Industrial Drives & Plant Solutions Product Specialist

iAutomation, a full-service automation company, developing robotic solutions and offering design, engineering, and integration (DE&I) services, product support, and production services, has an immediate opening for an Industrial Drives & Plant Solutions Product Specialist.

The Industrial Drives & Plant Solutions Product Specialist is responsible for supporting the full lifecycle of industrial drive systems and plant solutions, from product selection and application engineering through on-site startup and commissioning. Provides technical expertise on variable frequency drives (VFDs), motor control systems, and integrated plant automation solutions to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency. 

Acts as a key liaison between engineering, sales, and application teams, delivering customized solutions that meet customer requirements and industry standards. Leads on-site installation support, system integration, troubleshooting, and startup activities, ensuring successful commissioning and customer satisfaction. 

Supports customers and internal teams with product training, technical documentation, and after-sales support, while identifying opportunities for system improvements and upgrades within industrial environments such as manufacturing, processing, and utilities. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide technical expertise in the selection, application, and configuration of industrial drives (VFDs), motor control systems, and plant-wide automation solutions.

• Support pre-sales activities by reviewing customer specifications, developing technical proposals, and recommending optimized drive and system solutions.

• Lead and execute on-site startup, commissioning, and validation of drives and integrated plant systems.

• Perform system integration with PLCs, SCADA, and other automation platforms to ensure seamless plant operation.

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during installation, commissioning, and post-startup phases.

• Collaborate with engineering, sales, and service teams to deliver complete, customer-focused solutions.

• Conduct site assessments and audits to identify opportunities for system optimization, energy savings, and performance improvements.

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including manuals, reports, and commissioning records.

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and company quality procedures during all project phases.

• Support after-sales service activities, including upgrades, retrofits, and maintenance planning.

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers during project execution and startup activities. 

• Maintain deep knowledge of key vendor platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, ABB, etc.)  

• Monitor market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies  

Internal Enablement & Training 

• Provide technical training and guidance to customers, operators, and internal teams on products and system operation  

• Develop technical content, sales tools, and application guides  

• Support onboarding and continuous development of sales teams  

Operational & Commercial Support 

• Assist with forecasting, pipeline development, and revenue tracking   

• Support pricing strategies, margin optimization, and vendor alignment  

• Partner cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, and leadership teams  

Travel Requirements 

• Up to 50% travel, combination of local and overnight

Qualifications 

• Education & Experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)  
  • 3-7+ years of experience in industrial automation, drives, motion control, or related field  
  • Experience in a distribution, system integration, or OEM environment preferred  

   

  Technical Expertise 

  • Strong knowledge of:  
  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)  
  • Servo systems and motion control  
  • PLC integration and industrial networks  
  • Motor control and power distribution concepts  
  • Experience with plant-level automation solutions and system architecture is a plus 

    

  Skills & Competencies 

  • Strong customer-facing and communication skills  
  • Ability to translate technical solutions into business value  
  • Problem-solving mindset with strong application engineering capability  
  • Commercial acumen with ability to support sales growth and margin targets  
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment  

   

  Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 

  • Revenue growth within drives and plant solutions portfolio  
  • Gross margin performance  
  • Technical win rate / conversion of opportunities  
  • Customer satisfaction and retention  
  • Internal training effectiveness and adoption 

Email resumes to Marna Perkins at

mperkins@i-automation.com

• Principals ONLY – No Third-Party Recruiters

iAutomation Supports Equal Opportunity Employment & Diversity.