Zaid Hernandez, 26
Sales Engineer
Siemens
Zaid’s interest in sales engineering began with a brief but engaging introduction at a previous job. “A short overview of the day-to-day responsibilities left a lasting impression on me—I was immediately drawn to the multifaceted nature of the role,” he recalled. With that in mind, Zaid joined Siemens in 2022 as an inside sales engineer supporting the Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma markets. “In this role, I gained a strong foundation in project management, quoting, and client engagement, which helped me quickly develop both technical expertise and market understanding,” he said. “After a year I was promoted to construction sales engineer, a role that expanded my responsibilities and gave me the opportunity to manage customer relationships and drive project development across the south Texas region, including McAllen, Brownsville, Laredo, and Corpus Christi. At the start of 2025, I transitioned into the Austin territory, where I currently lead construction sales initiatives. Each step in my career has allowed me to broaden my impact, take on new challenges, and contribute to complex, fast-paced construction projects across diverse markets.”
Asked what appeals to him about the industry, Zaid explained that “the blend of project management, estimating, and client engagement, along with the constant opportunity to learn and grow, resonated with both my technical background and my drive for continuous improvement.” He added that what initially sparked his interest continues to fuel his passion today: “No two projects are the same, and every day presents new challenges and opportunities to add value, build relationships, and expand my skill set.”
Zaid believes that one of the most pressing challenges in the electrical industry today is market uncertainty. “With ongoing economic fluctuations and tariffs impacting material costs and availability, many end-users are hesitant to move forward with new projects. This hesitation creates a ripple effect throughout the construction pipeline,” he said. “In my role, I focus on building trust and reducing uncertainty through transparency and honest communication. By collaborating closely within our Siemens team and aligning with our contractors, we’re able to present comprehensive solutions that address concerns—whether it’s lead-time delays, design complexities, or cost pressures. Siemens offers a wide range of capabilities, and through proactive communication and cross-functional teamwork, we’re able to deliver the clarity and confidence our partners need to move projects forward.”
Looking ahead, Zaid’s goal is to continue growing within the organization and ultimately take on a leadership role. “I’m driven by a desire to not only expand my own capabilities, but also support the development of others and contribute to the broader success of the team,” he said. “To prepare for this next step, I’m focused on deepening my technical knowledge, strengthening cross-functional relationships, and taking initiative on more complex projects that require strategic thinking and coordination. I actively seek feedback and mentorship, and I’m committed to continuous learning—both in terms of market knowledge and leadership skills. I believe that strong leaders empower others, and that’s the kind of impact I want to make as my career progresses.”
What would Zaid tell someone just entering the industry? “Being open and willing to take on a variety of tasks—whether they’re in your comfort zone or not—exposes you to a wide range of scenarios and accelerates your learning curve. Early in your career, those experiences are invaluable,” he said. “They help you build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and understand the different moving parts of the industry. Embracing challenges with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn sets a strong foundation for long-term growth.”
Outside of work, Zaid enjoys staying active and making the most of his downtime. “I’m an avid gym-goer and I enjoy clay shooting—although I wish I did it more often,” he said. “Riding my motorcycle after a long day helps me clear out my mind, and I love exploring new restaurants and discovering different cuisines, whether locally or while traveling.”
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Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tEDmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2026 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2025 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, people, Siemens