Field Sales Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of sales, the focus on Field Sales Engineers has never been greater.
As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled professionals who can demonstrate, sell, and support our technological infrastructure grows.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a Field Sales Engineer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the nuances of field sales engineering,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Field Sales Engineer job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Field Sales Engineer Duties and Responsibilities
Field Sales Engineers play a vital role in the marketing and sales of technical products or services.
They use their technical knowledge along with sales skills to provide advice and support on a range of products, for which a certain level of expertise is required.
They have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Promote sales and secure orders from existing and prospective customers through a relationship-based approach
- Demonstrate products and services to existing/potential customers and assist them in selecting those best suited to their needs
- Analyze potential and existing markets to identify and secure business development opportunities
- Prepare sales presentations, proposals, and sales contracts to attract clients
- Develop and maintain a customer database and make regular follow-ups to ensure customer satisfaction
- Maintain knowledge of all product and service offerings of the company
- Attend and participate in trade shows, conferences, and other marketing events
- Coordinate with the company’s customer service department to ensure customer satisfaction and resolve customer issues in a timely manner
- Work closely with the production team to ensure that the products meet customers’ expectations
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and reviewing professional publications
Field Sales Engineer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a driven and technically adept Field Sales Engineer to boost our sales efforts with both new and existing clients.
The Field Sales Engineer will focus on understanding our customers’ technical requirements, providing product demonstrations, and communicating the value of our solutions to achieve sales targets.
The ideal candidate should combine technical knowledge with sales skills and be able to translate complex product features into simpler concepts that meet client needs.
Familiarity with our industry’s market trends and staying current with product updates is crucial.
Responsibilities
- Identify current and future customer service requirements by establishing personal rapport with potential and actual customers.
- Establish new accounts and service accounts by identifying potential customers and planning and organizing sales call schedule.
- Prepare cost estimates by studying blueprints, plans, and related customer documents.
- Contribute to sales engineering effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-term issues that must be addressed.
- Provide product, service, or equipment technical and engineering information by answering questions and requests.
- Prepare sales engineering reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing sales information and engineering and application trends.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a field sales engineer or a related role in sales or engineering.
- Ability to forge strong, long-lasting relationships with senior executives.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to creatively explain and present complex concepts in an easy to understand manner.
- Solid technical background with understanding and/or hands-on experience in software and web technologies.
- Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to roll up one’s sleeves to get the job done.
- BS degree in engineering, computer science or equivalent practical experience.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Field Sales Engineer
- Work Environment: This role involves regular travel to customer sites. Flexibility to work from home when not on client visits.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sales Director or Regional Sales Manager.
- Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Field Sales Engineer Do?
Field Sales Engineers are professionals who combine their technical knowledge with sales skills to provide advice and support on a range of products.
They typically work for companies that sell complex technical products or services to businesses or professional buyers.
They work closely with sales teams to provide technical expertise to customers, helping them to understand how the product or service can solve their problems.
This can involve giving product demonstrations, providing technical presentations, or explaining how a product integrates with a customer’s existing system.
Field Sales Engineers are often responsible for identifying and establishing new business opportunities, negotiating contracts, and making technical presentations.
They also provide after-sales support services and maintain customer relationships.
They are often the key point of contact for clients, answering queries, providing technical advice and introducing new products.
In addition, Field Sales Engineers are tasked with interpreting customer requirements and providing feedback to the product development teams.
They collaborate with team members to develop custom solutions for individual clients.
Lastly, Field Sales Engineers may also be responsible for conducting market research, monitoring competitor activity, and preparing reports for management.
These activities help them to stay aware of industry trends, customer needs, and potential areas for expansion.
Field Sales Engineer Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Field Sales Engineer should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the demands of the role, such as:
- Technical knowledge and understanding of the products or services being sold, in order to present information to customers accurately and convincingly.
- Excellent communication skills for presenting product features, benefits, and potential applications to prospective clients, as well as understanding and addressing their needs and queries.
- Problem-solving skills to address technical issues or concerns that customers might have and provide suitable solutions.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with customers, ensuring long-term client loyalty and satisfaction.
