Associate Automation Engineer

Applied Industrial Technologies; Norwood (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Industrial Technologies is seeking a technical sales–oriented professional to join our development team in the United States. The role blends outside sales support with in‑depth application engineering to tailor automation solutions using our product portfolio.

You will work under senior management and mentor engineers from multiple groups, gaining experience in technical consulting, project scope, and customer relationship management across industrial markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 3–5 years in technical sales or engineering support.
• Proven communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to analyze customer needs and translate into technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Perform market and industry research to generate target customer lists and sales leads.
• Plan and execute customer interactions (in-person, virtual) including sales calls and technical presentations.
• Conduct technical feasibility studies and product demonstrations (hardware and software).
• Apply company technology to solve customer problems and create demonstrations.
• Configure and troubleshoot automation equipment for demos or support (PLCs, HMIs, robotics).
• Collaborate with sales engineers to define project scope, select products, and prepare quotations.
• Provide pre- and post-sales technical support and troubleshoot with customers and teams.
• Educate customers on products and solutions through various formats.
• Document activities in CRM and support territory/account management.
• Pursue continuous learning about automation technology through training.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Project management

Multitasking

Technical aptitude

Customer-facing

Prospecting

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

3-5 years in technical sales or engineering support

Tools

CAD systems

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

PLC/HMI knowledge

Job description

This development role combines customer-facing outside sales and support with in-depth technical application engineering and is intended to prepare you for opportunities in both technical and commercial positions within our business. The primary responsibility is to support the sales team by understanding customer needs, solving technical challenges, and specifying automation solutions using Gibson Engineering's product portfolio. This position will report to senior management and work under the mentorship of experienced engineers from multiple functional groups within the business. The role will be exposed to all aspects of our business development, technical support, mechanical design, application engineering and outside sales functions. You will gain experience as a technical consultant and relationship manager as you build commercial and technical competence intended to provide the foundation for a career in technical customer-facing roles.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform market and industry research to generate target customer lists and perform other prospective activities to generate sales leads.

• Proactively plan and execute customer interactions (in-person, virtual), including sales calls, technical presentations, and follow-up supporting activities.

• Perform technical feasibility studies, proof-of-concept work, and product demonstrations (hardware and software related).

• Effectively and creatively apply Gibson Engineering's represented technology and products to solve specific customer problems and create interesting technical demonstrations.

• Configure, program, and debug automation equipment (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, motion controls, robotics, vision systems) as needed for demos or support.

• Collaborate with sales engineers and manufacturer resources to define project scope, select appropriate products, and generate detailed quotations.

• Provide pre- and post-sales technical support to customers and internal teams, including troubleshooting.

• Educate customers on products and solutions through various formats (one-on-one, small group, classroom).

• Support territory and accounts management by documenting activities within our CRM system.

• Continuously learn about the latest automation technology and products through formal and self-guided training.

• Communicate effectively regarding project status and expectations with customers, peers, and management.

Competencies:

• Comfort with public speaking and enthusiastic presentation of technical materials.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong sense of teamwork and willingness to help others.

• Ability to break down, organize, and manage complex projects.

• Strong multitasking, prioritization, and time management skills.

• Ability to retain technical details

• Hands-on mechanical and technical aptitude; ability to use test tools (multimeters, oscilloscopes).

• Positive attitude and receptive to direction.

• Active listening skills.

Preparation, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering discipline OR 3-5 years in technical sales or engineering support role.

• Strong computer skills (email, word processing, spreadsheets).

• Familiarity with industrial control systems (PLC, HMI, Machine Vision, Motion Control, Robotics) is a plus.

• Ability to read/understand electrical schematics and mechanical drawings; working knowledge of CAD systems is a plus.

• Valid driver’s license

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

• Office and engineering lab/test environment with regional travel to customer sites. Will require periodic travel within the US for vendor training may occur.

• Requires the ability to sit at a desk, stand in a lab, and spend extended time in vehicle.

• Must be able to lift equipment, potentially upwards of 70 lbs for demonstrations or setup

• Some evening and weekend work may be required to meet customer requirements and deadlines.

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.