Cornerstone Controls

Solutions Architect / Inside Sales Engineer

About the Role
Are you looking to grow within an established company? Cornerstone Controls is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Solutions Architect / Inside Sales Engineer to join our hybrid team in Indianapolis, IN.
The solutions architect group produces proposals for automation controls equipment, automation engineering services, lifecycle (field) services, and system reliability solutions. If you want to know you’re making an impact that touches many people’s lives, our customer base includes many client industries, including pharmaceutical, chemical, pulp and paper, food and beverage, natural gas, boilers and incinerators, and plastics just to name a few. You will work closely with sales, engineering, and project teams to ensure proposals meet technical requirements, customer expectations, and delivery timelines. This team operates within the Engineering Department and reports to the PSS Inside Sales Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Solution Architecture & Proposal Development
  Design optimized technical solutions and generate accurate estimates and proposals for automation equipment, engineering services, and system reliability solutions.
• Proposal & Workload Management
  Manage multiple active proposals simultaneously, balancing technical inputs, stakeholder coordination, and deadlines. Apply project-management principles to ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality deliverables.
• Customer & Stakeholder Communication
  Maintain clear communication with internal teams and external customers to clarify requirements, gather information, and support proposal development.
• Information Gathering & Requirements Clarification
  Obtain and verify technical and commercial information to ensure proposals align with customer needs.
• Customer Representation & Relationship Building
  Serve as a professional representative of Cornerstone, building trust and long-term relationships while advocating for customer needs.
• Proposal Process Compliance & Best Practices
  Follow established proposal and estimate methodologies and incorporate best practices into daily activities.
• Documentation & Organization
  Maintain records, archive project records, and participate in project kickoff meetings to transfer information to execution teams.
• Operational Support & Process Improvement
  Assist with procurement activities, pre-quote meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance workflow and productivity.
• Team Development & Mentorship
  Provide guidance and mentorship to new Solutions Architects, Technical Sales Engineers, and Outside Sales staff. Support recruiting efforts as needed.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent.
• Strong technical writing and proposal development skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent proposals with attention to detail
• Ability to actively participate in self-guided learning
• Experience interpreting technical specifications, bills of materials, and customer requirements
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to collaborate cross-functionally
• High emotional intelligence and professionalism, including empathy, and conflict resolution
• Self-motivated, accountable, and committed to continuous improvement

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM/Technical field
• Experience in industrial automation, controls systems, or technical sales engineering
• Experience with the project execution lifecycle and technical field services
• Experience in estimating, proposal generation, and procurement support
• Experience with IFS enterprise software or similar ERP systems
• Knowledge of electrical components, automation hardware, and industrial software
• Familiarity with Emerson PSS automation equipment and software

Why Join Us
At Cornerstone, you’ll join a supportive, growth-oriented team that values technical expertise, collaboration, and professional development. We offer opportunities to work on challenging, high-impact projects, build strong client relationships, and advance your career in a fast-paced, innovative environment. You’ll have the option to work from home two days a week in a hybrid role. This is your opportunity to start a rewarding career with long term stability and growth potential.