Automation & Control Specialist

Sonepar • Phoenix, AZ

6d

About The Position

The Automation and Control Specialist serves as the technical expert and project lead for industrial automation, motor control, and specialized technical automation projects, with a strong focus on Schneider Electric automation solutions. The role uses hands-on expertise in process control, SCADA systems, and Schneider Electric PLC, HMI, and drive platforms to translate engineering requirements into commercially successful projects. The specialist partners with account managers, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, system integrators, contractors, and industrial customers to develop, review, quote, and manage projects from initial concept through final delivery.

The position is primarily office-based during regular office hours and requires some travel. It involves consistent sitting and keyboard and mouse use, regular lifting of 5 pounds, and occasional stair climbing.

Requirements

• Strong hands-on background in process control, SCADA systems, PLC/HMI architectures, motor control, and industrial automation.
• Practical experience with control panel design, component selection and layout, panel building, or related electrical control applications.
• Experience operating, programming, supporting, or troubleshooting control systems in an industrial environment.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple automation projects, quotations, or system integrations simultaneously while maintaining attention to technical and commercial requirements.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering specifications, construction drawings, P&IDs, control narratives, schematics, and related technical documentation.
• Ability to evaluate complex technical challenges, identify appropriate automation solutions, and troubleshoot system and application issues.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical automation concepts in practical terms to customers and internal teams.
• Ability to work effectively with customers, account managers, project teams, system integrators, manufacturers, contractors, and manufacturer representatives.
• Ability to sit consistently for hours at a time and use a keyboard and mouse consistently.
• Ability to lift 5 pounds regularly and consistently.
• Ability to climb stairs occasionally.
• Some travel is required.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced experience programming, configuring, specifying, or supporting Schneider Electric products, including Altivar Drives, Modicon PLCs, Harmony/Magelis HMIs, and EcoStruxure Control Expert programming software.
• Previous experience in wholesale electrical distribution or managing complex industrial quotations, proposals, and project requirements.
• Experience managing industrial projects with Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, SAP, or similar project-management and enterprise systems.
• Established knowledge of or relationships with local industrial customers, buyers, system integrators, contractors, and manufacturer representatives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical subject matter expert for industrial automation applications, especially Schneider Electric PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, industrial networking, and related control technologies.
• Analyze customer system requirements, P&IDs, control narratives, engineering specifications, and other technical documents to develop project bills of material, technical submittals, and automation solutions.
• Manage project scope, budgets, technical requirements, and delivery schedules from concept through fulfillment.
• Establish customer pricing as appropriate, negotiate project costs with manufacturers and suppliers, and secure required materials.
• Collaborate with industrial end-users, system integrators, contractors, account managers, manufacturers, and manufacturer representatives to troubleshoot applications, prepare quotations, resolve technical issues, and execute projects.
• Provide technical guidance and assistance for automation, process control, motor control, industrial communications, and related applications.
• Document lessons learned from projects and system deployments, and share technical knowledge to improve internal processes, workflows, and capabilities.
• Act as an internal technical resource and mentor to help associates build knowledge of automation products, applications, and project requirements.

Benefits

• Healthcare plans
• Dental and vision benefits
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match
• Professional and personal development programs
• Opportunity to become a shareholder
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
• Employer-paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
• Wellness program
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Earned wage access
• Employee resource groups (ERGs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed