Senior Applications Engineer-Automation Estimating

Senior Automation Applications Engineer

An 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.

Core Responsibilities

• Become proficient in PAD solutions and offerings.
• Responsible for the technical review and understanding of the customers' 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, inspire trust, enhancing 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 manufacturers 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 of Powell and our customers.
• 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 meetings 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.

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.

About Us

In our 75+ 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! 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 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. Powell offers comprehensive health insurance for you and your family, 401k savings, annual bonus potential, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, company-sponsored wellness programs, and a collaborative work environment. EOE Protected Veterans/Disability If you need an accommodation in the hiring process, you may contact View phone number on click.appcast.io. Application status inquiries will not be accepted in this manner.

Job Info

• Job Identification 6671
• Job Category Sales & Estimating
• Posting Date 01/05/2026, 04:11 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 7232 Airport Blvd - Dock A, Houston, TX, 77061, US