Graduate Mechanical Sales Engineer – Medical & Industrial Markets

Graduate Mechanical Sales Engineer – Medical & Industrial Markets Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Employment Type: Permanent
About the Role Our client is a global leader in the design and manufacture of vacuum pumps, vacuum systems, blowers, compressors, and integrated vacuum solutions. They provide innovative engineering technologies to industries including medical, pharmaceutical, food processing, packaging, chemical, plastics, manufacturing, mining, and general industry.
Job Purpose Our client is seeking a motivated and ambitious Graduate Mechanical Engineer to join its growing Sales Team as a Graduate Mechanical Sales Engineer.
This position is ideal for a graduate who is passionate about engineering, enjoys engaging with customers, and wants to build a long-term career in technical sales.
The successful candidate will focus primarily on the medical market (approximately 60%), supporting hospitals, healthcare facilities, consulting engineers, contractors, and medical equipment projects involving central medical vacuum systems. The remaining 40% of the role will involve developing business within general industrial markets, supplying a comprehensive range of vacuum technologies and engineered solutions.
This position combines engineering knowledge with business development and customer relationship management, allowing the successful candidate to become a trusted technical advisor to clients.

Key Responsibilities Technical Sales

• Develop new business opportunities within the medical and industrial sectors.
• Promote a range of vacuum pumps, vacuum systems, blowers, and engineered solutions.
• Conduct regular customer visits throughout assigned territories.
• Prepare technical quotations and proposals.
• Follow up on quotations and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Maintain an active sales pipeline and achieve agreed sales targets.

Medical Market Development (60%)

• Promote central medical vacuum systems and related vacuum technologies.
• Build relationships with:
  • Consulting Mechanical Engineers
  • Healthcare Consultants
  • Hospital Groups
  • Medical Contractors
  • Healthcare Facility Managers
  • Medical End Users
• Support new hospital developments and refurbishment projects.
• Identify opportunities within healthcare infrastructure projects.

Industrial Market Development (40%) Develop business opportunities across industries including:

• Food Processing
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Packaging
• Chemical Processing
• Plastics
• Manufacturing
• Automotive
• General Industrial Applications
• Identify vacuum applications and recommend appropriate engineering solutions.

Technical Consulting

• Understand customer processes and applications.
• Recommend technically suitable vacuum solutions.
• Provide product demonstrations and technical presentations.
• Interpret engineering specifications and tender documents.
• Assist with equipment selection and system sizing.
• Liaise with internal engineering and service departments.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build long-term relationships with key accounts.
• Provide outstanding technical support before and after sales.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Maintain CRM records and activity reports.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends.

Minimum Requirements Qualifications

• BEng or BSc in Mechanical Engineering (Essential)

Experience

• Graduate or up to 2 years' relevant engineering experience.
• Exposure to technical sales, customer-facing engineering, or internships will be advantageous.

Technical Knowledge Knowledge of any of the following would be beneficial:

• Vacuum technology
• Mechanical systems
• Pumps
• Compressors
• Rotating equipment
• Process engineering
• Medical gas or vacuum systems
• Industrial equipment

Essential Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Customer-focused approach.
• Commercial awareness.
• Technical problem-solving ability.
• Relationship-building skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Self-motivated and results-driven.
• Professional attitude.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently.

Additional Requirements

• Valid South African driver's licence.
• Willingness to travel extensively to customer sites.
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Office).
• Ability to prepare professional technical reports and quotations.

What Our Client Offers

• Comprehensive product and technical training.
• Exposure to world-leading engineering technology.
• Mentorship from experienced technical sales professionals.
• Career development opportunities within an international engineering environment.
• Opportunity to work on technically challenging projects across the healthcare and industrial sectors.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance (where applicable).
• Performance-based incentives.

Ideal Candidate We are looking for a Mechanical Engineering graduate who enjoys combining technical expertise with customer interaction. The successful candidate will be confident engaging with consulting engineers, contractors, project managers, and end users while developing long-term relationships and delivering innovative engineering solutions.

This role…