Automation Sales Engineer

John Henry Foster Minnesota, Inc.; Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

John Henry Foster Minnesota, Inc. is seeking an Automation Sales Engineer in Eagan, MN to provide technical expertise and sales support for pneumatic and electrical automation products.

You will work with customers, outside and inside sales to understand applications, propose solutions, and develop quotations. The ideal candidate has strong pneumatic knowledge, experience with industrial automation, and the ability to build long‑term relationships with customers and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Two-year degree in Fluid Power, Automation, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, or equivalent.
• 3+ years of experience with pneumatic and/or industrial automation products, applications, or technical sales preferred.
• Strong knowledge of pneumatic systems and components, including cylinders/actuators, valves, FRLs, fittings, tubing, sensors.
• Working knowledge of electrical automation components, such as sensors, motor controls, switches, controls, and other automation products.
• Ability to understand customer applications, troubleshoot problems, and recommend appropriate technical solutions.
• Ability to develop accurate quotations and understand pricing, margins, and customer-specific pricing agreements.
• Strong customer service and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with customers, outside sales, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Ability to travel occasionally for customer visits, supplier training, and technical training.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical sales and application support for pneumatic, electrical, and industrial automation products.
• Work directly with customers and outside sales to understand applications, troubleshoot problems, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Recommend and size pneumatic components including actuators, FRLs, valves, sensors, fittings, tubing, air preparation, and related products.
• Provide technical support for electrical automation products including sensors, motor controls, control components, and related automation products.
• Develop accurate and timely quotations based on customer requirements, application needs, vendor pricing, and company pricing guidelines.
• Identify opportunities to cross-sell and expand automation products and solutions within existing customer accounts.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturers to obtain technical information, product recommendations, pricing, and lead times.
• Support outside sales with customer visits, application reviews, product selection, quotations, and technical presentations as needed.
• Assist customers with product selection, troubleshooting, and technical questions before and after the sale.
• Process customer orders accurately and provide order acknowledgements, status updates, shipping information, and tracking.
• Create new part numbers, bills of material, and work orders as needed to support customer requirements and special applications.
• Maintain accurate customer, product, pricing, and inventory information within the ERP system.
• Use vendor pricing, customer-specific agreements, and company pricing guidelines to develop competitive and profitable quotations.
• Develop strong working relationships with key manufacturers and suppliers to improve product knowledge, pricing, availability and customer support.
• Help train and mentor inside sales team members on pneumatic and automation products and applications.
• Serve as a technical resource for the inside sales team and help establish consistent quoting and application‑support processes.
• As responsibilities grow, provide leadership and direction to the inside automation sales team and help improve sales processes and customer service.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

Teamwork

Mentoring others

Education

Two-year degree in Fluid Power or related field

Tools

ERP system

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Automation Sales Engineer

Automation Eagan, MN, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1355

About Tavoron

Tavoron is a leading industrial automation company providing automation, robotics, and compressed air solutions that help manufacturers improve efficiency, quality, and safety. With approximately 400 employees across North America and a network of specialized companies, we deliver innovative technology, engineering expertise, and trusted customer support to solve complex manufacturing challenges and create lasting value. Join our team and make a difference.

About John Henry Foster

John Henry Foster (JHFOSTER) provides solutions for automation, robotic, and compressed air systems. We engineer integrated systems, distribute parts and equipment, and provide comprehensive long-term customer care and service. We promote a progressive culture by seeking opportunities for technology and searching for exceptional value.

As we continue to grow, we are looking to add an Automation Sales Engineer to our JHF team!

