Automation Application Engineer

Sonepar USA; Deer Park (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plans

Dental & vision

Paid time off

Parental leave

401(k) with company match

Professional development programs

Shareholder opportunity

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

The Automation Application Engineer role at Crawford Electric Supply (Sonepar USA) provides primary technical authority for automation solutions. You will partner with sales and account managers to deliver sound, scalable designs and guide customers through presales and post-sales lifecycle.

The role requires hands-on PLC/HMI/VFD experience, strong communication, and a proactive approach to technology trends and solution optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, 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 networking.
• Familiar with major automation platforms and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical presales support by designing system architectures and validating applications.
• Design and recommend automation solutions including PLCs, HMIs, and networking.
• Engage with End Users and OEMs to assess applications and assist in problem solving.
• Coordinate with partners and internal teams for implementation and commissioning.
• Deliver technical training and demonstrations to customers and staff.
• Stay current on automation technologies and market trends.

Skills

PLCs

HMIs

VFDs

Motion control

Industrial safety

Industrial protocols

Industrial networking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

Schneider Electric

Rockwell Automation

Siemens

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.

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

Duties & Responsibilities

• Technical Presales & 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: Handson 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

Crawford is a subsidiary of Sonepar USA.

What We Offer You

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

• 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)

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

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 or email .

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.

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