Senior Applications Engineer Service Estimating

Powell Industries; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global manufacturing company located in Houston is seeking a Senior Applications Engineer to prepare accurate proposals for electrical systems. The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in engineering and at least 5 years of experience in the field. Responsibilities include reviewing specifications, mentoring junior staff, and assisting with costing tools. This role is critical to securing new business and achieving company goals in revenue and gross margin.

Qualifications

• Build and maintain knowledge of electrical theory and industry standards.
• 5+ years of experience in a related field with relevant engineering degree.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Independently review customer specifications for feasibility.
• Prepare detailed, accurate proposals for electrical systems.
• Assist with maintaining the accuracy of costing tools.

Skills

Electrical theory knowledge

Ability to read electrical drawings

Problem solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Customer oriented

Education

B.S. in relevant engineering discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office Suite

Visio

Job description

As a global manufacturer, we utilize our Core Values: Customer First, Respect for our Employees, Continuous Improvement and "Can-Do" Attitude, to solve our customers’ toughest problems.

Job Summary – Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities:

• Independently review customer supplied specifications to assess feasibility of Powell manufacture or supply.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings to include: single-lines, three-lines, elevations, control schematics, site plans and electrical enclosure layouts.
• Proactively anticipate highly complex application concerns prior to development of proposal.
• Translate conceptual customer designs into a meaningful proposal.
• Generate accurate proposals based on the review and interpretation of customer supplied documentation.
• Ensure that proposed solution is best optimized for Powell and the customer.
• Utilizing independent judgement and decision making, creatively address customer application concerns at the proposal stage and communicate these concerns effectively to Powell Sales and/or customer.
• Provide value engineering at the proposal stage by optimizing design and creatively addressing customer application concerns.
• Perform competitive evaluation of sub vendor proposals used to complete the overall Powell offering.
• Act as an internal technical resource for Sales and Application engineering staff.
• Mentor and train junior personnel within application engineering group.
• Assist Powell Sales personnel with internal and external technical discussions and solutions.
• Interact with other Powell divisions to develop cross business solutions.
• Assist in providing feedback for, and maintaining accuracy of, various costing tools.
• Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Responsibilities (performed but not regularly):

• Perform analytical or competitive studies as required.
• Participate in sales and marketing activities to include industry meetings and conferences.
• Contribute to new and existing product specifications.
• Assist in developing formal internal formal proposals including technical budget estimates and cost justification models for product line enhancements and/or cost out projects.
• Participate in executing cost out initiatives in conjunction with Engineering and Operations.

Key Functions:

• Prepare detailed, accurate and cost competitive proposals - 80%
• Utilizing technical expertise, act as internal mentor/resource – 10%
• Participating in external customer meetings and/or conferences – 5%
• Assist with maintaining accuracy of cost tools – 5%

Job Requirements

Knowledge / Skill:

• Build and maintain a working knowledge of electrical theory and applicable industry standards including IEEE/ANSI, NEC, IBC and NFPA. Especially as related to low & medium voltage distribution equipment, and substation design.
• Familiarity with low & medium voltage distribution equipment ratings and design.
• Familiarity with substation design.
• Familiarity with DC systems, UPS systems, HVAC and pressurization.
• Familiarity with interconnect, conduit and cable schedules.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical specifications.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings to include single lines, three lines, schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Ability to recognize potential equipment application issues at the proposal stage.
• Creatively solving equipment application issues for challenging customer requests.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Customer Oriented.
• Able to manage multiple priorities.
• Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; develops realistic action plans in order to meet deadlines.
• Problem Solving: Gathers and analyzes information using inquisitive mind, using strong logical, methodical and systematic skills.
• Work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
• Visio / Auto CAD / Inventor.
• Microsoft Office Suite.

Qualifications:

• B.S. in relevant engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in related field.
• Computer Skills: AutoCAD; ERP system Oracle; Microsoft Office Suite; previous experience utilizing Projects related software (ie. - Primavera, Microsoft Projects, Excel and Oracle) with the ability to learn new software programs.
• Satisfactory background check.
• Satisfactory drug test results.

Performance Metrics:

The role of Senior Applications Engineer is critical in securing new business for Powell Electrical Systems. The Senior Applications Engineer is primarily measured on accuracy of the proposals generated by the individual, and on time performance (OTP). Performing with a high degree of accuracy and on time performance is a critical element to the continued success of Powell by contributing directly to the company top level goals of revenue and gross margin.