Minneapolis - Application Specialist

Territory: Minneapolis

This position supports customers throughout the assigned territory and requires regular travel within the region.

PURPOSE

As an Application Specialist, your primary responsibility is to provide technical expertise, support, and guidance to clients in implementing industrial automation solutions. You will serve as a subject matter expert, assisting clients in optimizing their manufacturing processes, improving efficiency, and leveraging automation technologies effectively.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Participate in monthly conference call and provide application success stories, share and distribute details to branch team
• Focus on identifying and closing major revenue producing projects
• Be involved with key accounts and their projects directly. This includes being acquainted with the various buying influences at these accounts and the technical requirements for the introduction of specific SMC product.
• Identify all specifications and regulatory needs at the customer level; and be able to relay their needs accurately and completely to the appropriate SMC Engineer or Product Specialist.
• Provide continuous training to sales employees, customers and distributors on products and applications. This may include assisting the SMC training group with local presentations of training courses, with regular cadence
• Deliver training sessions and workshops to clients engineering and operations teams on the use and maintenance of automation systems
• Document and monitor sales activity in SMC's SalesConnect system, including meetings and opportunities as invited user or team member to the respective CRM entry
• Assist sales employees in detailed technical presentations to all levels of customers, lunch & learns, tent shows, mini panel expos, etc….
• Successfully complete other duties as prescribed by sales management as necessary
• Collaborate with clients to understand their unique manufacturing processes, challenges, and automation objectives.
• Work closely with clients and internal engineering teams to design, configure, and customize automation solutions.
• Stay abreast of competitive outlook, assisting with gap analysis, industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in industrial automation.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and innovation within client operations, recommending new automation solutions or enhancements.
• Collaborate with product development teams to provide feedback and insights for future product enhancements or new product development
• Provide guidance and best practices for operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting industrial automation equipment and software.
• Provide technical support to clients during the implementation phase, addressing system configuration, integration, and performance issues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Fast paced environment (includes both office and field work)
• Travel with some extended stay away from home
• Physically capable of lifting SMC products and displays up to 50 lbs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent work experience
• Advanced industrial automation product and application experience with SMC or equivalent industry
• Experience with or knowledge of competitive product and applications
• Demonstrated ability to correctly apply and implement our newest "high tech" products.
• Extensive SMC Application knowledge or equivalent industry
• Extensive experience with various manufacturing products and processes, including (but not limited to) the following: packaging, electronics, food, chemical, automotive and medical.
• Fluid Power Pneumatic Specialist Certification preferred
• Proficient in CRM and the use of computers and ability to learn new programs and tools as required
• Clean driving record
• Compensation & Benefits
• The expected salary range for this position is $74,259-$114,648 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors.
• This position is also eligible to participate in SMCs Sales Incentive Program (SIP) and includes a company-provided vehicle with company-paid maintenance and fuel.
• SMC offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement savings; paid time off and paid holidays; life and disability insurance; and other employee benefits and programs.

For Internal Use Only: Sales001