- Company Name
- Powell Industries
- Job Title
- Senior Applications Engineer Powell Automation Estimating
- Job Description
-
**Job Title:** Senior Applications Engineer – Automation Estimating
**Role Summary:**
Leads technical estimation and proposal development for automation projects, translating customer specifications into cost‑competitive solutions. Acts as the primary technical resource for sales, collaborates across divisions, and ensures compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
**Expectations:**
- Deliver accurate, detailed proposals (≈90% of time).
- Support sales with technical guidance and customer‑facing activities (≈10%).
- Operate with minimal supervision; may lead multi‑engineer project teams.
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of automation products (SEL, Rockwell, Siemens, GE) and market trends.
**Key Responsibilities:**
- Review and interpret client specifications, drawings (single‑line, three‑line, control schematics, network topology) and assess feasibility.
- Develop formal internal proposals, technical budget estimates, and cost‑justification models.
- Generate optimized automation solutions that balance Powell’s and customer benefits.
- Serve as technical liaison for sales, assisting in internal/external discussions, presentations, and negotiations.
- Conduct competitive vendor evaluations, risk assessments, and sub‑vendor proposal analysis.
- Contribute to new and existing product specifications and market studies.
- Support cross‑business solution development with other Powell divisions.
- Adhere to all Health, Safety & Environmental policies.
- Participate periodically in sales/marketing events, cost‑out initiatives, and analytical studies.
**Required Skills:**
- Strong analytical ability; proficient in reviewing specifications, drawings, and data sheets.
- Knowledge of at least two: networking/cybersecurity, RTU/HMI/SCADA, protective relay programming, PLC for switchgear.
- Familiarity with industrial protocols (e.g., Modbus).
- Experience with Microsoft Office; Oracle ERP preferred; exposure to project software (Primavera, MS Project, Excel).
- Ability to translate conceptual designs into actionable proposals and communicate application concerns.
- Project integration, troubleshooting, and commissioning experience with relays, PLCs, HMIs, or RTUs (preferred).
**Required Education & Certifications:**
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
- Minimum 4 years of experience in electrical equipment estimating or a comparable field.
- Relevant certifications (e.g., Professional Engineer, PMP) are advantageous but not mandatory.