Sales Development Associate

RBC Bearings Incorporated (NYSE: RBC) is a leading international manufacturer of highly engineered precision bearings and components for the industrial, defense and aerospace industries. Founded in 1919, the Company is primarily focused on producing highly technical and/or regulated bearing products and engineered components requiring sophisticated design, testing and manufacturing capabilities for the diversified industrial, aerospace and defense markets. We currently have 60 facilities, of which 43 are manufacturing facilities in ten countries and our market capitalization is approximately $14.5 billion.

Sales Development Associate – Santa Ana, CA

The Sales Development Associate role is designed for recent college graduates and early‑career professionals seeking a long‑term career in Aerospace sales. Through RBC’s comprehensive Rotational Development Program, associates build a strong foundation in technical and engineering, product, and operational knowledge by working directly within key functional areas. During these structured rotations, participants gain hands‑on experience with RBC’s products, manufacturing processes, and internal workflows while supporting real customer needs through technical problem solving and service coordination.

This immersive, cross‑functional exposure equips associates with a deep understanding of how products are engineered, produced, and applied in the field. By bridging technical teams and customer‑facing functions, the program develops the critical product expertise, commercial acumen, and practical experience needed to become a highly effective Outside Sales Engineer and contribute as part of RBC’s world‑class Aerospace sales team.

The rotational development program curriculum will integrate a balanced mix of internal and external learning opportunities, self‑directed training, collaborative coaching, and hands‑on project work to ensure comprehensive career development and equips associates with both practical skills and core competencies essential to success.

• Build a foundational understanding of RBC’s product management workflow and Product Lifecycle Management.
• Build comprehensive knowledge of RBC’s full product portfolio, specialty products, and each division’s major products and applications.
• Learn RBC’s market research, data analysis, and insight‑generation methodologies.
• Gain foundational knowledge of pricing strategies, negotiation techniques, and account management principles.
• Develop data‑driven proposals, research, and trend analysis to support product strategy, market positioning, audits, and customer inquiries.
• Gain cross‑functional exposure to supply chain, purchasing, quality, inventory control, planning, application engineering, machining, testing, automation, and tooling.
• Manage service‑related issues to reinforce customer trust and establish credibility as a trusted technical advisor.
• Apply operational and technical knowledge to support customer requirements and product strategies.
• Serve as a liaison between technical teams and customer‑facing functions, bridging engineering expertise with sales responsibilities.
• Develop a clear understanding of end‑to‑end manufacturing processes, next‑level assemblies, and internal operational capabilities.
• Develop technical and troubleshooting competency through direct customer interaction and application support.
• Provide actionable feedback to internal departments to improve products, processes, and overall customer experience.

• Associate’s degree or higher in Business, Communications, Marketing, Engineering, or related field.
• Coursework or exposure in communications, sales, or marketing preferred.
• Familiarity with technical sales or mechanical/engineering concepts is a plus.
• Prior experience in customer service, market research, sales, or other customer‑facing roles preferred.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee generally works indoors within the office and manufacturing areas. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne…