Automation Engineer

The Kendall Group, Inc.; Montgomery (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kendall Group, Inc. in Montgomery, AL is seeking an Automation Engineer who serves as a sales resource for the Automation Portfolio. You will support pre‑sales, post‑sales, and competency development for inside and outside sales teams, coordinating with Rockwell Automation and other partners.

This role combines technical hands‑on automation knowledge with customer-facing responsibilities: advising on product solutions, quoting, and ensuring timely service while maintaining Kendall policies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years hands-on electrical and mechanical knowledge across PLCs, HMIs, networks, and motion control.
• Understanding of manufacturing machinery, processes, networks, and analytics.
• High School diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial leadership and collaborate with Rockwell Automation and other automation manufacturers.
• Work with the Kendall Sales team to develop business and close sales opportunities.
• Work with Kendall Inside Sales to create BOMs for quoting, processing orders, and servicing customers.
• Work with customers on selecting product solutions for applications, projects, and pre‑sales activities.
• Handle post‑sale technical questions, issues, and commercial situations for customers.
• Serve as a point of contact to Rockwell Automation and partnering manufacturers within the coverage area.
• Participate in annual planning with Rockwell Automation and other automation partners.
• Maintain quality service by adhering to Kendall Group policies, procedures, and standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Electrical knowledge

Mechanical knowledge

PLC programming

HMI programming

Networking

Motion control

VFDs

Analytics

Customer service

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation products

Job description

About The Kendall Group

The Kendall Group is a 100% employee‑owned company with more than 75 locations across ten states, serving Electrical, Automation, and Industrial Controls markets.

Role Summary

The Automation Engineer is a sales resource for the Automation Portfolio, supporting products and solutions sold by Kendall Electric. The role involves territory business development, pre‑sales, post‑sales support, and competency development for inside and outside sales teams, collaborating with Rockwell Automation and other partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial leadership and collaborate with Rockwell Automation and other automation manufacturers.
• Work with the Kendall Sales team to develop business and close sales opportunities.
• Work with Kendall Inside Sales to create BOMs for quoting, processing orders, and servicing customers.
• Work with customers on selecting product solutions for applications, projects, and pre‑sales activities.
• Handle post‑sale technical questions, issues, and commercial situations for customers.
• Serve as a point of contact to Rockwell Automation and partnering manufacturers within the coverage area.
• Participate in annual planning with Rockwell Automation and other automation partners.
• Maintain quality service by adhering to Kendall Group policies, procedures, and standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies

• Service Excellence
• Results
• Action Oriented
• Accountability and Responsibility
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Priority Setting
• Planning and Organizing

Requirements

Work Experience

• Minimum 2 years of hands‑on electrical/mechanical knowledge and experience, including PLCs, HMIs, Networks, Safety, Motion Control, VFDs, and other automation equipment.
• Understanding of manufacturing machinery, processes, networks, and analytics.

Education

• High School diploma or GED.

Analytics/Computer Skills

• Experience working with others to design control systems, equipment, and solve problems.
• Business acumen, critical thinking, and analytical abilities.

Organization Skills

• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to multi‑task and shift priorities in a fast‑paced, continuously evolving environment.

Cross‑Functional Skills

• Works well cross‑functionally, providing excellent internal and external customer service.
• Experience in a sales department; self‑motivated to learn new technologies and accomplish tasks when due.
• Effective presentation skills in both small and large group settings.

Communication Skills

• Strong interpersonal, analytical, problem‑solving, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills.

Physical, Mental, and Visual Skills

The physical demands described here are representative of those required for this job. The employee must be able to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, climb stairs, and operate a vehicle. Physical environment includes normal office, warehouse, fabrication, and exposure to moving equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Work Experience

• Over 5 years of industrial distribution experience with hands‑on electrical/mechanical knowledge.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, Networks, Safety, Motion Control, VFDs, and other automation equipment.
• Understanding of manufacturing machinery, processes, networks, and analytics.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology degree, certificate, or equivalent training/experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Kendall Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.