Sales Development Engineer

Description

Are you a dynamic sales professional who is looking to lead the business development and sales efforts for a business unit of a leading industrial automation company? If so, we have the perfect job for you!

We are seeking a driven, relationship-focused Sales Engineer to expand our customer base and grow our custom automated machine design-build business. This is a high-impact role for someone who enjoys being in front of customers and thrives on technical discussions. This individual will be responsible for identifying new opportunities, building strong, long‑term relationships, and guiding customers through the concept‑to‑quote process for custom automation equipment for assembly, test, and material handling applications.

This is a Wisconsin‑based position (hybrid), with a national territory. It is base salary plus commissions‑based position with extensive travel.

Your day‑to‑day job duties will include:

• Develop and implement a sales and business development plan to identify, target, and engage new customers.
• Build and maintain strong, trust‑based relationships with engineering and operation leaders and executives.
• Reach out proactively via site visits, networking, industry events, referrals, and outbound prospecting.
• Understand customer processes, production challenges, and project drivers to uncover automation opportunities.
• Translate customer needs into actionable concepts in collaboration with our engineering team.
• Guide customers through sales process, from early concept and scoping through proposal delivery and negotiation.
• Lead complex negotiations.
• Collaborate with applications team to present automation concepts, machine layouts, technical solutions, and proposals in a clear and compelling manner.
• Prospect and develop relationships with new customers using a consultative sales approach.
• Define, initiate, and execute account strategies.
• Closely collaborate with engineering, estimators, and project management to create accurate and competitive proposals.
• Promote ongoing engagement/communication with customers to promote the company's capabilities.

Our ideal candidate will...

Be proactive and highly motivated.

Have previous sales development experience.

Have experience in working with multiple stakeholders in an organization, including engineers, estimators, project managers, and senior management.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering, industrial technology, business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial automation, custom machinery, systems integration, or robotics.
• Demonstrated success in new customer development and relationship building.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and listening skills.
• Strong technical aptitude—ability to discuss concepts related to motion control, robotics, pneumatics, vision systems, PLCs, machine design, or manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to meet and exceed sales quotas.
• Working knowledge of CRM systems.
• Proficiency in Outlook/Microsoft Office products.
• Hold valid driver’s license with ability to drive to client sites.