Full-Time
Automation Engineer
Posted on 1/13/2026
Powell
1,001-5,000 employees
Custom-engineered electrical power distribution systems
No salary listed
Houston, TX, USA
In Person
Local travel required; at least 25% of time.
 Electrical Engineering (1) |
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- BS in a technical discipline, preferably an Electrical Engineer, from an accredited institution with a minimum of four (4) years of relevant work experience
- Expertise and experience in Automation and Control systems
- Expertise and experience in Protective Relay programming and commissioning
- Expertise and experience in PLC applications for Switchgear
- Experience developing, integrating, installing, and commissioning industrial control systems using PLC and HMI solutions.
- Experience with PLC logic programming and HMI programming. Experience with Rockwell, Schneider, Siemens, and ABB software a plus
- Experience with common industrial protocols such as Modbus (RTU and TCP/IP), IEC61850, DNP3, Profibus, etc.
- Knowledge of 3 phase power is required
- Experience configuring, testing, and commissioning relays. Experience with SEL, GE, and Siemens microprocessor relays is plus.
- Become proficient in PAD solutions and offerings
- Review and interpret client specifications to produce project Functional Design, drawings and test documentation in accordance with the project requirements and Powell standard procedures.
- Develop relay configuration files using various manufactures such as SEL, GE, Siemens and Beckwith.
- Design and configure SCADA systems using WonderWare InTouch, Allen Bradley Factory Talk, Copa-Data Zenon, Siemens WinCC, and/or SEL RTAC AcSELerator Diagram Builder
- Use common industrial communication protocols such as Modbus (RTU and TCP/IP), IEC61850, DNP 3.0, etc.
- Develop PLC based electrical system monitoring and controls solutions.
- Participate in and develop documentation for factory and on-site acceptance testing (FAT and SAT respectively), as well as perform start-up and commissioning activities as required
- Ensure that the company’s Health, Safety & Environmental policies and procedures are constantly adhered to all aspects of Site Services.
- Provide technical guidance to internal and external stakeholders, including after sales support.
Powell Industries designs and builds custom electrical equipment and systems for distributing, controlling, and monitoring power in commercial and industrial settings. Its offerings include integrated solutions and packaged power distribution, power control, and power monitoring, delivered through global manufacturing facilities and service centers. Powell acts as a one-source provider from design and manufacturing to installation, commissioning, and ongoing service for critical power needs across renewables, industrial, and commercial sectors. The goal is to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective power delivery through tailored infrastructure and comprehensive support.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Houston, Texas
Founded
1947
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- $1.8 billion backlog surges 38.5% from $490 million Q2 orders.
- Secures largest-ever $400 million data center order post-Q2 2026.
- Holds $545 million cash with no debt amid AI infrastructure demand.
What critics are saying
- Eaton erodes data center share with modular skids cutting deployment 50%.
- Nvidia GB200 cooling slashes medium-voltage needs 40% in 18-24 months.
- USITC tariffs raise COGS 12-15% on Chinese bus duct imports.
What makes Powell unique
- Powell Industries engineers custom switchgear and motor control centers in-house.
- Company provides end-to-end installation for heavy industrial clients since 1947.
- Offers packaged electrical equipment rooms for complex power monitoring systems.
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Benefits
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Company News
Powell Industries has raised its authorized common shares to 90 million through a three-for-one stock split, effective 1 April 2026. The restructuring follows a record US$1.60 billion backlog and growing data centre contract momentum. The company disclosed that data centre orders exceeded US$100 million in Q1 FY2026, including its first megaproject above US$75 million. Management attributes the backlog growth to demand from electric utilities, liquefied natural gas exports and AI-driven power infrastructure. Powell's narrative projects US$1.3 billion revenue and US$169.4 million earnings by 2028, requiring 5.7 per cent annual revenue growth. Analysts estimate a fair value of US$269.26 per share, representing a 17 per cent upside. However, execution quality and potential slowdowns in data centre or grid investment remain key risks to the company's margin profile and backlog conversion.
Powell Industries has delivered a 265% return since June 2024, rising from $55.17 to $201.70 per share. The electrical switchgear manufacturer has consistently expanded gross margins, reaching 31.4% in Q4 FY2025, and beaten earnings consensus every quarter by 5% to 17%. The company booked its first data centre megaproject exceeding $75 million in Q1 FY2026, with total data centre orders surpassing $100 million in the quarter. Powell now holds a record $1.60 billion backlog with a 1.7x book-to-bill ratio. Powell manufactures custom-engineered electrical equipment for utilities, LNG terminals and industrial facilities. Chief executive Brett Cope noted that rapid data centre development and AI investment are driving demand for the company's medium-voltage switchgear products to handle increased power requirements.
Powell Industries has completed a three-for-one forward stock split approved by its board, following strong operational performance. Management believes the lower per-share price and higher share count could broaden the investor base and enhance liquidity. The split coincides with a quarterly dividend increase to $0.27 per share, reflecting solid near-term cash generation. The company's narrative projects $1.3 billion revenue and $169.4 million earnings by 2028, requiring 5.7% yearly revenue growth. However, analysts remain divided on outlook. Bearish projections estimate 5.9% annual revenue growth with earnings falling to around $149 million. The company's success depends on maintaining relevance as utilities, data centres and industrial customers invest in power infrastructure, with large project spending presenting a key risk.
Powell Industries has experienced recent share price declines over one day, one week and one month, following a strong run that delivered a 198.12% one-year total shareholder return and 41.06% return over 90 days. The company reported annual revenue growth of 10.87% and net income growth of 12.32%. According to a widely followed valuation narrative, Powell Industries' fair value stands at $444.34, below its last closing price of $483.65, suggesting the stock is 8.8% overvalued. The valuation applies a 26x forward price-to-earnings multiple to 2027 consensus earnings estimates of $17.09 per share. The premium multiple reflects Powell Industries' position in AI data centre infrastructure and its debt-free, cash-rich balance sheet. However, risks include potential timing issues with backlog conversion and cooling demand from AI data centres.
Ophir Asset Management sold its entire stake in Powell Industries during the fourth quarter of 2025, liquidating 121,240 shares worth approximately $37 million, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing dated 17 February 2026. The sale reduced Ophir's Powell exposure from 4.6% to zero of its reportable assets. Powell Industries shares have surged 213% over the past year to $503.01, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's roughly 16% gain. The company, which designs custom electrical distribution and control equipment, reported strong recent results with revenue climbing 4% year-over-year to $251 million and net income jumping 19% to $41 million. New orders surged 63% to $439 million, pushing backlog to approximately $1.6 billion, driven by demand from data centres, LNG projects and power grid upgrades.