Sales Application Engineer

TR Fastenings (TR) is part of Trifast plc and is a leading international specialist in the design, engineering, manufacture, and distribution of high-quality industrial fastenings and Category ‘C’ components principally to major global assembly industries. Every colleague around the world is a valued member of the TR family who on a daily basis work together to deliver a high- quality service for all our customers.

The Sales Application Engineer plays a pivotal role in providing technical expertise and engineering support to customers and sales teams, ensuring the effective application of products and solutions. Acting as a bridge between engineering and sales, this role focuses on delivering technical presentations, conducting product demonstrations, and offering project support to enhance customer satisfaction. This position requires a strong technical background, commercial awareness, and the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with both customers and internal stakeholders. This position offers flexibility and can be performed remotely from anywhere within the U.S. However, proximity to our offices located in Texas or North Carolina is preferred for occasional in-person meetings or collaborative projects. Travel to prospective customers, business clientele, and industry events may be required as needed to drive business growth and build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and design support to customers and internal commercial teams, ensuring the correct and optimal application of products.
• Collaborate with Strategic Business Directors, Account Managers, and Engineering teams to support business growth through technical expertise and innovative solutions.
• Conduct workshops, VA/VE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) activities, line walks, and application reviews to optimise customer solutions and improve efficiency.
• Engage with customers’ engineering, production, and quality teams to develop new applications and increase conversion success rates.
• Review and interpret technical drawings and specifications, anticipating functional, manufacturing and assembly requirements to ensure feasibility and efficiency.
• Work closely with Supply Chain, Marketing, Commercial, and Quality teams to align technical support with business objective and project goals.
• Assist in troubleshooting product issues, collaborating with Quality and Operational teams to deliver effective customer resolutions.
• Develop expertise in company products and manufacturing capabilities to provide valuable insights to the design community and enhance technical communication.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and sales documentation for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage project timelines effectively, ensuring key milestones and timely responses are provided to customer requirements.
• Continuously enhance technical knowledge through training programs, industry research, and technical skill development initiatives to say ahead of industry advancements.

Skill and Experience

• Technical expertise in mechanical or industrial engineering, with experience in fasteners, automotive components, or industrial solutions preferred.
• Proven history of selling into the manufacturing/engineering sectors. Experience in selling fastenings or Cat C components would be an advantage.
• At least 4 years of sales experience preferably within an engineering-related industry.
• Excellent communication, organisational and customer service skills with the ability to build strong relationships.
• Strong negotiation skills and proven history of achieving objectives, sales targets and KPIs, and business objectives.
• Ability to cross-sell a diverse range of products to maximize customer value.
• Proficiency in CAD software (2D & 3D) such as SolidWorks or similar for technical design support.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and the ability to anticipate technical challenges.
• Excellent customer-facing and presentation skills, able to explain complex concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to both work autonomously and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, ensuring timely completions of tasks and milestones.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality control standards.
• Experience with VA/VE initiatives and cost reduction programs is a plus.
• Full clean driving licence with flexibility to travel as required.
• Six Sigma certification or expertise in similar problem-solving methodologies (preferred).
• Fluency in English, with additional language skills (ex: Italian, German) being an advantage.