What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product & Application Specialist position at BALLUFF INC?
Welcome to Balluff Inc.!
Balluff is a global leader in sensor technology and industrial automation. Our mission is to drive smart manufacturing forward while creating a workplace where innovation and people thrive. Join a team that values precision, quality, and continuous improvement.
Position Summary
The Product and Application Specialist partners with customers, Sales personnel, and system integrators to solve automation challenges and support the successful application of Balluff's system-level products and technologies. This role combines technical problem-solving, customer engagement, and hands-on application support to help drive business growth while developing expertise in advanced industrial automation solutions.
What You’ll Do
- Collaborate with Balluff Sales personnel to identify, qualify, and close system-level product opportunities and paid technical services.
- Provide technical sales presentations, demonstrations, and training to customers and Balluff personnel.
- Build expertise in Balluff system-level products and help customers understand how Balluff solutions can improve their operations.
- Support the development of system-level product BOMs and technical diagrams while assisting with competitive product comparisons.
- Develop an understanding of customer project methodologies and identify how Balluff solutions can support their applications.
- Assist with developing PLC-related software, technical notes, step-by-step guides, and training materials that simplify product integration.
- Design and fabricate demonstration units to support new product launches and customer engagements.
- Provide post-sales troubleshooting support and assist customers with technical concerns.
- Develop knowledge of competitive products and technologies and communicate relevant findings internally.
- Collaborate with Balluff teams globally to share strategies, initiatives, and technical successes.
- Utilize CRM and other internal systems to support customer engagement, technical documentation, and project activities.
- Develop and maintain relationships with regional and national system integrators.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Field-based position requiring residence within the geographic area bounded by Philadelphia, PA; Allentown, PA; Harrisburg, PA; and Baltimore, MD.
- Position requires travel throughout the assigned territory, typically 30-40%, including approximately 10-20% overnight travel.
- Work is performed in office, remote, customer, and industrial environments.
- Visits to customer facilities may require working in industrial environments and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing, eye, and foot protection.
Why Join Balluff?
- Competitive pay
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Opportunities for training, development, and advancement
Balluff is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Qualifications:What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field preferred.
- 2-3 years of experience in field sales support, application engineering, technical marketing, or related customer-facing technical functions.
- 3-5 years of experience integrating automated control systems, industrial automation products, or related technologies.
- Experience with automation product architecture, software and hardware integration, embedded systems, and troubleshooting methodologies.
- Industrial-sector experience with PLCs and networking required; RFID, machine vision, or coding experience preferred.
- Enjoys working directly with customers to solve technical challenges and support successful automation projects.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to explain technical concepts and solutions to a wide range of audiences, from engineers and technicians to sales teams and customers.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, self-motivated approach to work.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic, customer-focused environment.
- Project management experience preferred.