Technical Sales Engineer- PLC Automation

Job Summary:

The Automation Field Sales Engineer is responsible for growing and managing business in a defined marketplace. The role involves developing and training distribution partners, generating new opportunities for control and automation products, influencing design at end customers, and educating customers and partners on products. A solid technical background and strong sales acumen are essential to promote the company's products over competitors.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain customer contacts through planned sales calls to existing and prospective customers.
• Increase the level of OEM business based on company strategy and business plan.
• Participate in the customer design cycle to increase the probability of being involved in the final customer outcome.
• Maintain a proven track record of closing sales.
• Log all activity in a CRM, currently using Salesforce.
• Work with customers and product marketing to help define and develop custom products, and document and communicate requirements.
• Occasionally assist in troubleshooting bugs and problems at customer sites.
• Solve application problems or issues with standards that customers may encounter and communicate these as required.
• Possess good knowledge of PLC programming conventions and automation design applications.
• Have basic knowledge of safety strategies and standards for the industrial market.
• Work with distributors and customers' engineering staff to have products specified.
• Communicate with internal and external customers regarding new or improved products and other opportunities in the channel.
• Conduct product training sessions and new product updates for distributors and end-user OEMs. Handle sales promotions.
• Prepare quotes for special price competition.
• Make recommendations for adding or reducing local distributions.
• Assist OEMs in the technical design and implementation of their products through the production stage, while promoting the company's products.
• Motivate the distributor channel to improve performance.
• Submit all reports in a timely manner as required.
• Assist other territories not covered under the current position as requested and required.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications are advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in technical sales, field engineering, or related roles.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets and driving revenue growth.
• Experience in B2B sales, preferably in technical or engineering-focused industries.
• Familiarity with sales methodologies and CRM systems.

Technical Skills:

• Strong technical aptitude with a solid understanding of engineering principles and technologies.
• Proficiency in presenting technical concepts and solutions to diverse audiences.
• Ability to understand customer requirements and translate them into actionable technical proposals.
• Familiarity with relevant software applications and tools, such as CAD software and technical documentation.

Sales Skills:

• Excellent negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with customers, partners, and internal teams.
• Proactive approach to identifying and pursuing sales opportunities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Industry Knowledge:

• Understanding of market trends, industry standards, and competitive landscape.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and compliance requirements.
• Ability to stay updated on emerging technologies and industry developments.

Travel:

• Willingness to travel frequently to meet with clients, attend trade shows, and visit project sites as required (50%).