Automation Sales Engineer – Pneumatic & Electrical

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

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.