Business Development Manager – Controls & Automation

Shermco Industries

. Own and drive pipeline development across the Western U.S., with clear accountability for opportunity creation, qualification, and progression.

Posted 5/13/2026full-timeRemote • California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $140,000 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own and drive pipeline development across the Western U.S., with clear accountability for opportunity creation, qualification, and progression.
Identify and engage target customers, GCs, and end users in key markets including: Develop and execute territory and account strategies to establish SSI in underpenetrated regions.
Proactively engage customers before RFP stage, influencing project scope and positioning SSI as a preferred partner.
Build and maintain relationships with engineering, operations, maintenance, and capital project stakeholders.
Translate customer challenges into actionable opportunities across SSI service lines: Lead early-stage solution development, coordinating with engineering to shape scope, approach, and positioning.
Maintain disciplined pipeline management within CRM tools, including forecasting, activity tracking, and reporting.
Represent SSI in the market through industry events, site visits, and strategic customer engagement.
Partner internally with operations, engineering, and leadership to align pursuits with execution capability.

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years of business development or technical sales experience in industrial automation, electrical systems, or system integration.
5+ years of direct technical / hands-on experience in the controls & automation space.
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, industrial technology, electronics technology, or a related technical discipline.
Other degrees considered with relevant experience.
Demonstrated success in building pipeline from zero or low baseline in new or underdeveloped regions.
Proven ability to identify opportunities early, influence specifications, and improve hit rate.
Working knowledge of PLCs and automation systems, including: System architecture, I/O layout, and control philosophy development.
PLC migration and modernization from legacy platforms (e.g., PLC-5, SLC 500, Siemens S5/S7).
Integration of PLCs with HMIs, SCADA, and plant networks.
Basic programming concepts (ladder logic, function block, structured text).
Hands-on familiarity with major automation platforms: Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE, Schneider Modicon, Emerson Delta V, etc.
Basic knowledge of: SCADA & HMI software: Ignition, Wonderware/AVEVA, FactoryTalk, etc.
Industrial networking & protocols: EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, DNP3, ControlNet.
Instrumentation & Controls: loop diagrams, I/O systems, calibration, and field terminations, sensors, transmitters.
Electrical systems: LV and MV drives, relays, VFD/soft start systems, and protective schemes.
Electrical engineering fundamentals: load lists, cable routing, arc flash, and area classification.
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
Highly self-motivated with strong organizational discipline and follow-through.
Willingness to travel regionally (~50%).

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives.
Comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities.
Industry-leading electrical and safety training.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

business developmenttechnical salescontrols and automationPLC programmingautomation systemsindustrial networkinginstrumentation and controlselectrical systemsSCADA softwareHMI software

Soft Skills

communication skillspresentation skillsrelationship-buildingself-motivatedorganizational disciplinefollow-throughinfluencing skillspipeline managementstrategic thinkingcustomer engagement