Solutions Engineer

Phoenix Contact; Houston (TX); On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) matching

Generous time off package

16 weeks fully paid maternity leave

10 weeks fully paid paternity leave

Life insurance

Short & long-term disability assistance

Job summary

A technology solutions company based in Houston is seeking a Solution Engineer I (SE). The role involves serving as a strategic technical consultant and project leader for Automation Solutions sales across various industries. Candidates should have a minimum of an Associate’s Technical Degree and at least 4 years of industrial automation experience. Responsibilities include mentoring, developing solutions, and presenting to clients. A hybrid work model is available with a generous benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum Associate’s Technical Degree + equivalent experience. Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical focus preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years industrial automation experience.
• Industry specific controls system design and programming experience.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Ability to set priorities and perform simultaneous tasks.
• Ability to meet deadlines and adjust to changing priorities to meet business goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills with comfort in delivering group presentations.

Responsibilities

• Develop an expert area of specialization as directed by manager.
• Mentor and advise Associate Solution Engineers.
• Design training programs and training material.
• Develop advanced system testing and troubleshooting processes.
• Provide applied solution design and engineering support.
• Provide pre-sales technical support.
• Develop and implement test plans to validate proposed solutions.
• Provide project management as required.
• Develop and provide on-site installation start-up support.
• Perform application demonstrations.
• Research and understand existing competitive products.
• Support the sales effort of Phoenix Contact’s products.
• Develop and conduct presentations and technology seminars.
• Develop and maintain expert understanding of industrial networking.

Job description

Solution Engineer I (SE)

Solution Engineer I (SE) serve as strategic technical consultants and project leaders, supporting Automation Solutions sales, applied system development, and project initiatives across focused vertical markets. Operating with a high level of autonomy, SEs design, implement, and support advanced solutions that integrate Phoenix Contact’s complex technical products with third‑party components to meet specific customer or industry segment needs. These specialists interpret and translate customer specifications into functional concepts, delivering tailored application solutions that address operational challenges and align with industry best practices. Industries served include oil and gas, water/wastewater treatment, building automation, data centers, transportation infrastructure, electric power, automotive, and network & security. Solution Engineers are strategically positioned to drive innovation, organizational agility, and long‑term business value.

Responsibilities

• Develop an expert area of specialization (industry/technology) as directed by manager and attain related certifications
• Mentor and advise Associate Solution Engineers, Technical Service, Product Engineering, and Product Management on product performance in the field and suggest design changes to improve product performance and customer satisfaction
• Design training programs and training material to support complex control system projects
• Develop advanced system testing and troubleshooting processes utilizing spectrum analyzers, storage scopes, power monitors, volt meters, and other required test equipment
• Provide applied solution design and engineering support to the Control and Industry Solutions team
• Independently qualify and gather input for designs through functional specification review or by direct customer interaction
• Provide pre‑sales technical support and develop a concept framework based on customer requirements and industry standards and practices
• Develop and implement test plans to validate proposed solutions
• Develop and serve as technical lead on ‘proof of concept’ or pilot applications
• Provide project management as required, and advise project team on technical issues throughout the project lifecycle
• Develop, implement, and provide on‑site installation start‑up support
• Perform application demonstrations together with Phoenix Contact sales engineer and/or PSE at potential customer sites
• Research and understand existing competitive and emerging products and technologies
• Document and internally communicate data supporting the development of new products to meet focus market/customer requirements
• Support the sales effort of Phoenix Contact’s complex technical products when positioned and sold as industry solutions at OEM, end‑user, and system integrator focused accounts within primary and supported market segments
• Support Phoenix Contact field personnel and channel partners in technical aspects relating to the sale of systems and solutions
• Develop and conduct control solution presentations and technology seminars to targeted audiences
• Position Phoenix Contact as a technology leader through active involvement in industry related technical associations
• Develop and maintain an expert understanding of industrial networking and communication technologies. Specific expertise in Industrial Ethernet Protocols: Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus TCP
• Develop and maintain an expert working knowledge on all Phoenix Contact industrial products with specialized emphasis on IEC 61131 programming, industrial ethernet (wired and wireless), and networked I/O
• Maintain knowledge proficiency through continued participation in industry trade events and conferences including active participation in presenting Phoenix Contact Case Studies, etc.
• Attendance and participation in accordance with corporate policies in local, national, and international meetings

Qualifications

• Minimum Associate’s Technical Degree + equivalent experience. Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical focus preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years industrial automation experience
• Industry specific controls system design and programming experience
• Motivated self‑starter with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
• Ability to set priorities and perform simultaneous tasks
• Ability to meet deadlines and adjust to changing priorities to meet business goals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills with comfort in delivering group presentations

Essential Job Functions

• 35% Travel Requirement (2% - 5% Overseas)
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time (2-4 hours at a time)
• Must be able to work on a computer for extended periods of time (up to 4 hours at a time)
• Must be able to travel in vehicles (automobiles, trains, and planes) for up to 10 hours
• Must be able to communicate effectively in verbal and written English
• Must comply with company dress code guidelines
• Punctuality and attendance in accordance with company policies
• Timely reporting of expenses
• Regular and on‑time attendance.
• This is a hybrid position requiring at least three days in the office, unless otherwise specified.

What’s in it for you?

Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, and a generous time off package. There are also a wide variety of additional benefits available including 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave & 10 weeks fully paid paternity leave, life insurance, short & long‑term disability, assistance, and more!

Notice to Staffing Agencies, Placement Services, and Professional Recruiters:

Phoenix Contact has an internal Staffing Department. Recruiters are hereby specifically directed NOT to contact Phoenix Contact employees directly in an attempt to present candidates. Phoenix Contact will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Phoenix Contact, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Phoenix Contact mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Phoenix Contact employees, or to Phoenix Contact’s resume database will be considered Phoenix Contact property. Phoenix Contact will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Phoenix Contact will consider any candidate for whom a Recruiter has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Recruiter free of any charges or fees. Phoenix Contact will not pay a fee to any Recruiter that does not have a signed Phoenix Contact contract in place specific to the position for which the resume was submitted. Recruiting vendor agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Phoenix Contact's Director of Organization Development and Talent Acquisition or his or her designee. No other Phoenix Contact employee is authorized to bind Phoenix Contact to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Recruiters. By submitting a candidate to Phoenix Contact, recruiters agree to be bound and comply with this policy.

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