Marine Sales Engineer

Marine Sales Engineer

Northern Indiana

Our Client:

Backed by a strong legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, this dedicated OEM supplier has quietly become a go-to name in marine soft goods, with pontoons being their primary target segment. They work directly with major manufacturers to design and deliver premium and innovative fit and finish solutions, that withstand the elements and reflect the brand identities of the boats they serve. Their team is growing, small enough to be agile, but also large enough to support top-tier OEM programs. With recent investments in both talent and infrastructure, it’s a great time to join a company that's growing with purpose and is on a great trajectory.

The Opportunity:

Our client is seeking a Sales Engineer who is a self-starter and has the ability to blend a deep understanding of product development, with a high level OEM relationship building skills. This is a uniquely hybrid role for someone who can speak fluently in engineering terms, contribute meaningfully to product innovation, and open doors with boat builders, specifically in the pontoon segment. The ideal candidate is already well connected in the OEM Marine space, resides or is willing to reside in Northern Indiana, and has a demonstrated ability to spearhead business development efforts, and work cross functionally with Engineering and Product Development teams. With a strong growth trajectory and a leadership team focused on smart investments, this company is building for the future. If you’re a Marine professional who values innovation, autonomy, a challenge, and meaningful collaboration, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Annual profit sharing
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401K
• Relocation assistance if needed for the right candidate
• PTO
• Direct access to the excellent leadership throughout the organization
• The Northern IN area reflects a cost of living advantage, 7-8% lower than the national average

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a bridge between Engineering, Product Development, and OEM customers, taking in feedback from the market, and translating technical concepts into solutions that meet market demands
• Spearhead new business development efforts by leveraging existing relationships and building new connections within the Marine OEM market, with a strong emphasis on pontoon boat manufacturers
• Identify opportunities for product innovation and bring concepts to life through CAD design, sewing patterns, prototyping, and field testing
• Work closely with OEM customers to understand their needs, the needs of the end user relative to the product or other solutions improve product performance, drive innovation, and enhance the user experience
• Represent the company at key industry events and trade shows to promote new product capabilities and strengthen strategic partnerships
• Collaborate across departments to align design, development, and production goals with customer expectations
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities for design efficiencies and process optimization in a lean manufacturing environment
• Act as the technical voice in customer-facing scenarios, supporting the sales process with engineering credibility and industry insight
• Manage early-stage customer onboarding before accounts transition to dedicated account managers

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in business development, sales engineering, or key OEM account management within the Marine industry, ideally with strong and well-established relationships in the pontoon segment
• 3 years of experience in product development, industrial/product design, or technical sales roles with a focus on Marine products, in the OEM sector
• Demonstrated ability to identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities while collaborating cross-functionally with engineering and product teams
• Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD tools and the ability to develop sewing patterns, tech packs, and prototyping plans
• Deep understanding of Marine-grade materials and design considerations (UV resistance, waterproofing, corrosion prevention, etc.)
• Strong visualization, communication, and customer-facing presentation skills, capable of translating complex technical concepts into clear value propositions
• Proven negotiator, with a strong ability to develop relationships and close on deals with favorable outcomes
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and a strong focus on innovation
• Willingness to travel as needed to meet with OEM partners, attend trade shows, and support product development activities
• Residence in or relocation to Northern Indiana is required, due to proximity to key OEM customers, and future infrastructure growth plans currently being developed
• A love for boating, sailing, or water sports is a major plus