Sales and Applications Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a Sales and Applications Engineer to join a successful water manufacturing company in Racine for a direct hire.

Pay: open but targeting 85,000-130,000

What are you looking for?

Technical sales background, it does not have to be what we do, someone who has experience with a technical product and willing to price it from there.

Tried people who were sales people but didn’t have a technical background. They can come from another industry, engineered product.

• Would prefer someone who can sit in racine at some point.

• Literally open to any option, onsite, hybrid, onsite once a month or every other week, or remote.

• Remote ONLY out of industry.

• The more work from home you are the more you’ll need to know the industry, or be willing to work onsite until you have the job down.

• Stay away from business development management person. Wants someone technical.

Salary: Open, plus normal bonus, NO commission. This is a salary job.

What does the team look like? 5 people on the sales team, backfilling his role so he can handle more management.

What % of time is quoting, developing business, designing systems?

• Customer gives what they need, sales person takes the info and develops a quote/design on it to make it.

• 40% customer interaction and 60% design/pricing/proposals

• They will be given existing customers, not doing cold calling

Description:

Summary The Inside Sales / Applications Engineer is responsible for evaluating customer inquiries, developing technically sound and commercially competitive solutions, and preparing proposals for engineered-to-order commercial and industrial water treatment systems. This role serves as a key technical resource throughout the sales process, translating customer requirements and project specifications into practical system solutions while coordinating with Engineering, Procurement, Operations, and external partners to ensure proposal accuracy, manufacturability, and alignment with customer expectations.

The ideal candidate combines technical knowledge of water treatment technologies with strong commercial judgment, customer relationship skills, and the ability to manage multiple opportunities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position also supports dealer and distributor development, market growth, and continuous product and process improvement. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Evaluate customer inquiries, specifications, and project requirements to develop technically sound and commercially competitive water treatment solutions

Prepare proposals, including equipment selections, preliminary sizing, cost estimates, pricing, delivery schedules, scope of supply, and commercial terms

Identify technical risks, scope gaps, and specification deviations, collaborating with Engineering, Procurement, and Operations to validate costs, lead times, and manufacturability

Support technical presentations, customer questions, proposal revisions, and commercial negotiations throughout the sales cycle

Develop new business and strengthen relationships with customers, consulting engineers, contractors, dealers, distributors, and suppliers

Recruit, onboard, and support dealer and distributor partners through technical training, product education, and application assistance

Follow up on proposals, maintain accurate sales pipeline forecasts, and support sales growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction objectives

Conduct customer visits, site assessments, and technical meetings to identify opportunities and understand application needs

Coordinate project handoffs from proposal to order execution, ensuring alignment between quoted scope, customer expectations, and internal documentation

Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer feedback to identify business opportunities and support product development and continuous improvement

Contribute to marketing initiatives, including technical literature, product presentations, website content, and trade shows

Maintain accurate records and reporting using NetSuite and other sales tools while adhering to company procedures, quality standards, and applicable regulatory requirements

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline required

Minimum of 5 years of technical sales experience in water treatment or related technical industry

Working knowledge of water treatment technologies (ion exchange, RO membranes, filtration media)

Familiarity with water treatment equipment a plus

Experience reviewing technical specifications, developing equipment configurations, estimating project costs, and preparing technical and commercial proposals.

Experience in an engineered-to-order manufacturing environment working with dealers, distributors, OEMs, consulting engineers, contractors, or industrial end users preferred

Experience with NetSuite or other ERP/CRM systems preferred

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills including negotiation and conflict resolution

Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, process flow diagrams, P&IDs, and technical specifications

Strong estimating, pricing, and commercial analysis skills, with an understanding of cost, gross margin, and competitive positioning

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple proposals, deadlines, and customer priorities simultaneously

Team-oriented collaborative mindset

Customer-focused, consultative / solutions selling approach with the ability to build credibility with both technical and nontechnical stakeholders

Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and accountable for the accuracy and timely completion of assigned work

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook, and the ability to learn ERP, CRM, and other business systems.

Your local Southeastern Wisconsin Staffing company striving to become the most trusted company to help you find people in the state.

Company Description

Your local Southeastern Wisconsin Staffing company striving to become the most trusted company to help you find people in the state.