Technical Sales Engineer

Technical Sales Engineer – Food Processing & Packaging Equipment

Company Description

DRS Industrial Services Corp. (DRS Machine) supplies new and used food processing and packaging equipment, spare parts, consumables, and technical services to customers across the United States. We serve the meat, poultry, seafood, and broader food processing industries.

Our work combines equipment sales with hands-on expertise in installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, automation, and equipment rebuilding. We help customers select practical solutions, improve production, and keep their equipment operating reliably.

Role Description

We are looking for a technically minded sales professional who enjoys developing new business, visiting production facilities, understanding customer challenges, and turning opportunities into sales.

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Hoffman Estates, IL, combining remote work, time at our facility, and regular travel to customer sites and industry events. You will work directly with company leadership and our technical service team to grow sales of equipment, spare parts, consumables, and services.

We welcome candidates at different career stages, including developing technical sales professionals, experienced senior sales engineers, and retired industry professionals interested in returning to an active sales role.

The ideal candidate takes initiative, follows through consistently, and combines technical curiosity with the ability to build relationships and close business. Active prospecting and new customer development are essential parts of this position. The candidate must be willing and able to travel throughout the United States and Canada for customer visits and industry events, and internationally to Europe and Asia for manufacturer training.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and contact prospective customers through calls, email, industry networking, and plant visits.
• Develop new accounts while expanding relationships with existing customers.
• Visit processing facilities to understand production needs, equipment requirements, and operational challenges.
• Present and sell new and used equipment, spare parts, consumables, maintenance services, rebuilds, and installation projects.
• Prepare technical and commercial proposals with support from company leadership, manufacturers, and the service team.
• Manage the sales process from initial contact and qualification through quotation, follow-up, negotiation, and closing.
• Coordinate equipment demonstrations and trials with customers and technical staff.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, opportunity stages, next actions, and sales forecasts.
• Participate in trade shows, manufacturer training, and customer meetings.
• Coordinate with the service team to support a smooth transition from sale to delivery, installation, and commissioning.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in technical sales, industrial equipment, or a customer-facing technical role. Both developing professionals and senior candidates with extensive industry experience are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with food processing or packaging equipment is preferred. Relevant experience in other industrial machinery sectors will also be considered.
• Willingness and ability to prospect actively, initiate customer conversations, develop new accounts, and close sales.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand equipment applications, technical specifications, and basic drawings.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to work independently, organize customer visits, and manage multiple opportunities.
• Comfort working on production floors and communicating with maintenance, operations, engineering, purchasing, and business owners.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and standard office software.
• Engineering or technical education is preferred; equivalent practical experience is welcome.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regularly to customer sites and industry events.

Compensation & Growth

Base salary plus performance-based commissions tied to gross profit. This position offers direct collaboration with company leadership, technical and product training, and the opportunity to grow sales across multiple equipment and service lines.

We value practical industry knowledge, initiative, and results, whether you are building your technical sales career or bringing decades of experience.