Position Summary

The Automation Sales Engineer will provide technical expertise and sales support for electrical and pneumatic automation products and systems. This position will work closely with customers, outside sales, and the inside sales team to understand applications, recommend solutions, cross over products, develop quotations, process customer orders, and provide technical support. The ideal candidate will have strong pneumatic knowledge, a working knowledge of electrical and industrial automation products, and the ability to develop relationships with customers and suppliers. This individual will play an important role in growing automation sales by identifying customer needs, recommending solutions, supporting new applications, and helping customers select the right products. As the role develops, this position will have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities within the inside sales team, including providing technical guidance, helping establish processes, mentoring team members, and serving as a technical resource for the group.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical sales and application support for pneumatic, electrical, and industrial automation products and systems.
• Work directly with customers and outside sales to understand applications, troubleshoot problems, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Recommend and size pneumatic components including actuators, FRLs, valves, sensors, fittings, tubing, air preparation, and related products.
• Provide technical support for electrical automation products including sensors, motor controls, control components, and related automation products.
• Develop accurate and timely quotations based on customer requirements, application needs, vendor pricing, and company pricing guidelines.
• Identify opportunities to cross-sell and expand automation products and solutions within existing customer accounts.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturers to obtain technical information, product recommendations, pricing, and lead times.
• Support outside sales with customer visits, application reviews, product selection, quotations, and technical presentations as needed.
• Assist customers with product selection, troubleshooting, and technical questions before and after the sale.
• Process customer orders accurately and provide order acknowledgements, status updates, shipping information, and tracking.
• Create new part numbers, bills of material, and work orders as needed to support customer requirements and special applications.
• Maintain accurate customer, product, pricing, and inventory information within the ERP system.
• Use vendor pricing, customer-specific agreements, and company pricing guidelines to develop competitive and profitable quotations.
• Develop strong working relationships with key manufacturers and suppliers to improve product knowledge, pricing, availability and customer support.
• Help train and mentor inside sales team members on pneumatic and automation products and applications.
• Serve as a technical resource for the inside sales team and help establish consistent quoting and application‑support processes.
• As responsibilities grow, provide leadership and direction to the inside automation sales team and help improve sales processes and customer service.

Qualifications

• Two-year degree in Fluid Power, Automation, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of technical education and hands‑on experience.
• 3+ years of experience with pneumatic and/or industrial automation products, applications, or technical sales preferred.
• Strong knowledge of pneumatic systems and components, including cylinders/actuators, valves, FRLs, fittings, tubing, sensors, and related products.
• Working knowledge of electrical automation components, such as sensors, motor controls, switches, controls, and other automation products.
• Ability to understand customer applications, troubleshoot problems, and recommend appropriate technical solutions.
• Ability to develop accurate quotations and understand pricing, margins, and customer‑specific pricing agreements.
• Strong customer service and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with customers, outside sales, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Ability to build and maintain strong customer and supplier relationships.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and Excel, and comfortable learning and using ERP and other business systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a proactive, solutions‑oriented approach.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Understanding of industrial distribution and technical sales processes preferred.
• Ability and interest in providing technical guidance, mentoring others, and taking on increasing responsibilities.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for customer visits, supplier training, and technical training.

Working conditions & Physical Demands

Physical Demands. 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 disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk and perform other physical demands customary to a typical office environment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, Peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This role requires use of computer, phone, and other general office equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Why work for us?

We believe in people. We look for great people who are committed and focused. They know what it takes to produce the best results because it really is all about client satisfaction. We look for dedicated professionals from a variety of fields. Above all, a good fit for our team has a passion for excellence, solid experience, and a willingness to make a difference. We support you

in developing your goals and growing in your career. In short, by joining our team, you increase your professional value and work on engaging projects. Most of all, you fit into a team focused on helping you grow your skills.

We are innovative. We host many events that you may become a part of. From in‑house training to out‑of‑town events, we always have something going on. We believe in innovation. With a Tavoron career, you exercise your creativity every day.

We have a passion for excellence. We focus on providing the best customer service as a company to our customers. We offer a competitive salary and benefit package, including medical, dental, and a 401(k) program. If you’re looking for a place to build your skills, you will find it in a career with us.

If you require an accommodation to complete your application, please email [e-mail] .

The company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status regarding public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission or citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law.