Sales Engineer - Photonics

Company Description

Chroma ATE, Inc., founded in 1984, is a global leader in precision test and measurement instrumentation, automated test systems, manufacturing execution systems, and turnkey test and automation solutions, marketed worldwide under the “Chroma” brand. The company serves advanced technology markets including LED, photovoltaic, Li-battery, electric vehicle (EV/EVSE), semiconductor/IC, and laser diode. Chroma also supports flat panel display, video and color, power electronics, passive components, electrical safety, and thermoelectric testing applications.

Its solutions are widely used in automated optical inspection and manufacturing execution systems, helping customers improve product quality, reliability, and efficiency. Applicants can expect to work with innovative technologies and customers across a variety of high-growth industries.

This is a full-time, on-site Sales Engineer – Photonics role based in Irvine, CA. The Sales Engineer will work closely with customers to understand their photonics test and measurement needs, propose appropriate Chroma solutions, and support the full sales cycle from initial inquiry to order closure. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting technical presentations and product demonstrations, preparing quotations and system configurations, and responding to technical questions about photonics instrumentation and automated test systems.

The role involves collaborating with engineering, product management, and customer service teams to address application requirements, resolve issues, and ensure smooth project handover. The Sales Engineer will also visit customer sites, attend industry events or trade shows, gather market feedback, and help identify new business opportunities in photonics and related markets.

• Responsible for managing and guiding development activities to gain program wins
• Successfully achieve account penetration into clients (all decision makers for) new programs
• Make regular outside sales calls building and nurturing long term relationships through problem solving, knowledge, customer service and solution selling
• Work with a multi-functional team to meet overall program objectives
• Facilitate engineering level discussions
• Create meetings and document action items, challenges and progress
• Identify and prioritize project tasks and risks
• Work closely with Product Specialists to provide unique solutions (requires some evening hour meetings)
• Review SOW (Statement of Work) with legal, engineering, and other teams to ensure reasonable compliance then negotiate terms with client’s procurement team.
• Align clients and internal support teams from initial order though Site Acceptance Testing
• Support trade shows and technical events

• 3+ years in strong outside sales and engineering skills, with experience translating technical requirements into tailored solutions and proposals.
• Technical Support and Customer Service abilities to assist with application questions, troubleshoot issues, and maintain long-term customer relationships.
• Effective Communication skills, including clear technical writing, presentations, and the ability to explain complex photonics concepts to diverse audiences.
• Background in photonics, optics, laser systems, or related test and measurement technologies; familiarity with automated test systems is a plus.
• Abililty to negotiate with client teams at all levels (Engineering, PM Group, Procurement, etc.)
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Comfort working on-site with customers and internal teams, including regular business travel for customer visits, training, or trade shows.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple opportunities and projects simultaneously.
• Prior experience in B2B technical sales within semiconductor, laser, or instrumentation markets is preferred but not required.

Chroma ATE, Inc. (USA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Employer:

Minority/Female/Disability/Veterans/Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.