> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3434923-application-engineer-automation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3434923-application-engineer-automation). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Application Engineer - Automation - **Company:** Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories - **Location:** Pullman, WA, United States - **Salary:** $95,000.0 - $120,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Communications Protocols, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Automation of Marketing, Software Engineering, Process Control Systems - **Published:** September 22, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=605a4e02b13c5897 ## About the Role * Experience working at the intersection of customer engagement and engineering, ideally in a technical sales or application engineering role * Hands-on experience with power systems, protection relays, automation systems, or industrial control systems * Strong understanding of power system fundamentals, including protection schemes, SCADA, communications protocols (e.g., DNP3, IEC 61850), and substation automation * Experience with commissioning, testing, or configuring protective relays and control systems is an asset * Familiarity with industrial networking and cybersecurity principles is an asset * Knowledge of utility, industrial, or renewable energy markets * Broad understanding of trends in grid modernization, digital substations, and power system reliability * Strong business acumen with the ability to connect technical solutions to customer value * Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences * Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform effectively in high-pressure field or customer environments * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience * Ability to write and speak English coherently Bonus qualifications: * Experience with SEL products or similar protection and control platforms * Knowledge of power system protection standards and practices (IEEE, IEC) * Experience with SEL software, and/or SEL RTAC & Automation platforms * Background in substation commissioning, protection coordination, or system studies Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work. ## Description Our customers in electric utilities, industrial automation, renewable energy, and critical infrastructure rely on SEL for dependable protection, automation, and control solutions. As an Application Engineer, you will work directly with these customers as a trusted technical advisor, helping them design, implement, and optimize SEL solutions. You will serve as a key technical resource supporting both pre- and post-sales activities, building strong customer relationships, supporting system design decisions, and ensuring successful deployment of SEL technologies. You are someone who thrives at the intersection of engineering and customer engagement. You enjoy solving complex power system and automation challenges, but you also understand how technical decisions impact operational reliability and business outcomes. You can collaborate with protection and automation engineers one hour and support a sales engineer in closing a project the next. You are curious, practical, and driven to help customers build safe and reliable systems., * Serve as the technical representative of SEL, acting as a liaison between customers and SEL engineering, manufacturing, and support teams * Provide technical expertise on SEL protection, automation, and communications solutions in both pre-sales and post-sales engagements * Support the sales team with consultative technical guidance, including system design, device selection, and solution architecture * Assist customers with application design, settings development, configuration, testing, and commissioning support * Manage customer technical requirements from project initiation through commissioning and ongoing support * Build and maintain strong relationships with customer engineering and operations teams to identify new opportunities and ensure long-term success * Deliver technical presentations, training sessions, and demonstrations both on-site and virtually * Participate in industry events, trade shows, and technical seminars representing SEL * Develop and maintain knowledge of industry trends, standards, and competitive solutions to support continuous improvement * Travel to customer sites as needed (typically 25-30% travel) ## Related Videos - [The Avengers Initiative (Practical Ethics for Software Engineers)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2070-the-avengers-initiative-practical-ethics-for-software-engineers) - [Recruiting in 2025: Will AI Help or Take Over?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1301-recruiting-in-2025-will-ai-help-or-take-over) - [Monoliths: A love story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/164-monoliths-a-love-story) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [Official Opening of WeAreDevelopers World Congress 2026](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100000-official-opening-of-wearedevelopers-world-congress-2026) ## Related Articles - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers)