Automation Specialist - Safety, Sensors & Industrial Control

Kendall Electric; Saginaw (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendall Electric is hiring an Automation Specialist in Saginaw, Michigan, to serve as a technical sales resource for their Automation Portfolio, which includes various automation solutions. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience in industrial manufacturing and an associate's degree or equivalent.

This position involves working closely with account managers and supporting the sales team with technical inquiries, showcasing a blend of technical skills and customer service. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 2 years in industrial manufacturing or previous internships.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Strong interpersonal communications and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical solutions to account managers for their customers.
• Research and provide solutions for automation engineering projects.
• Assist the Sales Team with technical questions.

Skills

Desire to learn PLCs

Communication Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Education

Associates degree or equivalent experience

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

Industrial Control

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.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Automation Sales Manager, the Automation Specialist is a key member of the Sales team. The primary responsibility of this role is to be a technical sales resource for the Automation Portfolio that includes but is not limited to Controllers, I/O, Visualization, Networks, Industrial Control, Sensing, Safety, Motion Control, Variable Speed Drives, Motor Controls, Motors, and Mechanical Products (gearboxes, actuators, and couplings). These are products offered by Rockwell Automation and other partnering manufacturers, sold, and distributed by Kendall Electric. This role supports our Automation Engineers and Sales Team. This role will prepare the individual for an Automation Engineer position.

Exciting Work You Will Do

• Provide technical solutions to account managers for their customers
• Research and provide solutions for projects and applications for Automation Engineering projects
• Provide resolution for technical questions for proposal preparation by the Inside Sales Team
• Provide solutions to customers on applications, projects, and other pre‑sales activities
• Provide solutions to customers on post‑sale technical questions, issues, and/or commercial situations
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Competencies You Possess

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

What You’ll Need

• Work Experience: 2 years in industrial manufacturing or previous internships
• Education: Associates degree or equivalent experience
• Analytics/Computer Skills: Desire to learn PLCs, HMIs, Networks, Industrial Control, Sensing, Safety, Motion Control, Variable Speed Drives, Motor Controls, Motors, MCCs, and Mechanical Products, understanding or desire to learn manufacturing machinery, processes, networks, and analytics
• 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; enjoys working with others to design controls systems, equipment, and to solve problems; interest or experience working in a sales environment; self‑motivated to learn new technologies and accomplish tasks when due
• 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.
• Physical Environment: Normal office environment
• Travel requirements: Must be able to travel up to 10% of the time
• Physical and Visual Abilities:
  • Ability to see, talk and hear
  • Ability to sit for 8 hours a day

Qualifications We Prefer But Don’t Require

• Work Experience: Hands‑on electrical/mechanical knowledge and experience
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology degree/certificate, or equivalent training/experience in a manufacturing environment
• Analytics/Computer Skills: Current knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, Networks, Industrial Control, Sensing, Safety, Motion Control, Variable Speed Drives, Motor Controls, Motors, and Mechanical Products

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.