Automation Application Engineer

There’s a Place for You at Crawford Electric Supply.

 

A career at Crawford Electric Supply is more than a job. You’re investing in a brighter, more sustainable future together and joining a team that makes a real difference for our customers. Crawford Electric Supply offers electrical products and services to contractors. If it helps bring electricity to an office, home, factory or other building – you can find it here. We operate throughout the southeast region of the United States, and are part of the Sonepar group, the world’s #1 electrical distributor with over 45,000 associates around the globe.

 

Being “Powered by Difference” means we respect and value diverse perspectives. Crawford Electric Supply we offer a supportive culture and great benefits, and as part of the larger Sonepar group, we can offer exciting opportunities to grow your career. 

 

It’s time to energize your future!  Don’t miss out on this electrifying opportunity – apply today! Stay connected with us – follow our journey, job openings, and latest news on LinkedIn and Facebook.

 

 

 

Position Summary

 

The Automation Application Engineer serves as the primary technical authority supporting industrial automation solutions for End Users and OEM customers. This role partners closely with Automation Sales Specialists and Account Managers by providing application expertise, solution design, and technical guidance throughout the pre‑sales and post‑sales lifecycle. The Automation Application Engineer ensures recommended solutions are technically sound, scalable, and aligned with customer performance objectives.

 

Duties & Responsibilities

 

• Provide technical expertise to support automation sales opportunities by developing system architectures, validating applications, and partnering with Automation Sales Specialists to deliver technically sound solutions.
• Design and recommend industrial automation solutions—including PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networking—that meet customer performance, reliability, and scalability requirements.
• Engage with End Users and OEMs to assess applications, provide technical guidance, support troubleshooting and escalations, and ensure successful adoption of recommended solutions.
• Coordinate with manufacturers, system integrators, and internal teams to support implementation, commissioning, and alignment between customer requirements and delivered solutions.
• Deliver technical training, product demonstrations, and application workshops for customers and internal stakeholders to drive solution understanding and adoption.
• Stay current on automation technologies, industry trends, and competitive platforms, and provide technical insights to support solution positioning and continuous improvement.

 

 

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field
  (or equivalent relevant experience)
• 5–10 years of experience in industrial automation application engineering, controls engineering, or technical pre‑sales supporting End Users, OEMs, and/or system integrators.
• Hands‑on knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motion control, industrial safety, and industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.). Familiarity with major automation platforms such as Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, and Siemens.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. Effective time and priority management across multiple opportunities and projects

 

 

Crawford is a subsidiary of Sonepar USA.

What We Offer You

 

We offer great family-friendly benefits to full-time associates:

 

We’re proud to be a military-friendly company, and our many employee resource groups (ERGs) help you make connections and feel supported.

 

Ready to join the fun? Apply today and become part of the Crawford Crew – where we work hard, laugh often, and always have a spark to share! 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

 

Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

 

Sonepar and our family of brands are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please call 843-745-2420 or email recruiting@sonepar-us.com.

 

EEO is the Law

 

Applicants and employees are protected under Federal law from discrimination. To learn more, Click here.

 

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision

 

Sonepar follows Executive Order 11246, including the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. To learn more, Click here.

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