Technical Sales & Lab Technician

Location: Winter Haven, FL

Pay: $24-28/hr (depending on experience)

Schedule: M-F (40 hrs)

Travel: Occasional 10-20%

About us:

Brown International is a successful and global OEM of food processing equipment and a part of the Gulftech family of companies. Gultech's companies are the world's recognized leaders in the engineering, manufacture, lease, sale, and service of industrial equipment and components serving food production and processing companies. Gulftech's family of companies touch 90% of the world's fresh produce, nuts, and fish products across 85 countries worldwide.

What you'll do:

The Technical Sales & Laboratory Technician supports customers and internal teams through a hybrid role that blends sales/customer service with laboratory and pilot plant responsibilities. This position handles quotes, orders, customer inquiries, and technical sales support while also performing laboratory analyses, operating pilot plant equipment, maintaining a safe and clean workspace, and assisting with technical and R&D projects.

Lab & Pilot Plant Support (~30%)

• Perform routine laboratory analyses for internal projects and customer samples.
• Assist with the development or adaptation of analytical procedures as needed.
• Maintain lab equipment calibration, SDS/MSDS documentation, chemical hygiene, and waste management.
• Keep the lab clean, organized, and compliant with safety protocols.
• Operate the pilot plant facility for internal tests and customer trials.
• Maintain pilot plant cleanliness and assist with equipment cleanup after runs.
• Support execution and upkeep of the pilot plant preventive maintenance schedule.
• Assist with machine setups to ensure mechanical requirements for sample analysis.
• Collect and analyze process or product data to support troubleshooting and R&D activities.
• Support various phases of research and development projects.
• Perform sample collection at customer facilities when required.

Sales & Customer Support (~70%)

• Prepare accurate parts quotes and process customer orders using E1 (ERP software).
• Manage sales activities and follow-ups in Pipeliner (CRM software).
• Provide timely order acknowledgments, shipping notices, and order-status updates.
• Support customers with technical inquiries and basic troubleshooting.
• Update machinery requirements and maintain accurate customer records.
• Participate in weekly backorder meetings and communicate updates to customers.
• Review A/R aging reports and assist with follow-up on past-due accounts.
• Follow up on open parts quotes to drive closure and customer satisfaction.

What you'll bring:

• A.S. in Chemistry, Food/Process Science, Chemical/Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 3 years' experience working in a lab
• Proficient in Microsoft and ERP systems
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn processing equipment
• Meticulous with documentation; strong safety and quality mindset.

Nice to have:

• Background in citrus, juice, or food/beverage processing.
• Customer-facing experience (sales support, service, or applications)
• Experience in manufacturing or preventative maintenance environments

Why you'll love it here:

• Medical (PPO & HSA), dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• 401k
• Profit sharing
• Free Life Insurance
• Free AD&D
• Free Disability Insurance
• Tuition Assistance

* Salary information is a general guideline only. Actual compensation considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, location, work experience, education, and key skills. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

* Brown International is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, race, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation/gender identity), color, religion, national origin, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, family medical history or genetic information, military or veteran status, disability, medical condition, or any other non-merit based factor or status protected by federal, state or local law