Technical Application Engineer - Electrical Utility

Border States•Lacey, WA

17d•$81,000 - $115,000

About The Position

The Technical Application Engineer supports the day-to-day work of Sales Engineers and Account Managers by promoting sales, securing orders, and providing quality customer service. The role regularly consults with customers about product and system applications and provides technical product support to branches and customers. Work includes evaluating products, troubleshooting in the field, assisting with equipment programming, contributing to customer training, conducting product application assessments, and preparing bid and proposal documentation. The position focuses on technical product applications, customer support, and presales activities; it does not involve software development or coding. The position is based in Lacey, Washington; Yakima, Washington; or Hubbard, Oregon. The posted annual pay range is $81,000 to $115,000, depending on experience. Border States is an employee-owned electrical supply distributor serving the construction, industrial, and utility industries, with approximately 130 locations in 31 states.

Requirements

A four-year technical or engineering degree, or equivalent experience.
Excellent customer service, including competence, accuracy, responsiveness, and engagement.
Ability to plan and organize effectively.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and technical competence in utility distribution and transmission systems.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint), the internet, email, and SAP software.
Experience with Eaton utility products or similar electrical utility products.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

Provide specialized product support to branches and customers.
Deliver responsive, high-quality service to meet or exceed customer expectations.
Contribute to planning and selling Border States products and services and promote its agency and distribution lines.
Participate in technically difficult discussions with consultants, customers, and employees about product technology and specifications.
Follow up promptly on quotations, technical inquiries, and other requests.
Maintain regular contact with customers’ engineering staff and consultants.
Lead training for customers and Border States employees on product lines and applications.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of the assigned product area and work across a broad range of products and services.
Resolve complex product-technology issues and assist Sales Engineers and customers as needed.
Enter relevant TCCM cost-savings documentation for the assigned customer base.
Provide field troubleshooting, training, and information and documentation support.
Conduct product application assessments, including cost savings, material consolidation, alternatives to materials and equipment, methods and practices, and applicable regional, industry, and national standards.
Perform product updates and launch new products at branches and with customers.
Attend and assist with trade shows and training programs as needed.
Provide technical training and presentations for internal personnel and external customers.
Evaluate demonstration equipment and suggest new products when appropriate; keep existing product demonstrations functional.
Provide input to pricing and purchasing departments on product evaluations, code descriptions, inventory management, pricing developments, and related functions.
Use relevant SAP processes to support order entry and management.