Technical Sales Engineer

Technical Sales Engineer - Development Program

Our client is one of the largest industrial parts washer manufacturers in the United States, with over 60 years of experience. They design and manufacture aqueous cleaning systems for aerospace, automotive, ammunition, and medical device manufacturers. This is a well-established, veteran-friendly company backed by private equity, known for its team-first culture and commitment to developing talent. They promote based on performance and potential, not tenure, with many leaders in their 30s.

About the Role

This is a development program designed for technically capable individuals who want to transition into a technical sales career. This is NOT an immediate sales role. You will spend your initial phase (milestone-based, not time-based) building deep product knowledge and customer understanding through hands-on training with engineers, service teams, and field sales.

Think of it as an apprenticeship: learn the equipment inside and out, understand customer applications, and gradually take on sales responsibilities. Once you complete the program, you will own your own territory and build customer relationships in manufacturing industries.

What You'll Do During Training

• Travel to customer manufacturing sites to understand their cleaning challenges and equipment needs
• Work alongside field engineers and service technicians to learn how the systems work
• Support sales teams with technical questions and application design
• Learn consultative selling techniques (Wilson Learning Counselor Sales Process)
• Learn internal CRM systems, quoting tools, and design software (Autodesk Inventor)
• Participate in customer demonstrations and equipment testing
• Assist with aftermarket services, parts identification, and basic modifications

What You'll Do After Training (Full Sales Role)

• Own a territory in the Midwest, Texas, or Southeast
• Visit manufacturing customers to diagnose their parts cleaning challenges
• Design custom equipment solutions and present proposals
• Build long-term customer relationships and close sales
• Expand accounts with aftermarket services (spare parts, maintenance, refurbishments)
• Travel approximately 3 days per week to customer sites

Who We're Looking For

You don't need an engineering degree or sales experience. We're looking for someone with mechanical aptitude, curiosity, and hunger to learn. Maybe you:

• Worked on cars, motorcycles, or machinery as a hobby or job
• Started in engineering but realized you want more customer interaction
• Have a technical support or field service background
• Grew up working with your hands (farm, construction, welding, fabrication)
• Are transitioning from military with technical training
• Had side hustles or sales exposure (even college sales jobs count)

Must Have

• Strong mechanical or technical aptitude (hands-on experience counts more than degrees)
• High drive and motivation (you want to prove yourself and succeed)
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Willingness to travel frequently (3 days/week after training)
• US citizenship (required due to company partnerships)
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn
• Ability to work independently and take ownership

Nice to Have

• Military background (especially service academy graduates)
• Previous sales experience of any kind
• Manufacturing industry exposure
• Engineering or technical support background
• Entrepreneurial experience

Compensation

• Base Salary During Training: $60,000 - $65,000 (adjusted based on experience)
• Base Salary After Training: $60,000 - $70,000
• Commission: 1.5% - 2.5% (uncapped)
• On-Target Earnings (OTE): $71,000 - $81,000+ with strong performance upside
• Full benefits: health, dental, vision, 401k match, life insurance, paid holidays, vacation

Location

• Training Phase: Springfield, Missouri (or travel there 1-2 weeks per month if remote)
• After Training: Field-based in Midwest, Texas, or Southeast (you choose where you live within these regions)
• Travel: ~3 days per week to customer manufacturing facilities after training

Growth Opportunity

This is a ground-floor opportunity. You would be one of the first in this program. If successful, you could build out a team and lead other sales engineers as the company expands. Direct access to leadership and clear path to advancement based on results.

Ideal Candidate

Someone who likes solving problems, enjoys working with both machines and people, and wants to build a career in technical sales. You're comfortable getting your hands dirty during training, but also excited about the business side: understanding customer needs, building relationships, and closing deals. You're motivated, reliable, and ready to travel to win business.