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.

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.

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

• 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.