Lead Solutions Specialist - Industrial Controls and Automation

Automation Application Engineer-OEM

Position
:
Automation Application Engineer-OEM

Location
:
Houston, TX

The Automation Application Engineer serves as the primary technical authority supporting industrial automation solutions for End Users and OEM customers. This role partners closely with Automation Sales Specialists and Account Managers by providing application expertise, solution design, and technical guidance throughout the presales and postsales lifecycle. The Automation Application Engineer ensures recommended solutions are technically sound, scalable, and aligned with customer performance objectives.

• Technical Pre Sales & Solution Support:
  Provide technical expertise to support automation sales opportunities by developing system architectures, validating applications, and partnering with Automation Sales Specialists to deliver technically sound solutions.
• Solution Design & Application Engineering:
  Design and recommend industrial automation solutions—including PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networking—that meet customer performance, reliability, and scalability requirements.
• Customer Consultation & Technical Support:
  Engage with End Users and OEMs to assess applications, provide technical guidance, support troubleshooting and escalations, and ensure successful adoption of recommended solutions.
• Project & Partner Coordination:
  Coordinate with manufacturers, system integrators, and internal teams to support implementation, commissioning, and alignment between customer requirements and delivered solutions.
• Training & Enablement:
  Deliver technical training, product demonstrations, and application workshops for customers and internal stakeholders to drive solution understanding and adoption.
• Technical & Market Awareness:
  Stay current on automation technologies, industry trends, and competitive platforms, and provide technical insights to support solution positioning and continuous improvement.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience).
• Experience:
  
  5-10 years of experience in industrial automation application engineering, controls engineering, or technical presales supporting End Users, OEMs, and/or system integrators.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Hands‑on knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motion control, industrial safety, and industrial communication protocols (Ether Net/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.). Familiarity with major automation platforms such as Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, and Siemens.
• Professional
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. Effective time and priority management across multiple opportunities and projects.

• Healthcare plans
• Dental & vision
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match
• Professional and personal development programs
• Opportunity to become a shareholder
• Employer‑paid short‑ and long‑term disability
• Employer‑paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
• Robust wellness program
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other categories protected by federal, state or local law. Sonepar and its family of brands are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.

To assure people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of the position, please call  or email

Applicants and employees are protected under Federal law from discrimination. Applicants and employees who believe they have been discriminated against may contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the U.S. Department of Labor.

Sonepar follows Executive Order 11246, including the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. To learn more, .