Sales Engineer/Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Sales Engineer / Estimator

Location: Lakeville, MN

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Sales

Reports To: Director – Strategic Business Development

Position Summary:

The Sales Engineer / Estimator is a hybrid role responsible for technical sales support, cost estimating, engineering coordination, and customer relationship management. This position serves as a critical position between sales, customers, engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing, to ensure accurate quotations, effective manufacturing coordination, and high customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate will possess strong industrial manufacturing knowledge, technical aptitude, estimating experience, and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales & Business Development

• Serve as the technical liaison between sales, customers and internal teams to develop and sell engine exhaust silencers, discharge plenums, exhaust systems, and custom metal fabrication solutions.

• Identify and develop new business opportunities by understanding customer applications, project requirements, and technical specifications.

• Support sales personnel with technical expertise, product recommendations, and proposal development.

• Prepare and deliver technical presentations, proposals, and customer-facing documentation.

• Participate in customer meetings, trade shows, and industry events to build market presence and customer relationships.

• Prepare RFQ (Request for Quotation) responses, including technical review, feasibility analysis, and pricing support.

Estimating & Quotation Management

• Review project specifications, engineering drawings, and customer requirements to prepare detailed and accurate proposals for the Sales department.

• Analyze materials, labor, manufacturing processes, production hours, purchased components, subcontracted services, and lead times to develop competitive pricing.

• Utilize estimating tools, pricing models, and ERP/CRM systems to maintain consistency and accuracy in quotations.

• Coordinate with Purchasing, vendors and suppliers to obtain material and subcontractor pricing.

• Ensure quotations and proposals are completed accurately and submitted to sales within required deadlines.

• Maintain accurate estimating records, pricing databases, and quotation history.

• Assist with post-project cost reviews and variance analysis to improve future estimating accuracy.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with engineering, production, purchasing, planning, and procurement teams to ensure alignment on quotations, technical requirements, manufacturing capabilities, and delivery expectations.

• Coordinate effective handoffs from quotation and sales into production.

• Collaborate with purchasing and supply chain personnel to maintain current pricing and supplier information.

Customer Relationship Management

• Serve as a key point of contact for salespeople regarding technical inquiries, and pricing questions.

• Build and maintain strong relationships through responsive communication and technical expertise.

• Assist customers with solution development and application-specific recommendations.

Market Research & Reporting

• Monitor industry trends, market conditions, competitor activities, and emerging technologies related to exhaust systems, acoustic products, and industrial fabrication.

• Conduct competitive analysis to support pricing strategies and product positioning.

• Work with marketing and sales teams to develop technical content, whitepapers, presentations, and sales tools.

• Generate reports related to estimating activity, quotation success rates, sales opportunities, margins, and product performance.

• Maintain and update CRM and ERP data related to quotations, customer opportunities, and project tracking.

Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in sales engineering, estimating, technical sales, or a related role within industrial manufacturing.

• Experience with fabricated metal products, exhaust systems, acoustic products, or power generation equipment preferred.

• Experience working in a manufacturing or engineered-to-order environment strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of cost estimating principles, manufacturing processes, and fabrication methods.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

• Proficiency with SolidWorks.

• Experience with ERP systems, CRM systems, estimating software, and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

• Knowledge of engine exhaust systems, acoustics, silencers, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and industrial manufacturing processes preferred.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to analyze project costs, assess risks, and identify opportunities for process improvement.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Data-driven approach to decision-making and continuous improvement.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Strong relationship-building, collaboration, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to work independently while effectively supporting cross-functional teams.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field), Business, Construction Management, or equivalent technical experience preferred.

Travel Requirements: 

• Occasional travel ( up to 25%) for customer visits, site assessments, trade shows, supplier meetings, and customer support.

Core Competencies:

• Technical Sales

• Cost Estimating & Pricing Strategy

• Product Management

• Customer Relationship Management

• Manufacturing & Fabrication Knowledge

• Communication & Presentation Skills

• Continuous Improvement Mindset

• Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking

• Organizational & Time Management Skills

Work Environment: 

This position primarily operates in an office environment with regular interaction with manufacturing and production operations. Occasional time may be spent in fabrication and production areas requiring the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).