Sales Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Tri-State Energy (TSE) is an energy efficiency consulting and implementation contracting firm with a 40-year history in customer service and energy cost saving delivery. Regionally, TSE delivers Direct Install Programs, Engineered Solutions Programs, Energy Savings Improvement Programs, and Engineering Services for Municipal, Commercial and Industrial Clients. TSE is consistently recognized and awarded for being a small business champion that marries innovative technology with small company personalization and service. We are growing and looking to hire dedicated, industry-qualified candidates at all experience levels to grow with our company.

Position Summary

The Sales Engineer role involves actively working on identifying and developing energy efficiency and engineering projects while promoting energy efficiency programs through various channels. This position requires strong communication and relationship-building skills to engage with in-house sales team, customers, contractors, and industry stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a proficient understanding of energy efficiency within HVAC systems and ability to be a bridge between the sales and engineering team.

Essential Job Functions

Business Development & Sales

• Identify and pursue new HVAC project opportunities through direct outreach, networking, and referrals.
• Meet with prospective and existing clients to understand facility needs, operational challenges, and budget constraints.
• Prepare and present proposals, bids, and technical solutions to customers.
• Develop and maintain strong customer relationships to drive repeat business and referrals.
• Partner with outreach teams to technically qualify and develop new project opportunities.
• Match facility requirements to the most effective energy efficiency measures and program pathways.

Project Development & Engineering

• Conduct site surveys to assess existing HVAC systems, loads, and conditions.
• Perform engineering calculations including heating/cooling loads, airflow, and equipment sizing.
• Develop conceptual and detailed designs, schematics, and system layouts.
• Select equipment (chillers, boilers, VRF, AHUs, RTUs, controls, etc.) and ensure proper integration with building systems.
• Coordinate with manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors for pricing, availability, and technical support.

Technical & Financial Analysis

• Prepare energy efficiency and lifecycle cost analyses for proposed systems.
• Support utility incentive applications by providing technical documentation and savings calculations.
• Estimate material, labor, and subcontractor costs for proposals.
• Interface directly with Utility Program Managers to pre-verify project eligibility and maximize custom incentive values.

Project Coordination

• Collaborate with project managers to ensure smooth handoff from sales to execution.
• Support permitting, code compliance, and submittal preparation.
• Provide technical guidance during installation and commissioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, HVAC Engineering Technology, or related field (preferred).
• A demonstrated interest in energy conservation is essential.
• EIT or PE license (preferred but not required).
• HVAC industry certifications (e.g., LEED AP, CEM, ASHRAE member) are a plus.
• Must reside in New Jersey.
• Possession of a valid US driver’s license.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the Tri-State area, with some overnight travel required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Technical Knowledge:

• Familiarity with lighting components, HVAC equipment, HVAC systems, lighting control systems, and building envelope components.
• Understanding of LEED, Energy Star, and/or GRESB standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and basic knowledge of CRM database software.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent public speaking and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills, with a focus on proactively identifying customer needs and managing expectations.
• Capable of engaging customers, industry stakeholders, and local government officials through various communication channels.

Strategic & Professional Abilities:

• Experience in evaluating the effectiveness of outreach strategies and proposing alternatives.
• Experience developing professional reports, working with professional organizations, and engaging with market sector decision-makers.
• Understanding of how to effectively engage multiple decision-making levels within a company.
• Contacts in the construction market (builders, developers, architects, engineers, etc.).

Personal & Organizational Attributes:

• Exceptional organizational, time-management, and planning abilities.
• Ability to track deadlines and forecast assignments.
• Self-motivated, team-oriented, hands-on, adaptable, and client-focused.

Physical Abilities

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; sit, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use hands to finger, grasp, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; push or pull; talk and hear; use repetitive motions.

• The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

• The employee must have visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading and visual inspections of site plans.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to the following work environment:

• The employee is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions. 
• The employee is subject to hazards such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, and electrical current.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

TSE is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. TSE prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on age, race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, age, marital status, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. TSE makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. Please read through our EEO Policy for more information. TSE is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. TSE is a drug-free workplace.

Screening

TSE makes offers of employment contingent upon (1) successful completion of a routine background investigation and reference check, (2) drug testing, and (3) Act 34 Child Abuse clearance.

Why work with us? 

• Medical, vision, dental insurance and more.
• 401(k) and company match.
• Company-provided life insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Education reimbursement program with management approval.
• Annual paid time off.
• Observance of 8 Federal Holidays.
• Opportunities for advancement and development.

If interested in applying for this position, please apply!  We would love to make an introduction!