Assistant Technical Applications Manager

Industrial Controls | Automation | Gas Detection Systems

Our client, located in Charleroi, PA, is a well-established manufacturer and technology provider specializing in industrial gas detection, atmospheric monitoring, automation, and safety systems. With years of experience catering to demanding industrial markets, the company has built a solid reputation based on durable, dependable technology, responsive customer service, and solutions aimed at safeguarding both people and critical operational environments.

They are in search of an experienced Assistant Technical Applications Manager who excels at the convergence of engineering, automation, customer assistance, and practical problem-solving.

This role is not confined to a desk; the ideal candidate will be a hands-on technical leader who enjoys tackling intricate applications, devising solutions, diagnosing equipment issues, aiding customers on-site, and aiding in the development of cutting-edge industrial monitoring and control products.

The Opportunity

Under the guidance of the Technical Applications Manager, the Assistant Technical Applications Manager will serve as a crucial technical expert in industrial gas detection, atmospheric monitoring, automation, and control systems.

They will collaborate closely with customers and internal teams throughout the project lifecycle—from initial assessment of applications and system design to programming, testing, commissioning, training, troubleshooting, and continuous technical support.

Additionally, this individual will have a significant role in product enhancement and ongoing innovation, working together with engineering teams to validate products, pinpoint field issues, and incorporate customer feedback into meaningful product enhancements.

If you derive satisfaction from addressing technical challenges, directly engaging with customers, and witnessing engineered solutions in action, this role provides an opportunity to make a noticeable impact.

What You'll Do

• Act as a senior technical resource for industrial gas detection, automation, atmospheric monitoring, and control system applications.
• Work with customers to comprehend operational obstacles and devise tailored technical solutions.
• Lead system design endeavors, incorporating control architecture, automation strategies, communications, instrumentation, and system integration.
• Configure, program, troubleshoot, and provide support for PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and communication systems.
• Oversee technical projects from concept and design through testing, installation, startup, and commissioning.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally with sales, engineering, production, field service, repairs, marketing, and custom product teams.
• Create technical proposals, quotes, system documentation, operating manuals, and compliance materials.
• Conduct product and system testing, verification, validation, and troubleshooting to ensure reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with design engineers to identify field issues, application enhancements, and opportunities for new or improved products.
• Provide on-site commissioning, startup support, troubleshooting, and technical assistance at customer sites.
• Train customers on system operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimal application practices.
• Deliver product demonstrations and technical presentations for customers, sales teams, and internal staff.
• Review field service reports for technical accuracy, completeness, work completed, and final system status.
• Assist in coordinating field service resources based on project needs, technical complexity, staff availability, and customer priorities.
• Establish and uphold application engineering procedures, technical standards, and best practices.
• Mentor and offer technical guidance to application engineers and other members of the technical team.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives concentrating on product quality, reliability, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate possesses a blend of solid electrical and controls expertise along with the ability to troubleshoot real-world issues—not just theoretical ones.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in applications engineering, controls, automation, field engineering, industrial electronics, or a related technical field.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a similar technical discipline.
• Rich hands-on experience with industrial installations, startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and on-site customer support.
• Prior experience in programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley and/or IDEC PLCs and HMIs is highly desirable.
• Robust understanding of industrial communications, including Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP.
• Familiarity with industrial signals and controls, including 4–20mA, 0–5V, 0–10V, relay logic, and related instrumentation.
• Sound knowledge of electrical systems, wiring, schematics, electrical components, and basic circuit theory.
• Hands-on experience with diagnostic tools like digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and electronic test equipment.
• Capability to safely conduct voltage, current, continuity, and signal measurements in industrial settings.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, encompassing an understanding of fluid flow and pneumatic systems.
• Demonstrated skill in diagnosing complex electrical, electronic, automation, and control-system issues.
• Knowledge of hazardous-location installations, embracing Class I, II, and III environments, is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills with the confidence to lead technical conversations, customer training, demonstrations, and presentations.

A Hands-On Role

This role combines office-based engineering with field support in rigorous industrial settings. Customer sites may range from manufacturing operations and outdoor industrial facilities to oil and gas operations and underground mining environments.

Candidates should feel comfortable:

• Walking considerable distances while carrying tools or equipment.
• Climbing stairs and ladders and accessing elevated or confined work areas.
• Operating in environments featuring dust, noise, vibration, and temperature or weather extremes.
• Adhering to mandated PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toe footwear, respirators, and fall-protection gear.
• Traveling as required for commissioning, field service, troubleshooting, and customer assistance.
• Occasionally working extended hours for critical commissioning or customer operations.
• Abiding by all pertinent OSHA, MSHA, customer-site, and company safety protocols.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position provides a fantastic chance for an accomplished controls or applications professional seeking a broader role than traditional engineering. You'll have the opportunity to design, troubleshoot, lead, educate, enhance products, interact directly with customers, and witness the outcomes of your efforts in real-world applications.

Our client fosters a collaborative, hands-on environment where technical proficiency is highly valued, affording you the capacity to directly shape product performance, customer satisfaction, and the continued advancement of the company.

Benefits

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