Applications Engineer III

Industrial Service Solutions - PARENT•Houston, TX

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Application Engineer to serve as a critical technical and commercial bridge between our customers, vendors, and internal engineering teams. This role requires a unique combination of deep technical expertise in power generation, controls, and distribution systems, combined with exceptional communication skills and business acumen. The Application Engineer will be responsible for developing comprehensive technical proposals, cultivating strategic vendor relationships, engineering custom solutions, and serving as a trusted technical advisor to our clients. This is a high-impact position that requires both strategic thinking and hands-on technical capability. The ideal candidate will bring extensive industry experience and the ability to translate complex customer requirements into practical, cost-effective solutions that drive business growth.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering (preferred)
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with equivalent combination of technical education and significant industry experience will be considered)
4-7 years of progressive experience in the power generation, power controls, and power distribution industry
Proven track record in application engineering, sales engineering, or technical project management roles
Demonstrated success in preparing and winning technical proposals and bids
Strong background in VFD systems, motor control solutions, and industrial power distribution
Desired experience working across multiple industrial sectors (oil & gas, petrochemical, water/wastewater, mining, power generation, etc.)
Demonstrated experience in designing VFD systems, motor controls, and power distribution equipment
Background in project-based engineering with exposure to multiple project lifecycles
Solid understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and power systems design principles
In-depth knowledge of VFD drives, soft starters, motor control centers, PLCs, and SCADA systems
Strong familiarity with SCR drives, generator controls, switchgear, and medium voltage equipment
Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
Understanding of NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE, and IEC standards
Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, specifications, and technical documentation
Experience with load analysis, motor sizing, and electrical system configuration
Established relationships with major control and VFD equipment manufacturers
Strong understanding of product lines from vendors such as ABB, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Eaton, Danfoss, GE, and similar suppliers
Knowledge of market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies
Familiarity with vendor pricing structures, lead times, and negotiation strategies
Exceptional Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences (customers, executives, technical teams)
Business Acumen: Strong commercial awareness with ability to balance technical requirements with cost considerations and profitability
Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate favorable terms with vendors and navigate complex commercial discussions
Customer-Focused: Professional demeanor, strong interpersonal skills, and commitment to customer satisfaction
Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset with creative approach to developing innovative solutions
Self-Motivated: Proactive, independent worker with strong organizational and time management abilities
Adaptability: Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Collaboration: Team player with ability to work effectively across departments and organizational levels
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in proposal preparation, cost estimation, and technical documentation

Nice To Haves

Willingness to Travel: Available for domestic and occasional international travel (approximately 20-30%)

Responsibilities

Lead the development of comprehensive technical and commercial proposals in response to RFPs, RFQs, and customer inquiries
Create detailed technical specifications, system architectures, and scope of work documents
Develop accurate cost estimates, budgets, and project schedules for proposed solutions
Prepare compelling technical proposals and participate in customer proposal reviews
Collaborate with sales, engineering, and operations teams to ensure proposal accuracy and feasibility
Manage proposal timelines and coordinate inputs from multiple stakeholders
Establish and maintain strong strategic relationships with key equipment vendors and manufacturers (ABB, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Eaton, Danfoss, etc.)
Negotiate pricing, lead times, technical specifications, and commercial terms with vendors
Stay current on emerging technologies, product releases, and industry trends from major suppliers
Evaluate and qualify new vendors and products for company standards
Coordinate vendor technical support as needed
Leverage vendor relationships to obtain competitive advantages and technical insights
Serve as primary technical contact for customer inquiries and requirements discussions
Conduct site visits to assess customer facilities, applications, and technical requirements
Analyze customer processes, challenges, and objectives to develop optimal solutions
Present technical solutions and recommendations to customers with clarity and confidence
Build and maintain strong customer relationships through responsive, professional communication
Provide technical guidance on VFD systems, motor controls, power distribution, and automation solutions
Apply electrical engineering principles to design and specify power systems solutions
Perform load calculations, motor sizing, and electrical system configuration
Interpret customer specifications, single-line diagrams, and technical drawings
Develop system layouts, equipment schedules, and interconnection diagrams
Ensure all proposed solutions comply with applicable codes and standards (NEC, IEEE,IEC, etc.)
Provide technical support to project engineering teams during design and execution phases
Identify opportunities for value engineering and design optimization
Develop standardized solutions and product offerings for common applications
Create technical documentation, application notes, and selection guides
Participate in industry conferences, trade shows, and technical forums
Support business development initiatives with technical expertise and market intelligence
Conduct competitive analysis and provide feedback on market positioning
Work closely with sales teams to qualify leads and support customer acquisition
Coordinate with project management and engineering teams to ensure smooth project handoffs
Interface with procurement to ensure vendor compliance and timely equipment delivery
Provide input to product development and continuous improvement initiatives
Mentor junior engineers and share industry knowledge across the organization