Job Description

At Powell Industries, we empower progress by delivering innovative electrical solutions that drive efficiency and reliability for our clients. Join our dynamic team in Houston, where you’ll contribute to cutting-edge standardized equipment designs and collaborate with industry leaders to shape the future of power systems.

As a Lead Applications Engineer, supporting our Sales Team, you will spearhead the development of customer-focused standardized equipment solutions, emphasizing IEEE/NEMA and IEC designs. You’ll provide technical expertise, support key account management, and act as a vital liaison between internal teams and external customers to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions.

Essential Responsibilities

• Design & Development:
  • Create and maintain standardized specifications, datasheets, configuration guides, and drawing packages based on customer requirements. 
  • Optimize standard designs for efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. 
  • Develop and refine IEEE/NEMA and IEC-compliant design templates. 
• Customer & Team Collaboration:
  • Interface with customer engineers to enhance designs and implement template updates as well as with specifying engineers for project application. 
  • Support Key Account Management by developing cost books, benchmarking, and providing technical input for quotations. 
  • Represent Powell in technical meetings with customers (infrequent travel required). 
• Technical Leadership:
  • Review work of junior engineers to validate the implementation of standardized solutions. 
  • Mentor and train lower-level engineers, providing performance feedback and on-the-job guidance, as may be required. 
  • In collaboration with engineering leadership, assist in the development and delivery of training sessions. 
• Problem-Solving & Innovation:
  • Conduct cost analysis for template designs and troubleshoot complex application challenges. 
  • Innovate to improve existing template applications and design cost-effective, high-quality solutions. 
  • Provide technical support to sales, engineering, and inspection teams to resolve daily challenges. 
• Relationships:
  • Reports to: Sales Executive 
  • Internal: Collaborate with Sales, Estimating, Manufacturing, Engineering, QA/QC, and Product Development teams. 
  • External: Engage regularly with customers and suppliers to align technical requirements. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or electrical technology (required). 
• Minimum 8 years of experience in an engineering role. 

Preferred Qualifications

• EIT or PE certification preferred. 

Skills, Abilities, & Other Requirements

• Advanced proficiency in electrical design, circuitry, and drafting/CAD tools. 
• Strong knowledge of industry codes and standards (NEC, ANSI, IEEE, IEC). 
• Familiarity with power system applications, relay coordination, and short circuit studies. 
• Proficient in Oracle, Microsoft Word, Excel, and related tools. 
• Ability to interpret customer specifications, electrical symbols, and drawings accurately. 
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and reviewing technical work. 
• Innovative mindset with a focus on improving products and processes. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or collaboratively. 
• Membership in IEEE and participation in industry seminars or professional associations is a plus. 

Why Join Powell? 

• Be part of a company that values innovation, quality, and collaboration. 
• Work on impactful projects that shape the future of electrical systems. 
• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth through in-house and external training. 
• Contribute to a supportive team environment with a commitment to safety and excellence.

Working Conditions

• Temperature controlled working environment. Some outside activities may be required.
• This position may travel out-of-town to attend training and meetings.
• Typical office environment: may experience minor discomfort from extensive use of a computer display and keyboard; travel between buildings on campus and between campuses.

Physical Requirements

• Maintaining body equilibrium and agility to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, ascending or descending stairs.
• Sitting, standing and walking for long periods of time.
• Typing, punching or applying pressure to an object with fingers and palm.

More Information

This job description outlines the essential functions of the job and does not contain a comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

In our 75+ year history, Powell has always known that our employees are at the heart of our success. Without question, we have the most talented people in all parts of our organization. As a manufacturer, we recruit and hire experienced and knowledgeable applicants to ensure our product is engineered, fabricated, and assembled to customer specifications!

Powell’s culture has and will always be founded in our "can do" attitude. If we can imagine it, we can do it. Become a part of our story and let us help you write yours. Hard work pays off in all our teams, with opportunity for advancement and promotion without sacrificing work-life balance. Successful candidates must have a legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis, with only those candidates selected for interview contacted.

Powell offers comprehensive health insurance for you and your family, 401k savings, annual bonus potential, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, company-sponsored wellness programs, and a collaborative work environment.

EOE Protected Veterans/Disability

If you need an accommodation in the hiring process, you may contact 713.378.2685. Application status inquiries will not be accepted in this manner.

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