- Sales skills to effectively convince and convert leads into customers, consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively, often dealing with multiple clients and tasks simultaneously.
- Negotiation skills to discuss pricing, contracts, and agreements with clients.
- Customer service skills for following up with clients, ensuring their satisfaction with products or services, and resolving any issues or concerns.
- Willingness to travel frequently to meet clients, present demos, and attend trade shows or other industry events.
Field Sales Engineer Experience Requirements
Entry-level Field Sales Engineers may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships, part-time roles or sales assistant roles in an engineering-related field.
They can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Sales Associate, Technical Support Associate, or other sales or engineering-related roles.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical sales skills and deepen their knowledge of engineering principles in entry-level Field Sales Engineer roles.
During this time, they may acquire specialized industry knowledge, learn to develop and maintain client relationships, and learn to prepare technical presentations for clients and executives.
Those with more than 5 years of experience typically have significant experience in selling complex technical products and solutions, and they might also have some leadership experience.
At this level, they may be ready for roles such as Field Sales Manager or Sales Engineering Manager, leading a team of Field Sales Engineers.
This requires not only exceptional technical and sales abilities, but also strong leadership and team management skills.
Field Sales Engineer Education and Training Requirements
Field Sales Engineers generally require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably in a field that’s relevant to the products they will be selling.
Fields such as electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering are common.
In addition to their engineering knowledge, they should have a strong understanding of sales and marketing principles.
Therefore, some may also pursue a minor or additional coursework in business or sales.
Experience in both engineering and sales is highly valued.
Many field sales engineers gain this experience through internships or entry-level positions.
Knowledge of the specific industry they will be working in, such as manufacturing or technology, is also beneficial.
This can be gained through coursework, industry certifications, or on-the-job experience.
Some field sales engineers may choose to obtain a master’s degree in business or an MBA to enhance their business and sales skills.
Additionally, excellent communication and presentation skills are needed as they will be interacting with clients and explaining complex technical concepts in an understandable way.
Lastly, ongoing education and training are important in this role, as technology and products continue to evolve.
Field sales engineers should be committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and market trends.
Field Sales Engineer Salary Expectations
A Field Sales Engineer earns an average salary of $83,263 (USD) per year.
The actual income can differ significantly based on factors such as industry experience, technical skills, the complexity of the sales territory, and the region in which they are employed.
Field Sales Engineer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Field Sales Engineer need?
Field Sales Engineers should have a strong technical background, usually in engineering or a related field, to understand the products they are selling.
They should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients and explain complex technical concepts in simple terms.
Sales skills, negotiation ability, and problem-solving skills are also essential.
Do Field Sales Engineers need a degree?
While some companies may hire individuals with a high school diploma and relevant sales experience, most prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field.
Having a degree in engineering can provide a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of the products being sold, which can be beneficial when interacting with clients.
What should you look for in a Field Sales Engineer resume?
When reviewing a Field Sales Engineer resume, look for a combination of sales experience and technical knowledge.
Ideally, candidates should have experience in selling technical or engineering products and a strong understanding of the engineering concepts related to those products.
Additional skills to look for include communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
What qualities make a good Field Sales Engineer?
A good Field Sales Engineer is someone who has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of the products they are selling and can communicate those details effectively to clients.
They should be comfortable working in the field, often traveling to meet with clients and demonstrate products.
They should also be self-motivated, able to work independently, and have excellent negotiation and sales skills.
Is it difficult to hire Field Sales Engineers?
Hiring Field Sales Engineers can be challenging due to the specific combination of skills required.
It can be difficult to find candidates with both the necessary technical expertise and sales experience.
However, providing competitive salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and comprehensive training programs can make your company more attractive to potential hires.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve taken you on a journey into the exciting world of a field sales engineer.
Surprised?
It’s not just about selling products.
It’s about paving the way for technological progress, one client interaction at a time.
With our ready-to-use field sales engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your next career move.
But why stop there?
Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for precision-crafted job listings or for finessing your resume to perfection.
Keep this in mind:
Every client interaction is a crucial part of the larger framework.
Let’s shape that future. Together.
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