Project Application Engineer (PAE) – DrivesThe Project Application Engineer (PAE) – Drives serves as the technical owner for motor control and variable frequency drive (VFD) solutions, supporting opportunities from pre-sales through early project execution. This role ensures Drive system architectures are safe, compliant, properly sized, and executable, acting as the technical bridge between Sales, Project Management, and Engineering. The PAE protects the customer, project execution, and Drives portfolio by ensuring only buildable, technically defensible solutions progress into execution.Key Accountabilities:Drives Technical OwnershipOwn end-to-end Drives system architecture, including: LV and MV VFDsTransformers, line reactors, and filtersBypass schemes and control architecturesValidate application suitability based on process conditions, environment, and duty cycleOwn technical assumptions, risks, exclusions, and deviations related to Drives scopeEnsure compliance with: Customer specifications IEC / IEEE standards (harmonics, EMC, insulation, etc.) Schneider Electric Drives application and portfolio rulesPrimary Responsibilities:Pre-Sales Technical SupportReview customer technical specifications and process requirementsValidate: Drive and motor compatibility Constant/variable torque duty cycles Environmental conditions (ambient temperature, altitude, enclosure type)Assess application-specific risks, including: Harmonics Motor compatibility Bypass, redundancy, and cooling requirementsSupport Sales during technical discussions with customers Outcome: Only technically sound and executable Drives solutions are offered.Solution Design & Architecture OwnershipDefine overall Drives solution architecture, including: Drive topology Input/output filtering Control philosophy and communication approachEnsure alignment with standard and approved Schneider Electric Drives offeringsReview and approve concept-level documentation: Functional descriptions Single-line and concept diagrams Control and interlock philosophiesOutcome: Engineering receives clear technical intent with minimal ambiguity.Handover to Project Execution Lead or support the technical handover for Drives scopeDocument and communicate: Application constraints Technical assumptions and exclusions Known risks (harmonics, motor stress, cooling, bypass design)Support early execution phases to prevent rework and late-stage changes Outcome: Project Managers and Engineering teams begin execution with clarity and confidence.Cross-Functional Collaboration & GovernanceCollaborate closely with: Sales: Enable feasible, win-ready technical solutions Project Managers: Provide clear scope definition and risk visibility Engineering & Factories: Promote standard, repeatable DesignsChallenge non-standard or high-risk Drive applications Capture and share lessons learned within the Drives communityOut of Scope / Not Accountable ForDetailed electrical schematics or CAD draftingDay-to-day project managementCommercial negotiations, pricing, or margin ownershipFactory expediting or order management (The PAE provides guidance and technical ownership; execution is performed by delivery teams.)Success MetricsReduction in Drives-related execution changesFewer technical escalations during commissioningPositive feedback from Project Management and EngineeringAdherence to Drives standards and best practicesFirst 90 Days Expectations0–30 Days: Learn product ranges, standards, and common Drive applications31–60 Days: Support opportunities with increasing technical ownership61–90 Days: Independently own Drives solutions end-to-end for assigned scopeRequired Knowledge & SkillsLV and/or MV VFD systems and motor control applicationsIndustrial applications and process understandingIEC / IEEE standards related to drives and power qualityStrong technical communication and stakeholder management skillsProfessional Mindset"If the motor, drive, and process don't work together, the solution isn't finished."