Industrial Automation Inside Sales and Support Engineer
Position Overview:
The Industrial Automation Inside Sales and Support Engineer will work closely with both the sales and engineering teams to provide technical expertise, customer support, and solutions for industrial automation products and systems. This role focuses on managing customer inquiries, preparing technical proposals, coordinating product orders, providing product support, and ensuring the smooth implementation of automation solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
Sales Support:
- Respond to customer inquiries, providing detailed product information, technical specifications, and pricing.
- Prepare and deliver quotations, proposals, and technical documents in a timely manner.
- Assist with the preparation of presentations and demonstrations for clients.
- Work closely with the sales team to identify sales opportunities and customer requirements.
Customer Technical Support:
- Offer pre-sales and post-sales support to customers, including troubleshooting, application assistance, and product selection.
- Provide technical guidance on the installation, configuration, and integration of industrial automation systems (e.g., PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics, sensors, and drives).
- Assist customers in resolving technical issues and provide solutions to optimize their automation processes.
Product Knowledge & Documentation:
- Stay up-to-date on product knowledge, industry trends, and emerging technologies within industrial automation.
- Maintain up-to-date technical documentation for products and systems, including user manuals and application guides.
Order Processing & Coordination:
- Coordinate order processing, ensuring accurate entry into the system and timely delivery of products to customers.
- Track the status of orders and shipments, working with the logistics team to resolve any delivery issues.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate with engineering teams to customize automation solutions for customers and provide input during the design phase.
- Assist with the handover of projects from sales to engineering and/or installation teams.
Customer Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients by understanding their needs and providing timely, cost-effective solutions.
- Assist in resolving any post-sale issues or concerns, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Reporting & Performance Tracking:
- Maintain accurate records of sales activities, technical support requests, and customer interactions.
- Provide regular updates and reports to the sales team and management on progress and performance.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. Alternatively, an associate degree with relevant experience.
Experience:
- 2+ years of experience in industrial automation, technical sales support, or customer service.
- Experience with automation technologies such as PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics, motion control, and sensors.
- Familiarity with automation industry standards and practices is a plus.
Skills:
- Strong technical knowledge of industrial automation systems and components.
- Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) to interact with clients and internal teams.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proficient in MS Office, CRM software, and technical support tools.
- Problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
Preferred Attributes:
- Experience with specific industrial automation products (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, etc.).
- Knowledge of industry applications such as manufacturing, packaging, or process control.
- Technical certifications related to industrial automation (e.g., Siemens PLC certification).
Work Environment:
- Office-based with occasional travel to client sites or conferences for product demonstrations or training.
Career Development:
- Opportunities for growth within the company, including technical or sales management roles, based on performance and professional development.
This role is ideal for someone with a strong technical background in industrial automation, who is eager to contribute to sales and customer support while gaining hands-on experience in a growing industry.