Job Information
Powell Industries, Inc. Senior Applications Engineer in Houston, Texas
JOB DESCRIPTION
A Senior Applications Engineer is responsible for assessing the costs and resources required for a project or service. They analyze project specifications, review drawings and data sheets, and collaborate with various stakeholders to determine material, labor, and equipment needs. Estimators also research market prices, obtain quotes from suppliers and subcontractors, and prepare detailed cost estimates and proposals. Their role is crucial in ensuring accurate budgeting and pricing for projects in construction, manufacturing, engineering, and other industries.
Posted position does not provide visa sponsorship or relocation
Reports to
Technical Sales Manager of PAD
AS A PAD SENIOR AUTOMATION APPLICATIONS ENGINEER YOU WILL:
Core Responsibilities
Become proficient in PAD solutions and offerings.
Responsible for the technical review and understanding of the customer’s requirements in their requests for proposals including system designs, single line drawings, site layouts, containerization, performance guarantees, availability guarantees, etc.
Interact with other Powell divisions to develop cross business solutions.
Analyze and utilize data for in-depth evaluation of current market conditions and trends to help drive the current and future automation solution offerings.
Contribute to new and existing product specifications.
Drive the growth of automation by helping to build and maintain long lasting relationships, inspiring trust, enhancing the client experience, and being a thorough leader with innovative automation solutions to meet customer needs.
Assist in developing formal internal proposals including technical budget estimates and cost justification models for product line enhancements and/or cost out projects.
Become a SME in the automation space by understanding and developing solutions utilizing products from various manufactures such as SEL, Rockwell, Siemens, and GE.
Ensure that the company’s Health, Safety & Environmental policies and procedures are constantly adhered to all aspects of Site Services.
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.
Read and interpret network topology drawings.
Generate accurate proposals based on the review and interpretation of customer-supplied documentation.
Recognize and effectively communicate application concerns prior to development of proposal.
Translate conceptual customer designs into a meaningful proposal.
Optimize the proposed solution to best benefit Powell and our customer.
Write effective comments to help define Powell’s offering.
Act as technical resource for Powell Sales
Assist Powell Sales with internal and external technical discussions and solutions.
Perform competitive evaluation of sub vendor proposals used to complete the overall Powell offering.
Assess risk associated with sub-vendor offering.
Requires minimal supervision.
May be selected to lead a project requiring contribution from multiple Application Engineers
Support generating new sales opportunities by providing technical support/guidance to PAD and other organizational sales teams for customer meeting and company automation initiatives. It will also be necessary to participate in (some instances lead) presentations, networking activities, and events to promote automation.
Secondary Responsibilities (performed but not regularly):
Participate in sales and marketing activities to include client meetings and conferences
Participate in executing cost out initiatives in conjunction with Engineering and Operations
Perform analytical or competitive market studies as required
Contribute to new and existing product specifications
Key Functions
Prepare detailed, accurate and cost competitive proposals - 90%
Participate in external customer facing activities – 10%
Minimum Qualifications
B.S. in Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline
4+ years of experience in electrical equipment estimating, or related field
Required Experience Is Proportionate With the Selected Job Level
The Engineer level requires a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and 0-3 years of relevant job related experience
The Senior Engineer level requires a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and 4-8 years of relevant job related experience
The Lead Engineer level requires Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and 7-10 years of relevant job related experience
Skills, Abilities & Other Requirements
Able to review and interpret client provided documents such as specifications, drawings and data sheets. Strong analytical skills is required
Basic understanding in at least two of the following is preferred:
Networking and Cybersecurity
RTUs, HMIs, and SCADA Systems for Automation and Control systems
Protective Relay programming and commissioning
PLC applications for Switchgear
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite required.
Experience with ERP system Oracle; previous experience utilizing Projects related software (i.e. - Primavera, Microsoft Projects, Excel and Oracle) is plus. Will consider candidates that are open to learn these and other software programs.
Previous experience developing, executing, integrating, troubleshooting, and/or commissioning projects related to relay, PLC, HMI, RTU, or control systems for power applications is preferred.
Experience with common industrial protocols such as Modbus (RTU and TCP/IP), IEC61850, DNP3, Profibus, etc. and networking is a plus.
Knowledge of 3 phase power is preferred.
Excellent customer relation, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with all levels of an organization.
Desire to stay up to date on current industry trends and technology to improve PAD solutions/offerings.
Working & Enironmental Conditions
Working Conditions
Temperature controlled working environment. Some outside activities may be required.
This position may travel out-of-town to attend training and meetings.
Typical office environment: may experience minor discomfort from extensive use of a computer display and keyboard; travel between buildings on campus and between campuses.
Physical Requirements
Maintaining body equilibrium and agility to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, ascending or descending stairs.
Sitting, standing and walking for long periods of time.
Typing, punching or applying pressure to an object with fingers and palm.
#LI-BH3
In our 70+ year history, Powell has always known that our employees are at the heart of our success. Without question, we have the most talented people in all parts of our organization. As a manufacturer, we recruit and hire experienced and knowledgeable applicants to ensure our product is engineered, fabricated and assembled to customer specifications!
Powered by Innovation - Powell’s culture has and will always be founded in our "can do" attitude. If we can imagine it, we can do it. Become a part of our story, and let us help you write yours. Hard work pays off in all of our teams, with opportunity for advancement and promotion without sacrificing work-life balance. Successful candidates must have a legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis, with only those candidates selected for interview contacted.
We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disability
If you need an accommodation in the hiring process, you may contact 713.378.2685. Application status inquiries will not be accepted in this manner.