Associate Automation Engineer

Summary

Applied Industrial Technologies is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion and automation technologies. The Associate Automation Engineer role combines customer-facing sales and technical application engineering, supporting the sales team by understanding customer needs and providing automation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Perform market and industry research to generate target customer lists and perform other prospective activities to generate sales leads
• Proactively plan and execute customer interactions (in-person, virtual), including sales calls, technical presentations, and follow-up supporting activities
• Perform technical feasibility studies, proof-of-concept work, and product demonstrations (hardware and software related)
• Effectively and creatively apply Gibson Engineering's represented technology and products to solve specific customer problems and create interesting technical demonstrations
• Configure, program, and debug automation equipment (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, motion controls, robotics, vision systems) as needed for demos or support
• Collaborate with sales engineers and manufacturer resources to define project scope, select appropriate products, and generate detailed quotations
• Provide pre- and post-sales technical support to customers and internal teams, including troubleshooting
• Educate customers on products and solutions through various formats (one-on-one, small group, classroom)
• Support territory and accounts management by documenting activities within our CRM system
• Continuously learn about the latest automation technology and products through formal and self-guided training
• Communicate effectively regarding project status and expectations with customers, peers, and management

Skills

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering discipline OR 3-5 years in technical sales or engineering support role
• Strong computer skills (email, word processing, spreadsheets)
• Valid driver's license
• Comfort with public speaking and enthusiastic presentation of technical materials
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong sense of teamwork and willingness to help others
• Ability to break down, organize, and manage complex projects
• Strong multitasking, prioritization, and time management skills
• Ability to retain technical details
• Hands-on mechanical and technical aptitude; ability to use test tools (multimeters, oscilloscopes)
• Positive attitude and receptive to direction
• Active listening skills
• Familiarity with industrial control systems (PLC, HMI, Machine Vision, Motion Control, Robotics) is a plus
• Ability to read/understand electrical schematics and mechanical drawings; working knowledge of CAD systems is a plus

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering discipline OR 3-5 years in technical sales or engineering support role
• Strong computer skills (email, word processing, spreadsheets)
• Valid driver's license
• Comfort with public speaking and enthusiastic presentation of technical materials
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong sense of teamwork and willingness to help others
• Ability to break down, organize, and manage complex projects
• Strong multitasking, prioritization, and time management skills
• Ability to retain technical details
• Hands-on mechanical and technical aptitude; ability to use test tools (multimeters, oscilloscopes)
• Positive attitude and receptive to direction
• Active listening skills

Nice to Haves

• Familiarity with industrial control systems (PLC, HMI, Machine Vision, Motion Control, Robotics) is a plus
• Ability to read/understand electrical schematics and mechanical drawings; working knowledge of CAD systems is a plus