Automation Sales Engineer at Premier Automation LLC

As an Automation Sales Engineer, you’ll play a key role in driving Premier Automation’s growth across the Southeastern U.S. by developing customer relationships, identifying automation opportunities, and delivering technically sound solutions. This is a highly technical outside sales role requiring hands-on knowledge of industrial automation systems and the ability to manage projects independently from discovery through delivery. You’ll partner closely with our engineering and manufacturing teams to provide automation and control system solutions that help customers operate more efficiently—supported by a collaborative, results-driven culture focused on innovation and customer success.

Premier Automation, headquartered just outside Pittsburgh, PA, with a regional office in Alpharetta, GA, designs and manufactures advanced control systems for industrial customers across North America. Our sales engineers are trusted partners to manufacturers across multiple industries, connecting them to cutting-edge technologies in automation, robotics, and drives systems. We offer a dynamic environment where your technical acumen, problem-solving skills, and initiative make a direct impact—and where teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement are valued every day.

Our Benefits Package: Invested in Your Success

We believe in taking care of our team. Here’s how we do it:

• Comprehensive medical coverage with a 100% company-paid deductible
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability coverage
• Generous paid time off package including PTO, 10 company holidays, sick leave, and parental leave
• Vehicle expense allowance included for business-related travel
• Education assistance for ongoing professional development
• $1,000 employee referral bonuses
• Employee wellness programs

Your Experience at Premier

Here’s what you can expect from the role, the team, and our culture:

• Position Type: Full-time, salaried position (non-commission-based)
• Schedule & Travel: Monday–Friday with flexible hours to support work-life balance; travel up to 30% throughout the Southeastern region
• Location: Based in Alpharetta, GA, working from our modern, conveniently located facility
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sales Manager, with close collaboration from the Engineering Managers and company leadership team
• Interview & Onboarding Process: Combination of virtual and on-site interviews, followed by reference checks, and pre-employment screenings
• Work Environment: Customer-facing and team-oriented, with direct collaboration across engineering, production, and marketing teams
• Culture & Values in Action: Premier is driven by teamwork, innovation, and passion, fostering an environment of continuous improvement that recognizes every contribution. We’re proud to celebrate our people through team-building and special events, employee recognition programs, volunteer opportunities, and a collaborative, supportive workplace.

Duties and Responsibilities

As an Automation Sales Engineer, you will:

• Develop and expand Premier Automation’s customer base within the Southeastern territory through proactive business development and relationship management
• Serve as the technical and commercial point of contact for customers, delivering automation and control solutions tailored to their applications
• Conduct in-person visits, plant tours, and site evaluations to identify customer challenges and propose solutions
• Collaborate with engineering teams to prepare proposals, quotes, and technical documentation for control systems, drives, and automation projects
• Manage the RFQ process and ensure accurate, timely responses to customer requests
• Follow up on quoted opportunities to gather feedback, close deals, and identify additional project potential
• Prospect new leads through cold calls, networking, and trade events while strengthening existing customer relationships
• Maintain CRM data, sales pipelines, and weekly activity reports
• Work independently to manage your territory, priorities, and sales strategy with minimal supervision
• Represent Premier Automation with professionalism and technical credibility in all customer interactions

Experience and Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• Minimum of 3 years of outside sales experience in electrical, automation, or industrial markets
• Strong technical understanding of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, drives (VFDs), and control panels
• Proven ability to sell engineered or custom automation solutions (not just product-only distribution)
• Experience working with or for an industrial automation distributor, system integrator, or OEM strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success in developing new business, cold calling, and managing complex sales cycles
• Comfortable working in industrial environments such as steel mills, manufacturing plants, and process facilities
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly
• Self-motivated and organized, with the ability to manage a territory independently and drive results
• Proficiency in CRM tools (such as HubSpot) and sales reporting software
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a related technical or business field preferred, or equivalent professional experience
• Must have or be able to obtain valid travel documents (Real ID and passport)

Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Premier Automation does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.