Automation Engineer - Safety, Sensors & Industrial Control

The Kendall Group; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kendall Group is seeking an Automation Engineer to support the Automation Portfolio, including controllers, HMIs, networks, motion control, and VFDs. The role combines territory business development, pre-sales and post-sales support, and competency development for inside and outside sales teams.

You will partner with Rockwell Automation and other manufacturers, lead cross-functional projects, and ensure quality service while adhering to Kendall policies.

Qualifications

• 2 years of hands-on electrical/mechanical knowledge and experience; PLCs, HMIs, Networks, Safety, Motion Control, VFDs, and other automation equipment experience.
• Experience collaborating with sales and technical teams to design controls systems.
• Strong problem solving, analytical and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Require commercial leadership and collaboration with our automation manufacturers we partner with such as Rockwell Automation
• 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 other pre-sales activities
• Work with customers on post-sale technical questions, issues, and/or commercial situations
• Be 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

Service Excellence

Results oriented

Accountability

Teamwork

Priority Setting

Planning and organizing

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

About The Kendall Group

The Kendall Group is comprised of eight divisions with 75+ locations in ten states. Combined, we serve the Electrical, Automation, Pipe, Valve, and Fitting products, Steam, Lighting, Industrial Controls, and Instrumentation Industries. The Kendall Group is a 100% employee-owned company. Kendall offers a great opportunity for a rewarding career.

Why The Kendall Group?

Our employee ownership model is the core of who we are. You will not only own part of the company, but you will own your future. At Kendall, you'll have opportunities to learn and grow while being coached and mentored along the way. We're that company where people stay! We're proud to say more than 60% of our associates have more than 5 years of tenure, and more than 40% have greater than 10 years. At Kendall, you will be valued and supported, your ideas will be heard, your voice will matter, and you'll work alongside incredible people who care about your success.

Role Summary: The primary responsibility of this role is to be a sales resource for the Automation Portfolio (supported products and solutions) that includes Controllers, I/O, Visualization, Networks, Motion Control/Mechanical, and Variable Frequency Drives offered by Rockwell Automation and other partnering manufacturers, sold and distributed by Kendall Electric. This role includes territory business development, pre-sales, and post-sales support for the above-mentioned portfolio. The position will also be responsible for competency development of our inside and outside sales teams. The individual in this role will require commercial leadership and collaboration with Rockwell Automation and our other partners.

Exciting work you will do:

The essential duties and responsibilities of an Automation Engineer will consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

• Require commercial leadership and collaboration with our automation manufacturers we partner with such as Rockwell Automation
• 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 other pre-sales activities
• Work with customers on post-sale technical questions, issues, and/or commercial situations
• Be 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

Competencies you possess:

• Service Excellence
• Results, Action Oriented
• Accountability and Responsibility
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Priority Setting
• Planning and organizing

What you'll need:

• Work Experience: 2 years of experience of hands‑on electrical/mechanical knowledge and experience; PLCs, HMIs, Networks, Safety, Motion Control, VFDs, and other automation equipment experience; understanding of manufacturing machinery, processes, networks, and analytics
• Education:High School diploma or GED
• Analytics/Computer Skills:Experience working with others to design controls systems, equipment, and to solve problems; ability to collaborate with and engage additional commercial or technical resources when appropriate; Business acumen, including problem solving skills, critical thinking, and analytical abilities;
• Organization Skills:Highly organized and detail-oriented; ability to multi‑task and shift priorities as needed; ability to work in fast‑paced, continuously evolving, and at times ambiguous environment
• Cross-functional skills:Ability to work well cross‑functionally; provides excellent internal and external customer service; experience working 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 communications, analytical and problem solving, organizational and written/verbal communication skills
• Physical, Mental and Visual Skills:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and hear. The employee must be able to stand, walk, climb stairs, and operate a vehicle.
• Physical Environment: Normal office environment; warehouse, fabrication environment and exposure to moving equipment

Qualifications we prefer but don't require:

• Work Experience:Over 5 years of Industrial distribution; Hands‑on electrical/mechanical knowledge and experience; PLCs, HMIs, Networks, Safety, Motion Control, VFDs, and other automation equipment experience; understanding of manufacturing machinery, processes, networks, and analytics
• Education:Bachelor's degree in engineering, technology degree/certificate, or equivalent training/experience

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.