Sales Engineer

Sales Engineer

The Sales Engineer will drive growth by identifying and developing new business opportunities in manufacturing, automation, and OEM markets while serving as a technical advisor to customers. This role combines consultative sales with engineering expertise to recommend custom machine and automation solutions that meet complex technical requirements. The Sales Engineer will manage the full sales cycle, collaborate closely with internal engineering and design teams, and build long-term relationships with key accounts.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities within manufacturing, automation, and OEM markets.
• Partner with customers to understand their technical requirements and recommend appropriate machine and automation solutions.
• Collaborate with engineering and design teams to develop quotes, proposals, and system concepts that meet customer specifications.
• Manage the full sales cycle from initial outreach and qualification through project award and handoff to execution teams.
• Provide consultative support to clients on machine capabilities, specifications, and system performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing customers and strategically grow key accounts.
• Track opportunities, account activity, and sales pipeline data within the CRM system.
• Communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure proposed solutions are feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with customer needs.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related field) or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience in technical sales, applications engineering, or automation/machinery solutions.
• Strong understanding of custom equipment, manufacturing processes, or automation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and documentation.
• Proven experience in sales engineering or engineering-focused customer-facing roles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building and account management skills.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and accessible way.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in sales engineering within custom automation environments.
• Experience in pharmaceutical automation or similar regulated automation fields.
• Familiarity with automation sales processes and solution-based selling.
• Exposure to engineering design concepts related to machinery and automation systems.
• Hands-on understanding of manufacturing operations and production workflows.
• Comfort using CRM tools to track opportunities and manage a sales pipeline.

Job Type & Location: This is a Permanent position based out of Northbrook, IL.

Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $110000.00/yr. Candidates with Receive commission on Machines sales and service if engineering is required. They will be taking over for a sales territory for someone who has been there at

Workplace Type: This is a fully onsite position in Northbrook, IL.

Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 2026.

About Actalent: Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.