Automation Product Specialist

We are looking for a JOB TITLE to join our BANNER team in LOCATION!

Summary:

The Automation Product Specialist is responsible for assisting Outside sales to drive sales of automation products and solutions to customers. Responsible for understanding the features and benefits of the products and solutions, providing product knowledge and addressing customer inquiries. The Automation Product Specialist's goal is to build strong relationships with customers, identify their needs, and recommend the most suitable products and solutions to meet those needs.

What You'll Do:

• Meet or exceed sales goals of assigned technology offer
• Lead and support sales efforts with key targets, key customers, and key opportunities in assigned product and/or area/region
• Provide technical support for internal and external customers via on-site visit, phone, and email. This could include, but is not limited to troubleshooting products, finding technical documentation and specifications, product selection and, other requested activities
• Establish relationships with sales and customers to better understand sales potential
• Work with sales to establish joint strategies and activities
• Provide expert knowledge to Sales and Branch teams to facilitate quoting, order entry, and order expediting
• Create and present technical and commercial training for internal and external customers
• Describe or demonstrate product to customers
• Acquire, use, and continuously develop personal technical knowledge
• Provide oral and/or written quotations, proposals or estimates of prices, scope of work, terms, and delivery
• Work with prospective customers to move projects through the sales cycle to conclusion
• Properly prepare for sales calls, customers events, etc.
• Work with Purchasing on proper inventory of high-tech products and identify any potential obsolesce problems
• Perform other duties as assigned

Sales and Business Development

• Own the regional VFD and drives automation sales plan with a focus on Schneider Electric (Altivar/ATV) drives and EcoStruxure solutions.
• Prospect, qualify, and develop opportunities with OEMs, end users, EPCs, and system integrators.
• Lead the sales cycle for engineered drive systems, MCC-integrated drives, enclosed/packaged drives, and drive retrofit solutions.
• Propose and sell start-up, commissioning, and field service packages; develop scopes of work and secure service orders.
• Generate and manage a healthy pipeline, forecast accurately, and achieve quota for product and services.

Technical Solutions & Application Engineering

• Provide application engineering for VFD selection, sizing, and configuration across LV/MV applications (pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, HVAC, oil & gas, water/wastewater, material handling).
• Specify and configure Schneider Electric drives (Altivar Process, Altivar Machine, Altivar ATV600/900 series) and related accessories, line/load reactors, filters, braking, bypass, and communication options.
• Provide market feedback on product gaps, competitive positioning, and emerging applications.

Required

• 5+ years of experience with VFDs and industrial automation, with at least 3 years focused on Schneider Electric drives and platforms.(Preferred)
• Demonstrated success selling or delivering engineered drive solutions and start-up/commissioning services.
• Strong application knowledge across common VFD use cases and motor/control theory (AC induction, PM motors, torque/speed control, PID, load characterization).
• Hands-on experience configuring, programming, and commissioning drives.
• Working knowledge of industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet), harmonics/mitigation, and power quality.
• Ability to create technical proposals, scopes of work, and read electrical schematics and specifications.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and customer-facing skills; ability to travel locally within the Houston metro and occasionally regionally.

Preferred

• Schneider Electric certifications (Altivar Process, EcoStruxure Machine/Plant, Modicon).
• Experience with MCC-integrated drives, enclosed drives, and retrofit projects in oil & gas, water/wastewater, HVAC, and industrial markets.
• Familiarity with arc flash, NEC/NFPA 70E, and commissioning safety practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Key Metrics

• Sales revenue and margin for VFDs, engineered drive packages, and services
• Pipeline growth, hit rate, and forecast accuracy
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• Integrate VFDs with Schneider PLCs/PACs (Modicon, M580/M340), HMIs, and networks (EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet) within EcoStruxure architectures.
• Develop single-line diagrams, I/O lists, bills of material, and panel/MCC layout recommendations; coordinate with panel shops and MCC manufacturers.
• Conduct site assessments, power quality reviews, and application audits; recommend energy-saving and reliability improvements.

Project Coordination and Execution

• Prepare technical and commercial proposals including scope, pricing, and delivery; collaborate with inside sales, quotations, and suppliers.
• Coordinate engineered drive projects from order to delivery, including FAT/SAT planning, documentation, and change management.
• Schedule and oversee start-up and commissioning services, working with Schneider Electric service teams and qualified third parties.
• Ensure compliance with customer specs, NEC/NFPA standards, and site safety requirements.

Customer Support and Training

• Serve as the regional subject-matter expert for Schneider VFDs and automation solutions; provide pre- and post-sales technical support.
• Troubleshoot VFD and drive system issues, including communications, tuning, harmonics, EMC, and thermal/environmental considerations.
• Deliver lunch-and-learns, webinars, and hands-on demos; train customers and internal teams on selection, programming, and best practices.
• Support warranty, RMA, and service escalations; maintain high customer satisfaction.

Vendor and Internal Collaboration

• Build strong partnerships with Schneider Electric local teams, service, and engineering resources.
• Work closely with Rexel account managers, inside sales, and quotations to strategize and win target opportunities.
• On-time project delivery and start-up completion
• Customer satisfaction and repeat business
• Training and enablement impact (internal and external)

Physical Demands:

• Sit: Must be able to remain in a stationary position - Frequently – 21% to 50%
• Walk: Must be able to move about inside/outside office or work location - Frequently – 21% to 50%
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel: Operates a computer and other office machinery - Constantly – at least 51%
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl: Must be able to crouch down to stock shelves, pick up boxes, or position oneself to maintain computers in the lab/under desks/in server closet - Occasionally – up to 20%
• Climb or balance: Must be able to ascend/descend on a ladder, forklift, pallet jack, or other warehouse equipment - Occasionally – up to 20%
• Talk, hear, taste, smell: Must be able to use senses to effectively communicate with co-workers and clients and detect hazardous conditions - Constantly – at least 51%

Weight and Force Demands:

• Up to 10 pounds - Occasionally – up to 20%
• Up to 25 pounds - None
• Up to 50 pounds - None

Working Environment:

• Exposed to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environment such as high noise level and/or exposure to heat and cold - Occasionally – up to 20%
• Exposed to electrical hazards; risk of electrical shock - None
• Handles or works with potentially dangerous equipment - None
• Travels to offsite locations - Frequently – 21% to 50%

Disclaimer:
“Rexel USA (A VEVRAA Federal Contractor), and its affiliated companies, is an EEO/Disabled/Veterans employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by law.”

Our Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401K with Employer Match
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid company holidays plus flexible personal days per year
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health & Wellness Programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• HSA Accounts
• Commuter Transit Benefits
• Additional Optional Insurance such as Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, Critical Illness, Home and Auto Insurance to name a few.
• Employee Discount Programs
• Professional Training & Development Programs
• Career Advancement Opportunities – We like to promote from within

Our goal is to create a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed as we understand that our success and innovation is enhanced by an inclusive and diverse workforce.
Rexel USA (A VEVRAA Federal Contractor), and its affiliated companies, is an EEO/Disabled/Veterans employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by law.

Rexel USA is one of the largest distributors of electrical products, data communication, and related supplies in the United States. Rexel USA operates its electrical distribution business in the United States through eight Regions that go to market under various banner and trade names, including Rexel, Rexel Automation, Gexpro, Mayer, and Platt Electric Supply. In addition to an online store, Rexel USA has a distribution network of over 460 warehouse storefront locations throughout the U.S.