Assistant Technical Applications Manager

About Conspec Controls

Conspec Controls has been a global supplier of gas sensors, detectors, and systems since 1968. The company focuses on providing affordable and robust solutions for various industries with a commitment to exceptional customer service, quality products, and timely delivery. Conspec Controls aims to protect people and environments through its gas detection and safety products.

Job Summary

The Assistant Technical Applications Manager serves as the primary technical expert for industrial gas detection, atmospheric monitoring systems, and related control system products and applications. This role reports to the Technical Applications Manager and is responsible for supporting customers and internal teams with product selection, system design, application engineering, troubleshooting, commissioning, training, and technical support activities related to gas detection and monitoring systems used in industrial, mining, oil & gas, commercial environments. The position acts as a key technical resource for sales, engineering, production, field service, and customers by providing deep product knowledge, application guidance, and hands-on support throughout the project lifecycle.

This role also supports product development and continuous improvement efforts by working closely with design engineers through product testing, validation, troubleshooting, and detailed feedback gathered from field installations and customer applications. The Senior Technical Applications Engineer is expected to maintain expert-level knowledge of company products, industrial communications, field installation practices, hazardous location requirements, and industry applications while helping ensure reliable product performance and high customer satisfaction in demanding industrial environments.

This position includes both office-based engineering work and field-based industrial support activities. Field environments may include manufacturing facilities, outdoor industrial sites, underground coal mines, and oil and gas operations. Work conditions may include exposure to dust, noise, vibration, weather extremes, and confined spaces. All work must comply with MSHA, OSHA, and site-specific safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical sales and application engineering support for industrial automation and gas detection systems.
• Collaborate with customers to evaluate operational requirements and develop customized technical solutions.
• Lead automation system design including architecture, control strategies, and integration planning.
• Support PLC, HMI, communications, and industrial network configuration, programming, and troubleshooting.
• Manage projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring technical requirements, schedules, and customer expectations are met.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across sales, engineering, production, field service, repairs, marketing, and custom design teams.
• Develop technical proposals, quotations, system documentation, manuals, and compliance materials.
• Conduct product testing, validation, and verification to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance.
• Support product development by identifying application improvements, field issues, and customer-driven enhancements.
• Perform field commissioning, startup support, troubleshooting, and ongoing customer technical support.
• Conduct customer training on system operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and best practices.
• Deliver product demonstrations, technical presentations, and training sessions to customers and internal teams.
• Review, approve, and ensure accuracy and completeness of field service reports prior to final submission, including verification of technical details, work performed, and system status documentation.
• Understand field service requirements and coordinate/schedule appropriate personnel to perform service work based on technical needs, availability, and project priorities.
• Maintain technical standards, procedures, and best practices for application engineering activities.
• Mentor and support application engineers and technical personnel.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality, system performance, and efficiency.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in technical applications, field engineering, automation, or industrial control systems.
• Experience using electrical and electronic testing equipment including digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and related diagnostic tools.
• Ability to properly test electrical components and safely perform voltage, current, continuity, and signal measurements in industrial environments.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley and IDEC PLCs and HMIs preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and concept understanding of fluid flow and pneumatic systems.
• Strong communication skills with ability to deliver customer presentations and training.
• Comfortable leading technical discussions and product demonstrations.
• Knowledge of hazardous location installations (Class I/II/III) is a plus.
• Walk long distances in industrial and mining environments while carrying tools and equipment.
• Climb stairs, ladders, and access elevated or confined areas.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, respirators, and fall protection.
• Travel as required for field support and commissioning activities.
• Work extended hours when supporting customer operations or project commissioning.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with field installations, commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer site support.
• Deep understanding of industrial communication protocols including Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP.
• Knowledge of industrial signal standards including 4–20mA, 0–5V, 0–10V, and relay logic.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, electrical components, wiring, schematics, and basic electrical circuit theory.
• Solid understanding of fundamental electrical theories and the ability to apply those principles in troubleshooting and field support activities.
• Proven troubleshooting ability in complex electrical and control system environments.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: $100-130K / Year
• 401(k) Matching
• Health, Dental, Visions Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Collaborative, Hands-on, Team Environment