Automation Engineer Specialist

Kendall Electric; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendall Electric is seeking an Automation Engineer Specialist to support the automation portfolio, including controllers, I/O, HMI, safety devices, networks, motion control, and VFDs. You will work with customers, outside and inside sales to develop business opportunities and create effective quotes.

The role requires hands-on electrical/mechanical knowledge, 2 years of automation experience, and strong collaboration skills to deliver solutions across projects and post-sale support.

Qualifications

• 2 yearsHands-on electrical and mechanical knowledge in automation equipment such as PLCs, HMIs, networks, and motion control.
• Ability to design control systems with problem solving, analytical thinking, and collaboration with sales/technical teams.
• Experience in fast-paced, cross-functional environments with strong customer service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate leadership with automation manufacturing partners and collaborate with sales teams.
• Assist with BOMs for quoting, orders, and servicing customers.
• Engage with customers to select product solutions for projects and pre-sales activities.
• Address post-sale technical questions and commercial situations with customers.
• Serve as a primary contact to manufacturing partners within the coverage area.

Skills

Electrical knowledge

PLCs

HMI

Motion control

VFDs

Networking

Analytical abilities

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferred)

Tools

PLC hardware

HMI software/config

Industrial networks

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.

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:

Reporting to the Automation Sales Manager, the Automation Engineer Specialist is a key member of the Sales team. The person in this role will be a technical sales resource to our Customers, Outside Sales, and Inside Sales Teams. The Automation Specialist will support the Automation portfolio that includes Controllers, I/O, HMI, Safety Devices, Networks, Motion Control, Variable Speed Drives, Motor Controls, Motors, and Mechanical Products (gearboxes, actuators, and couplings). These are products sold and distributed by Kendall Electric.

Exciting Work You Will Do

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

• Demonstrate commercial leadership and collaboration with our automation manufacturing partners
• Collaborate with the Kendall Sales team to develop business and close sales opportunities
• Collaborate with Kendall Inside Sales to create BOMs for quoting, processing orders, and servicing customers
• Collaborate with customers on selecting product solutions for applications, projects, and other pre-sales activities
• Collaborate with customers on post-sale technical questions, issues, and/or commercial situations
• Be a point of contact to manufacturing partners within the coverage area
• Participate in annual planning with 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 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 control systems and equipment; ability to collaborate with commercial or technical resources; business acumen including problem solving, 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 a 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 small and large group settings
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal communication, 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 duties, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear; must also be able to stand, walk, climb stairs, and operate a vehicle.
• Physical Environment: Normal office environment; warehouse and fabrication environment with exposure to moving equipment

Qualifications We Prefer But Don’t Require

• Work Experience: 2 years of industrial distribution; hands-on electrical/mechanical 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.