Automation Specialist, Inside Sales

Relevant Solutions, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Relevant Industrial in Houston seeks an Engineered Solutions Automation Specialist to drive growth across the Gulf Coast and Mid-Con regions. You will promote the automation portfolio, work with sales teams and partners, and support project execution with SME guidance on instrumentation and control systems.

You will present technologies, develop engineered solutions, and train the sales force to advance opportunities. Travel and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Technical training in electrical, instrumentation, or automation disciplines.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in application engineering, outside sales, technical service, or marketing within automation or controls.
• Factory automation experience with strong knowledge of automation products and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales growth of automation product lines and engineered solutions across Relevant Industrial locations.
• Present and demonstrate automation technologies to customers, OEMs, system integrators, and partners.
• Develop regional marketing plans and build relationships with target customer accounts.
• Lead training programs for the sales force and enable solution-selling strategies.
• Coordinate with vendors and the Engineered Solutions execution team on proposals and projects.

Skills

Automation technology

Communication

Written and verbal

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Education

Technical training in electrical/instrumentation/automation

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Job Summary

The Engineered Solutions Automation Specialist is responsible for driving sales growth of automation product lines, engineered solutions, and related instrumentation products that support customer control system requirements. This role works across all Relevant Industrial locations and is not restricted to a specific territory.

The Automation Specialist promotes Relevant Industrial’s solution-oriented automation portfolio and works closely with sales teams, customers, and vendor partners to identify opportunities, develop engineered solutions, and support project execution. This role serves as a subject matter expert for automation technologies and supports training, marketing initiatives, and project development across the organization.

Key automation product lines supported may include Emerson Discrete Automation, Honeywell Modular Systems, Honeywell Thermal Systems, Fireye, Phoenix Contact, Horner Automation, Red Lion, Kepware, Tosibox, Sytech, Win911, and other related technologies as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Sales Growth & Market Development

• Support growth of Engineered Solutions business throughout the Gulf Coast and Mid-Con sales region (TX, LA, NM, OK) by achieving revenue targets across automation products, small project sales, and large-scale engineered projects.
• Identify and pursue automation opportunities across Relevant Industrial locations.
• Develop regional marketing plans to increase awareness of Relevant’s automation portfolio and engineered solutions capabilities.
• Build relationships with key decision makers at target customer accounts.

Technical Expertise & Product Support

• Serve as the Automation Product Specialist for the core automation portfolio.
• Present and demonstrate automation technologies and engineered solutions to customers, OEMs, system integrators, and partner organizations.
• Provide technical guidance to sales teams regarding automation products and system solutions.
• Support operations teams as a technical expert in instrumentation and automation when required.

Sales Team Enablement & Training

• Develop and deliver training programs that enable the sales force to identify and advance automation opportunities.
• Promote solution-selling strategies across the sales organization.
• Lead sales and marketing teams in developing automation knowledge and application expertise.

Vendor & Partner Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with automation suppliers and vendor partners.
• Interface regularly with vendor personnel to strengthen strategic partnerships.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and vendor offerings that enhance the automation portfolio.

Project Development & Coordination

• Serve as liaison between customers, sales teams, and the Engineered Solutions execution team to develop proposals and support project execution.
• Assist with proposal development and project planning related to automation and engineered solutions.
• Support project development outside the assigned region when required.

Business Development & Operational Support

• Develop opportunities in new market segments through new vendor partnerships or product offerings.
• Maintain an active sales funnel and project tracking database using the White Cup CRM system.
• Participate in regional meetings to review project opportunities, automation orders, and product updates.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and vendor product developments.

Position Requirements

Education and Experience

• Technical training in electrical, instrumentation, or automation disciplines such as Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, military technical training, or trade school education.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in application engineering, outside sales, technical service, or marketing within the automation or controls industry.
• Factory automation experience with strong knowledge of automation products and control systems.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical aptitude in automation, controls, and instrumentation systems.
• Ability to communicate complex technical solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to read, modify, and create technical drawings using AutoCAD.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills with internal teams, customers, and vendor partners.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Frequent use of computer and standard office equipment.
• Travel required for customer meetings, vendor meetings, training events, and branch visits.
• 25–50% overnight travel expected.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Relevant Industrial is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.