical distribution equipment, including switchgear, MCCs, E-Houses, and power systems. This position combines hands‑on technical leadership, team management, process improvement, and strategic growth initiatives to support the continued expansion of Powell’s Service Division.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical expert and business focal point for Powell’s electrical equipment and Field Service portfolio.
• Provide informed technical input to enquiry/bid go/no-go decisions.
• Partner with Sales and Strategic Accounts to ensure technically sound, commercially optimized bid strategies that align with company objectives and maximize order win probability at the best possible margins.
• Manage the PGS-Houston Applications Engineering resources, balancing strategic tender priorities while maintaining departmental flexibility to handle urgent workloads — with a strong emphasis on quality of wins over quantity of tenders.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of estimating engineers, including task assignments, performance management, on-the-job training, information management, and supplier/vendor coordination.
• Develop and refine standard solutions and processes to drive continuous improvements in cost, quality, and execution efficiency.
• Analyze project specifications, drawings, and data sheets to determine material, labor, and equipment requirements for MV and LV electrical distribution systems.
• Lead technical initiatives to support division growth, including customer site visits to deliver innovative solutions tailored to customer needs.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships while proactively managing expectations on deliverables.
  

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of managerial/leadership experience of engineering teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (Electrical Engineering preferred) from an accredited institution, plus 8–10 years of relevant industry experience OR a minimum of 15 years of relevant industry experience without a degree.
• Senior-level technical expertise in at least one of the following areas:
• Electrical Equipment Field Service (installation, testing, start-up, and training)
• Power Systems
• Electrical System Integration (preferably switchgear and MCC applications)
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and problem-solving skills with the ability to guide engineering teams.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and the development/use of estimating-related KPIs to track growth, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• In-depth knowledge of Powell equipment, including both current and legacy (previous vintage) product lines.
• Strong familiarity with:
  • 5/15kV Switchgear, 38kV Switchgear
  • Low Voltage and Medium Voltage MCCs
  • Power Control Rooms / E-Houses
  • Panelboards and Relay Panels
• Experience with field modifications to existing electrical equipment.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical drawings, symbols, wiring diagrams, customer specifications, and applicable industry standards (ANSI, ISO, etc.).
• Practical knowledge of drafting/CAD, design and circuitry, documentation, material ordering, and providing technical support to sales, customers, and shop personnel.
• Innovative mindset with a proven ability to improve existing products and processes focusing on quality, delivery, and cost optimization.

WORKING & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• The employee typically performs duties in a normal office environment. There will be some work in the shop environment and exposure to the elements of our shop.
• Additionally, there may be some work performed in the field with exposure to construction sites or active customer facilities. The customer sites can be refineries, utility substation yards or even offshore platforms.
• It is the policy of Powell Industries to promote safe working conditions for ALL employees, to make available where necessary special equipment to protect employees against specific hazards, to reduce accidents through prevention programs and to establish rules that are designed for the safety of all. It is the responsibility of each employee to adhere to this policy, as well as to observe all safety practices and exercise every precaution for the safety of accidents.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, carry or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand; talk or hear; walk; sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.