Assistant Technical Applications Manager

Industrial Controls | Automation | Gas Detection Systems

Our client is a well-established manufacturer and technology provider specializing in industrial gas detection, atmospheric monitoring, automation, and safety systems. With decades of experience serving demanding industrial markets, the company has built its reputation around rugged, reliable technology, responsive customer support, and solutions designed to protect both people and critical operating environments.

They are seeking an experienced Assistant Technical Applications Manager who thrives at the intersection of engineering, automation, customer support, and real-world problem solving.

This is not a desk-only engineering position. The successful candidate will be a hands-on technical leader who enjoys digging into complex applications, designing solutions, troubleshooting equipment, supporting customers in the field, and helping develop the next generation of industrial monitoring and control products.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Technical Applications Manager, the Assistant Technical Applications Manager will serve as a key technical authority for industrial gas detection, atmospheric monitoring, automation, and control systems.

You will work closely with customers and internal teams throughout the entire project lifecycle—from initial application review and system design through programming, testing, commissioning, training, troubleshooting, and ongoing technical support.

This individual will also play an important role in product development and continuous improvement, partnering with engineering teams to test and validate products, identify field issues, and turn customer feedback into meaningful product enhancements.

If you enjoy solving technical problems, working directly with customers, and seeing engineered solutions come to life in the field, this role offers an opportunity to make a visible impact.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a senior technical resource for industrial gas detection, automation, atmospheric monitoring, and control system applications.
• Partner with customers to understand operating challenges and develop practical, customized technical solutions.
• Lead system design activities, including control architecture, automation strategies, communications, instrumentation, and system integration.
• Configure, program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and communication systems.
• Manage technical projects from concept and design through testing, installation, startup, and commissioning.
• Work cross-functionally with sales, engineering, production, field service, repairs, marketing, and custom product teams.
• Develop technical proposals, quotations, system documentation, operating manuals, and compliance materials.
• Perform product and system testing, verification, validation, and troubleshooting to ensure reliability and performance.
• Partner with design engineers to identify field issues, application improvements, and opportunities for new or enhanced products.
• Provide on-site commissioning, startup assistance, troubleshooting, and technical support at customer facilities.
• Train customers on system operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and application best practices.
• Conduct product demonstrations and technical presentations for customers, sales teams, and internal personnel.
• Review field service reports for technical accuracy, completeness, work performed, and final system status.
• Help coordinate field service resources based on project requirements, technical complexity, personnel availability, and customer priorities.
• Establish and maintain application engineering procedures, technical standards, and best practices.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to application engineers and other technical team members.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, reliability, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

What We're Looking For

Our ideal candidate combines strong electrical and controls knowledge with the ability to troubleshoot problems in the real world—not just on paper.

• 10+ years of experience in applications engineering, controls, automation, field engineering, industrial electronics, or a related technical environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong hands-on experience with industrial installations, startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer-site support.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley and/or IDEC PLCs and HMIs is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of industrial communications, including Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP.
• Working knowledge of industrial signals and controls, including 4–20mA, 0–5V, 0–10V, relay logic, and related instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, wiring, schematics, electrical components, and fundamental circuit theory.
• Hands-on experience with diagnostic equipment such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and electronic test equipment.
• Ability to safely perform voltage, current, continuity, and signal measurements in industrial environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, including an understanding of fluid flow and pneumatic systems.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose complex electrical, electronic, automation, and control-system issues.
• Knowledge of hazardous-location installations, including Class I, II, and III environments, is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills with the confidence to lead technical discussions, customer training, demonstrations, and presentations.

A Hands-On Role

This position combines office-based engineering with field support in demanding industrial environments. Customer sites may include manufacturing operations, outdoor industrial facilities, oil and gas operations, and underground mining environments.

Candidates should be comfortable:

• Walking significant distances while carrying tools or equipment.
• Climbing stairs and ladders and accessing elevated or confined work areas.
• Working in environments that may include dust, noise, vibration, and temperature or weather extremes.
• Wearing required PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toe footwear, respirators, and fall-protection equipment.
• Traveling as needed for commissioning, field service, troubleshooting, and customer support.
• Occasionally working extended hours when required for critical commissioning or customer operations.
• Following all applicable OSHA, MSHA, customer-site, and company safety requirements.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced controls or applications professional who wants more than a traditional engineering role. You'll have the chance to design, troubleshoot, lead, teach, improve products, interact directly with customers, and see the results of your work in the field.

Our client offers a collaborative, hands-on environment where technical expertise is valued and where you'll have a direct impact on product performance, customer success, and the continued growth of the organization.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Collaborative, hands-on team environment