GCG Automation and Factory Solutions is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Application Engineering Manager to join our team. In this role, you will promote and provide technical and application support in both pre- and post-sale of Automation Controls, Motion Controls, Sensors, Fluid Power, and related products. You’ll also supervise and manage a team of talented Application Engineers, ensuring exceptional support to customers and sales teams alike.

This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with sales to support customers across Industrial, OEM, and End-User segments, making a meaningful impact on their operations. If you are a motivated leader with a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, we invite you to bring your expertise to GCG and grow your career with us. Join a team that values collaboration, technical mastery, and outstanding customer service.

In order to facilitate team collaboration and visits to customer sites as needed, candidates for this role must be located within a 60 mile radius of our Lenexa, KS or Chesterfield, MO locations. 

What You’ll Do

• Present, promote, and demonstrate electrical components like automation products, motion control products, sensors, and fluid power products to prospective customers
• Supervise and manage Application Engineers to ensure timely project turnaround and customer satisfaction.
• Review and file direct reports’ expense reports.
• Conduct performance reviews, providing coaching to develop less-experienced Application Engineers.
• Provide technical support and product knowledge to both the sales force and customers.
• Collaborate with sales teams across all AFS brands to close sales for related products.
• Utilize vendor software to size automation and motion control products and provide quotations to customers.
• Lead training sessions on automation and related electrical products.
  Travel requirements: approximately 20%.
• Use CRM software to manage customer accounts and track sales opportunities and activities.

What You’ll Bring

• Required: Associate’s Engineering Degree (Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology preferred), Technical Degree, or Industry Experience Equivalent.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial) or equivalent experience.
• Required: 5–7 years of industry experience.
• Preferred: 8+ years of experience working with electrical distributors, engineers, purchasing, and industrial clients. Familiarity with PLC, Motion Control, Sensors, Safety Switches, and Fluid Power. Proven track record in Application/Sales within the electrical components industry.
• Required: Strong people and communication skills, positive attitude, self-motivation, goal orientation, and proficiency in math, algebra, and computer applications.
• Preferred: Skills in trigonometry, calculus, and professional writing.

What we offer

• Competitive compensation package commensurate with engineering experience and working knowledge of industrial automation technology
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• PTO and paid holidays
• Hybrid work arrangement with flexibility
• Collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and growth

About GCG AFS

GCG Automation & Factory Solutions is dedicated to advancing the growth of light industry automation and factory solutions across key verticals in North America. With a comprehensive product and service offering that spans the entire automation value chain, our customers trust us as a reliable partner to meet their diverse needs. Our strength lies in our deep technical expertise and specialized knowledge of the products we offer. This enables us to support customers in deploying and delivering high-quality, efficient solutions tailored to their specific requirements. Our commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience—marked by responsiveness, reliability, and personalized service—sets us apart as the supplier of choice in the industry.

GCG is an equal opportunity employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

These duties and responsibilities listed above are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act, or ADA. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Furthermore, the above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person.