Sales Engineer - Inside/Outside Sales

Job Description

Job Description

At Rodney Hunt, we are problem-solvers, focused on a common purpose: solving flow control challenges of the water & wastewater industry. As a global technology and engineering leader, we provide solutions for customers in industrial and municipal markets.Job Overview

Rodney Hunt is seeking a Sales Engineer to drive sales growth and expand market presence for our sluice gates and flow-control solutions. This position is designed to accommodate candidates at different stages of technical sales experience. Based on the candidate’s qualifications, technical expertise, industry experience, sales ability, and demonstrated competencies, the successful candidate may be placed in either an Inside Sales Engineer or Outside Sales Engineer role.

The Sales Engineer combines technical expertise with consultative selling to support municipal water and wastewater projects from early specification through project close. The ideal candidate is customer-focused, technically proficient, and capable of translating engineering requirements into effective, compliant solutions.

Candidates selected for the Inside Sales Engineer position will receive the training, mentoring, and field exposure necessary to develop the technical, commercial, and customer relationship skills required to advance into an Outside Sales Engineer role. Successful progression will be based on demonstrated performance, technical proficiency, product knowledge, customer engagement, sales results, and the ability to independently manage a territory.

Position LevelsOutside Sales Engineer

The Outside Sales Engineer is an experienced technical sales professional responsible for independently managing an assigned territory, developing customer relationships, pursuing strategic opportunities, and driving revenue growth. This position requires demonstrated success in consultative sales, strong technical aptitude, and the ability to work effectively with consulting engineers, contractors, municipalities, and other industry stakeholders.

Inside Sales Engineer

The Inside Sales Engineer is an entry-level or developing technical sales professional who supports the sales process from the office while building the technical, product, application, and customer-facing skills necessary for advancement to an Outside Sales Engineer position. The Inside Sales Engineer will work closely with Engineering, Estimating, Project Management, and experienced Sales Engineers and will progressively assume greater responsibility for customer relationships, project development, and sales activities.

Key ResponsibilitiesSales and Business Development

• Support and/or drive revenue growth within an assigned territory through proactive outreach, relationship development, and strategic project pursuit.
• Promote Rodney Hunt sluice gates and flow-control products to consulting engineers, contractors, manufacturer representatives, municipal agencies, and other industry stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, prospects, consulting engineers, contractors, and end users.
• Identify new business opportunities and track projects from initial specification through bid, award, and project close.
• Support or independently manage the full sales cycle, including lead generation, project tracking, bid follow-up, contract negotiation, and deal closure, based on experience level.
• Conduct product presentations and provide technical information to customers and prospective customers.
• Participate in trade shows, conferences, industry events, and customer meetings to represent and promote the Rodney Hunt brand.
• For the Outside Sales Engineer role, travel throughout the assigned territory, generally up to twice per month, to conduct product presentations, meet with end users, and visit consulting engineers, contractors, and other customers.

Technical and Application Support

• Provide technical expertise and application-specific solutions to ensure products meet project specifications, standards, and performance requirements.
• Read, interpret, and apply technical drawings, specifications, plans, and bid documents.
• Develop a strong understanding of Rodney Hunt products, sluice gate design, flow-control applications, and applicable industry standards.
• Support project specification efforts with an understanding of AWWA standards and gate design principles.
• Assist customers and internal teams in identifying appropriate product solutions for specific project requirements.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Estimating to develop accurate and competitive proposals.
• Apply engineering principles and technical knowledge to identify potential application issues and recommend appropriate solutions.

Project and Sales Administration

• Maintain accurate project and opportunity information within CRM systems.
• Prepare and maintain sales forecasts, pipeline reports, project updates, and territory performance information.
• Coordinate with internal Engineering, Estimating, Project Management, and other departments to ensure effective project handoff.
• Monitor project status, bid schedules, customer requirements, and competitive activity.
• Maintain organized records of customer interactions, opportunities, specifications, bids, and follow-up activities.

