Switchgear Application Expert

About IEM

Industrial Electric Mfg. (IEM) is the largest independent full-line manufacturer of custom power distribution systems in North America. Founded more than 75 years ago in Fremont, California, IEM grew alongside Silicon Valley and today operates over 1.7 million square feet of manufacturing capacity. With $1B+ in annual sales and 10,000+ commissioned projects across technology, data centers, commercial, energy, utilities, healthcare, industrial, and infrastructure markets, IEM continues to deliver exceptional product quality, dependable service, and the flexibility to meet complex technical requirements at scale.

Position Summary

The Switchgear Application Expert is the senior technical escalation point for complex pre‑sales and post‑sales inquiries related to IEM’s low- and medium-voltage switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, and related distribution products. The role provides Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 support across Pre‑Sales, Order Review, Engineering, Production, Field Services, Quality, Product Management, and Customer Support, ensuring that solutions are technically sound, compliant with codes/standards and UL procedures, and manufacturable at scale. The Application Expert combines deep protection & controls, three‑phase power, and standards knowledge with strong cross‑functional collaboration to de‑risk projects, resolve field issues, and drive continuous improvement.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Seasoned application or engineer with strong power systems with OEM background and familiar with LV and MV distribution equipment who enjoys being the “go‑to” technical expert.
• Comfortable reviewing complex specifications, single‑line diagrams, CDEs, and relay schemes, and explaining trade‑offs to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Thrives in a fast‑paced environment balancing urgent escalations with long‑term improvements to standards, tools, and processes.

Key Responsibilities

1. App Expert / Cross‑functional Technical Leadership

• Serve as the primary Application Expert for complex and non‑standard applications of IEM switchgear and related products.
• Act as a technical liaison between Sales, Estimation, Engineering, Production, Field Services, Quality, and Product Management, ensuring consistent interpretation of standards, UL procedures, and IEM practices.
• Identify recurring technical issues and lead or support initiatives to improve standard designs, tools, and documentation.

1. Pre‑Sales Inquiries

• Support Estimation and Inside Sales by validating complex CDEs, custom enclosure footprints, and utility‑interface requirements against IEM standard offerings and UL procedures.
• Review IEM quotes and CDEs for alignment with customer specifications, codes, and IEM practices; provide clear technical clarifications and risk flags.
• Perform in‑depth technical reviews for projects with high technical P&C requirements, paralleling controls, unusual system topologies, or non‑standard configurations.
• Determine when proposed solutions fall outside standard UL procedures or IEM product offerings and coordinate with Development / R&D / Product Engineering to define acceptable alternatives or exceptions.

1. Product Team Support

• Provide structured feedback to Product Management and R&D based on trends in pre‑sales questions, production issues, and field events.
• Participate in product roadmap and design reviews as the “voice of application,” ensuring new offers are practical to apply, commission, and service.
• Support validation of new features or product lines through application testing, documentation review, and internal training for Sales, Engineering, and Field Services.

1. Production Support

• Review and advise on installation methods and minor drawing clarifications when production questions arise.
• Evaluate production/installation defects to determine whether material replacement or limited rework is required.
• Lead major technical reviews when production or QC identifies issues that may impact code compliance, UL procedure adherence, safety, or functionality.
• Confirm that electrical and mechanical designs meet applicable codes, standards, and IEM UL procedures; propose robust solutions that minimize shipment delays, rework, and added cost.
• Act as mediator between Engineering, Production, and QC on complex issues, driving clear decisions and documented resolutions.

1. Engineering Support

• Support design engineers with general design reviews and returned customer submittal comments; clarify specifications and ensure project requirements align with IEM standard practices and UL procedures.
• Confirm UR components are correctly selected and within applicable UL files.
• Own major technical reviews that require deeper analysis, research, and justification to meet challenging design or specification requirements.
• Provide expert guidance on power system configuration, protection & controls, and communication architectures for complex projects.

1. Order Review

• Review order entry and acknowledgment forms against the approved quote, CDE, specifications, and single‑line diagrams; identify discrepancies early and work with Engineering to define technical solutions.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Sales to review “show‑stopper” items identified during Tier‑2 review that cannot be resolved without customer buy‑in.
• Define technically sound alternatives, articulate risks and constraints, and support customer discussions as needed.

1. Customer Support (Post‑Sales)

• Address advanced customer questions on submittals, dimensional changes, and specification clarifications that are not yet formal service issues.
• Provide troubleshooting guidance on equipment based on drawings, settings, and documentation prior to Service engagement.
• Lead complex customer escalations involving design interpretation, protection & controls performance, or systemic issues.
• Participate in technical meetings and root‑cause discussions with key customers and internal stakeholders, ensuring a strong technical basis for decisions.

1. Field Services Support

• Provide diagnostic support for high‑profile site events (e.g., mis‑operations, major outages, arc‑flash incidents, or site stoppages).
• Analyze relay/event logs, test reports, and site conditions to identify root causes and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Assist in preparing in‑depth corrective action reports, including independent research and coordination with Engineering, Quality, and Product teams.

1. Quality Support

• Support QC teams on testing requirements, guidelines, and interpretation of standards and UL procedures.
• Complete assigned nonconformance investigations, including analysis of cause, risk, and preventive actions.
• Provide technical research and feedback on major quality events, including arc‑flash or site stoppage incidents, and translate findings into updates to standards, templates, or training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (BSEE) or equivalent technical experience.
• 5+ years of experience in application engineering, design engineering, or field service for low- and/or medium-voltage switchgear, switchboards, or related power distribution equipment.
• Strong knowledge of three‑phase power systems, protection and control schemes, and communication protocols commonly used in power systems.
• Solid understanding of applicable codes and standards (e.g., NEC, UL 891/1558/508A, IEEE/ANSI) and how they apply to IEM products and UL procedures.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting single‑line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical assembly drawings; AutoCAD experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to perform structured root‑cause analysis and to lead cross‑functional investigations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Proven track record of managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment.

Preferred

• Experience with power system analysis and protection coordination tools.
• Prior experience in a deep technical support, field service, or product engineering role for LV/MV equipment.
• Familiarity with data center, industrial, or utility applications where high reliability and availability are critical.

Workplace Conditions

• Onsite or remote role with primary collaboration with the Application Engineering team, Sales, Engineering, Production, Field Services, and Product Management.
• Occasional meetings with colleagues across time zones may require flexibility in working hours.
• Travel expectations: Minimal; may include periodic visits to manufacturing facilities, project sites, or customer locations for investigations or technical meetings.