The Business Development Engineer will expand AWC's Marine Automation & Electrical Solutions success by developing trusted relationships within the marine, offshore, shipbuilding, and port industries. This role serves as a subject matter expert (SME) in marine electrical and automation applications, helping customers solve operational, reliability, and safety challenges through the application of AWC's automation, power distribution, and electrical solutions.
You will operate at the intersection of sales, engineering, and customer operations, identifying opportunities, influencing technical solutions, and positioning AWC as the preferred partner for marine automation and electrical systems across commercial marine and offshore markets.
How you'll make an impact:Account Development & Market Expansion- Identify, target, and develop new accounts across key marine and offshore industries including shipyards, ports, marine transportation, offshore operators, and EPC firms
- Build relationships with engineering, maintenance, reliability, operations, and project stakeholders
- Develop and execute account strategies to expand AWC's market share and drive long-term growth
- Identify opportunities for modernization, automation upgrades, electrical system improvements, and operational reliability enhancements across existing and new customers.
Subject Matter Expertise - Marine Automation & Electrical Solutions- Communicate how to implement marine-grade power, controls, drive, and electrical solutions with marine accounts throughout the market
- Serve as the technical expert on marine electrical and automation solutions including power distribution, motor controls, vessel automation, instrumentation, SCADA systems, and industrial networking
- Advise customers on electrical system architecture, automation integration, and operational reliability improvements
- Support application design discussions, ensuring solutions meet operational, safety, regulatory, and harsh-environment requirements
Solution Development & Technical Sales- Work with inside sales, outside sales, and applications engineering teams to implement world-class marine automation and electrical technologies that improve reliability, safety, and operational uptime
- Partner with Applications Engineering to develop complete automation and electrical solutions including PLCs, I/O, HMI, SCADA, Drives, MCCs, Power Distribution, and marine-rated enclosures
- Influence specifications and position AWC solutions early in project development cycles
- Assist in developing proposals, Bills-of-Material, technical submittals, and customer presentations while ensuring compatibility with marine standards and certifications
Customer Engagement & Support- Act as a trusted advisor to customers by providing technical insight, troubleshooting support, and application guidance
- Troubleshoot marine and maritime industrial systems to identify the right equipment and solutions to restore customer operations quickly (propulsion auxiliaries, ballast systems, cargo handling, dockside automation, onboard utilities)
- Participate in shipyard visits, vessel walkdowns, port/terminal site visits, customer meetings, and project discussions to understand operational needs and constraints
- Demonstrate hardware and software solutions onboard vessels, dockside, and in offshore environments while adapting solutions to real-world marine conditions
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Work closely with sales, applications engineering, supply chain, operations, and vendor partners to ensure alignment from opportunity through execution
- Document and share best practices for marine power and automation deployments, including lessons learned from retrofits and new-build projects
- Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and best practices around marine automation, electrical applications, and market trends
- Operate as a motivated self-starter with the ability to manage a dynamic schedule that may include shipyard visits, vessel walkdowns and port/terminal site work
Skills you'll need:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Distribution, Electrical Technology; equivalent industry experience considered
- 5+ years of experience in marine electrical systems, industrial automation, technical sales, business development
- Strong knowledge of marine electrical infrastructure, automation systems, instrumentation, motor controls, and industrial networking
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to a variety of audiences
- Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on practical, customer-driven solutions
- Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple opportunities and priorities
- Ability to travel regularly to customer sites, shipyards, ports, and offshore facilities
Here's what will set you apart:- Experience working within marine, shipbuilding, or port operations environments
- Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, MCCs, switchgear, generators, SCADA systems, and vessel automation platforms
- Understanding of marine industry standards, classifications, and regulatory requirements
- Experience working with EPCs, vessel operators, shipyards, or industrial marine facilities
- Track record of influencing specifications and winning competitive opportunities
- Experience packaging complete marine automation and electrical solutions
- Advanced level knowledge of Electrical and Automation products, including but not limited to PLCs, I/O, Safety Devices, Enclosures, Motor Starters, Variable Frequency Drives, Pneumatics, Sensors, Panelboards, Motor Control Centers, and Switchgear with preference for marine and harsh-environment applications
The Rewards:- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- 401(K) Match
- Competitive Pay
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Package
- Employer Paid Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
- Career Development Opportunities
