Automation Application Engineer

Sonepar USA Inc; Deer Park (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plans

Dental & vision

Paid time off

Parental leave

401(k) retirement savings with company

Professional and personal development

Shareholder opportunity

Disability insurance

Life insurance for dependents

Wellness program

Gym reimbursement

EAP

Job summary

Sonepar USA Inc. in Texas is seeking an Automation Application Engineer to serve as the technical authority for industrial automation solutions across End Users and OEMs.

You will partner with Automation Sales Specialists and Account Managers to provide application expertise, design solutions, and guide technical decisions throughout the presales and postsales lifecycle. You will design and recommend PLCs, HMIs, and networking solutions; engage with customers to assess applications, support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, controls engineering, or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in industrial automation application engineering or related roles.
• Hands-on knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motion control, and industrial protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus.

Responsibilities

• Technical Pre‑Sales & Solution Support: provide technical expertise to support automation sales opportunities.
• Solution Design & Application Engineering: design and recommend automation solutions including PLCs, HMIs, and networking.
• Customer Consultation & Technical Support: engage with End Users and OEMs for applications, troubleshooting, and guidance.
• Project & Partner Coordination: coordinate with manufacturers, integrators, and internal teams for implementation and alignment.
• Training & Enablement: deliver technical training, product demonstrations, and workshops.
• Technical & Market Awareness: stay current on automation technologies and trends to support positioning.

Skills

PLC/Automation

HMI/SCADA

Motion control

Industrial safety

Industrial protocols

Automation platforms

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical or controls engineering

Job description

Position Summary

Position: Automation Application Engineer
Location: Branch Location

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 presales and postsales lifecycle. The Automation Application Engineer ensures recommended solutions are technically sound, scalable, and aligned with customer performance objectives.

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 presales 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.

Environment

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.

What We Offer You

• Healthcare plans
• Dental & vision
• 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)

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 an unfavorable discharge from military service, 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.