Automation Application Engineer

Sonepar Canada, Inc.; Deer Park (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

401(k) retirement savings with company match

Professional and personal development programs

Opportunity to become a shareholder

Employer-paid short- and long-term disability

Employer-paid life insurance for spouse and dependents

Robust wellness program

Gym reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Crawford Electric Supply is looking for an Automation Application Engineer in Deer Park, Texas. This role focuses on providing technical authority for industrial automation solutions for End Users and OEM customers. Responsibilities include technical pre-sales support, solution design, and customer consultations. Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and 5–10 years of relevant experience. Crawford offers great benefits, including paid time off and 401(k) plans.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in industrial automation application engineering.
• Experience in technical pre-sales supporting End Users, OEMs, and/or system integrators.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise to support automation sales opportunities.
• Design and recommend industrial automation solutions.
• Engage with End Users and OEMs to assess applications.
• Coordinate with manufacturers and internal teams.
• Deliver technical training and product demonstrations.
• Stay current on automation technologies and industry trends.

Skills

Hands-on knowledge of PLCs

Hands-on knowledge of HMIs

Knowledge of VFDs

Knowledge of motion control

Knowledge of industrial safety

Knowledge of industrial communication protocols

Familiarity with Schneider Electric

Familiarity with Rockwell Automation

Familiarity with Siemens

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Job description

There’s a Place for You at Crawford Electric Supply.

A career at Crawford Electric Supply is more than a job. You’re investing in a brighter, more sustainable future together and joining a team that makes a real difference for our customers. Crawford Electric Supply offers electrical products and services to contractors. If it helps bring electricity to an office, home, factory or other building – you can find it here. We operate throughout the southeast region of the United States, and are part of the Sonepar group, the world’s #1 electrical distributor with over 45,000 associates around the globe.

Being “Powered by Difference” means we respect and value diverse perspectives. Crawford Electric Supply we offer a supportive culture and great benefits, and as part of the larger Sonepar group, we can offer exciting opportunities to grow your career.

It’s time to energize your future! Don’t miss out on this electrifying opportunity – apply today! Stay connected with us – follow our journey, job openings, and latest news on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Position

Automation Application Engineer

Location

Branch Location

About Crawford

If you are looking for a company who is committed to building a relationship with you, who encourages having fun at work, who is powered by difference, and who is passionate about your future, it’s time to apply at Crawford Electric Supply. Known in the electrical distribution industry for being a great place to work and build a career, Crawford prides itself on being a business partner rather than just an electrical supplier to its customers. Everyday Crawford associates provide the best customer experience while at the same time offering the widest variety of electrical products on the market. For the past 30 years, Crawford has built a culture of growth, opportunity, innovative thinking, and stability for its employees by truly living up to the company motto of, “Whatever it Takes!” through our mindset competencies below:

Adapt: Effectively embrace new situation and people

Dare: Appropriately challenge the status quo

Learn: Learn from others, from mistakes, and self‑improve

Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Automation Application Engineer serves as the primary technical authority supporting industrial automation solutions for End Users and OEM customers. This role partners closely with Automation Sales Specialists and Account Managers by providing application expertise, solution design, and technical guidance throughout the pre‑sales and post‑sales lifecycle. The Automation Application Engineer ensures recommended solutions are technically sound, scalable, and aligned with customer performance objectives.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Technical Pre‑Sales & Solution Support: Provide technical expertise to support automation sales opportunities by developing system architectures, validating applications, and partnering with Automation Sales Specialists to deliver technically sound solutions.
• Solution Design & Application Engineering: Design and recommend industrial automation solutions—including PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networking—that meet customer performance, reliability, and scalability requirements.
• Customer Consultation & Technical Support: Engage with End Users and OEMs to assess applications, provide technical guidance, support troubleshooting and escalations, and ensure successful adoption of recommended solutions.
• Project & Partner Coordination: Coordinate with manufacturers, system integrators, and internal teams to support implementation, commissioning, and alignment between customer requirements and delivered solutions.
• Training & Enablement: Deliver technical training, product demonstrations, and application workshops for customers and internal stakeholders to drive solution understanding and adoption.
• Technical & Market Awareness: Stay current on automation technologies, industry trends, and competitive platforms, and provide technical insights to support solution positioning and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience).
• Experience: 5–10 years of experience in industrial automation application engineering, controls engineering, or technical pre‑sales supporting End Users, OEMs, and/or system integrators.
• Technical Skills: Hands‑on knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motion control, industrial safety, and industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.). Familiarity with major automation platforms such as Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, and Siemens.
• Professional Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. Effective time and priority management across multiple opportunities and projects.

Note

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Crawford is an equal opportunity employer

Crawford is a subsidiary of Sonepar USA.

What We Offer You

We offer great family-friendly benefits to full-time associates:

• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match
• Professional and personal development programs
• Opportunity to become a shareholder
• Employer‑paid short- and long‑term disability
• Employer‑paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
• Robust wellness program
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

We’re proud to be a military‑friendly company, and our many employee resource groups (ERGs) help you make connections and feel supported.

Ready to join the fun?

Apply today and become part of the Crawford Crew – where we work hard, laugh often, and always have a spark to share!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or any other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

Sonepar and our family of brands are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please call 843-745-2420 or email [e-mail].

EEO is the Law

Applicants and employees are protected under Federal law from discrimination. To learn more, Click here.

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision

Sonepar follows Executive Order 11246, including the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. To learn more, Click here.