Development and Advancement – Inside Sales Engineer

• Participate in structured training and mentoring in product knowledge, technical applications, sales processes, industry standards, and customer relationship management.
• Work alongside experienced Outside Sales Engineers to gain exposure to customer meetings, site visits, presentations, trade shows, and territory management.
• Progressively assume responsibility for customer communication, project pursuit, product recommendations, and sales opportunities.
• Develop the skills and competencies necessary to independently manage customer relationships and an assigned territory.
• Demonstrate measurable progress toward the qualifications and performance expectations of an Outside Sales Engineer.

Required Qualifications

The level of experience required will depend on the position for which the candidate is selected.

Outside Sales Engineer

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical, Civil, or a related discipline.
• Typically 5 or more years of experience in capital equipment, engineered products, technical sales, and/or municipal water and wastewater projects.
• Demonstrated success in consultative or technical sales, preferably selling to municipalities, consulting engineers, EPC contractors, or similar customers.
• Strong technical aptitude, including demonstrated experience with AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Working knowledge of AWWA standards, gate design, and flow-control applications.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop business, manage a territory, cultivate customer relationships, and close sales.
• Strong verbal, written, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience using CRM systems such as SAP, Salesforce, or similar platforms.
• Ability and willingness to travel within an assigned territory and work effectively in a remote, territory-based environment.

Inside Sales Engineer

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical, Civil, or a related discipline, or equivalent technical education and experience.
• Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply; internship, co-op, engineering project, manufacturing, technical sales, or municipal water/wastewater experience is a plus.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and technical aptitude with the ability to learn product applications, industry standards, and sales processes.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks preferred.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, professionalism, and willingness to develop customer-facing sales skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Engineering, Estimating, Project Management, and Sales.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, or similar business software is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience selling engineered products, capital equipment, or industrial products.
• Experience with municipal water and wastewater projects.
• Experience working with municipalities, consulting engineers, contractors, EPC firms, or manufacturer representatives.
• Knowledge of AWWA standards and/or water-control structures.
• Experience with sluice gates, gates, valves, flow-control equipment, or related products.
• Technical sales, engineering, estimating, project management, or manufacturing experience.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, opportunities, and priorities simultaneously.
• Comfort interacting with customers and developing professional relationships.
• Willingness to travel and participate in customer visits, trade shows, conferences, and industry events.

Core Competencies

Regardless of position level, successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Technical aptitude: Ability to understand engineering concepts and translate customer requirements into practical product solutions.
• Customer focus: Ability to establish credibility, understand customer needs, and develop long-term professional relationships.
• Communication: Ability to clearly communicate technical and commercial information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Business development: Ability to identify opportunities, generate interest, and contribute to revenue growth.
• Problem solving: Ability to analyze project requirements and develop effective solutions.
• Organization: Ability to manage multiple projects, opportunities, deadlines, and customer requirements.
• Initiative: Self-motivated approach with a willingness to learn, take ownership, and pursue results.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across Sales, Engineering, Estimating, Project Management, and other internal functions.
• Adaptability: Willingness to develop new skills and assume increasing responsibility as experience and performance grow.

Career Progression

The Inside Sales Engineer position is intended to serve as a developmental pathway to an Outside Sales Engineer role for candidates who demonstrate the potential and desire to advance in technical sales.

Progression to Outside Sales Engineer will be based on demonstrated competency and performance rather than solely on tenure. Advancement may include demonstrated proficiency in Rodney Hunt products and applications, AWWA standards, technical proposal development, customer relationship management, project pursuit, sales forecasting, presentations, negotiation, and successful contribution to sales growth.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop from an internally focused technical sales role into an independent, customer-facing territory management position with increasing responsibility for revenue generation and market development.

Work Environment

The position may be structured as an Inside Sales Engineer or Outside Sales Engineer based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. The Outside Sales Engineer will operate primarily within an assigned territory with regular customer travel. The Inside Sales Engineer will primarily work from the office and will participate in selected customer visits and field activities as part of the development program.

Rodney Hunt is seeking candidates with the technical foundation, customer orientation, and potential to grow into a long-term technical sales career. The title and level of the position will be determined based on the qualifications and demonstrated capabilities of the selected candidate.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (95% of employee only premium paid by company)
• Dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid time off plus company paid holidays
• 401K plan with 100% company match

Equal Opportunity Employer
Rodney Hunt Inc is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.