Sales Engineer

Technical Sales Engineer – Automotive OEM & Supplier Programs Connect Engineering Expertise with New Product Opportunities Location: Plano TX Work Arrangement: Hybrid; minimum 3 days per week in the office, subject to business needs Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Compensation: Competitive base salary + bonus + comprehensive benefits About the Opportunity An established manufacturer’s representative organization with nearly 35 years of experience in the automotive OEM market is seeking a Technical Sales Engineer to support major global automakers and supplier partners. This is a B2B technical sales and product development role supporting automotive manufacturers and suppliers. The position focuses on OEM accessory programs, engineering coordination, RFQs, PPAP documentation, and product validation. You will partner with Account Managers, customer engineering teams, and suppliers to evaluate opportunities, communicate technical requirements, and help bring new automotive accessories from concept through validation and launch. This opportunity is ideal for an automotive industry professional who enjoys combining technical problem-solving, customer interaction, and program coordination . Key Responsibilities Technical Sales & Account Support Partner with Account Managers to support strategic sales activities and achieve account objectives. Present supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, product features, and competitive advantages to OEM customers. Build relationships with customer engineering, purchasing, and other key decision makers. Review RFQs and quotations, assess historical costs, and help ensure quotation accuracy. Maintain knowledge of customer vehicle programs, accessory offerings, product positioning, and competitor activities. Product Development & Program Coordination Serve as a liaison between OEM customers and suppliers throughout the product development process. Develop program timelines, track milestones, and communicate progress and potential risks. Review and submit Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation and engineering drawings . Translate customer requirements into clear guidance for supplier technical teams. Support product concept reviews, new product introductions, validation activities, and vehicle fit checks. Lead project meetings and coordinate actions to keep programs moving forward. Anticipate technical and timing issues and work with suppliers to develop practical solutions. Train new suppliers on customer requirements, development processes, and documentation. Supplier & Business Coordination Build strong working relationships with supplier engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams. Participate in supplier audits, customer visits, and new supplier onboarding. Share product knowledge and account insights with internal colleagues. Prepare weekly and monthly reports on program and account activities. Visit local customers regularly and travel to suppliers, events, and other business locations as needed. Qualifications 3–5 years of relevant experience with an automotive OEM, Tier 1/Tier 2 supplier, automotive accessory manufacturer, or manufacturer’s representative , in technical sales, application engineering, product development, or program management. Experience supporting automotive OEM development programs, including activities such as RFQs, engineering drawing reviews, PPAP submissions, or product validation . A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline is preferred; extensive automotive industry experience may substitute. Ability to understand manufacturing processes, product capabilities, and customer technical requirements. Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineering, purchasing, sales, and management audiences. Strong organization, project coordination, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work within time and budget constraints. Proficiency with Microsoft Office; Microsoft Project and CAD software experience preferred. Fluency in written and spoken English. A valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle. Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings or extended hours as business needs require. Dealership or retail vehicle sales experience alone does not meet the requirements for this position. Why Join? Work directly with major global automakers and automotive suppliers. Help bring new products to market , from early concepts through validation and launch. Combine engineering knowledge with customer-facing business experience. Build relationships across engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, and sales. Receive a competitive base salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits , along with a company-provided laptop, printer, and cell phone. Physical Requirements: Responsibilities include handling product samples and small boxes and lifting, moving, or sliding items weighing up to 50 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr