Industrial Sales Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern industrial age, the demand for industrial sales engineers has never been higher.
As industries grow and expand, there is a rising need for skilled professionals who can effectively sell and promote industrial equipment and machinery.
But what exactly is expected from an industrial sales engineer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager trying to find the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the field of industrial sales engineering,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable industrial sales engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Industrial Sales Engineer Duties and Responsibilities
Industrial Sales Engineers play a vital role in the business to business sector.
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 are a key point of contact for clients and provide both pre and post-sales advice.
They have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Identify potential clients and reach out to them to present their company’s product offerings and demonstrate how their products meet the client’s needs
- Collaborate with the design and production teams to understand how products are made and can be customized for individual client needs
- Prepare and deliver technical presentations and demonstrations that explain product features to clients and prospective customers
- Negotiate tender, contract terms, and conditions to meet both client and company needs
- Provide technical and product advice to clients after sales, also known as after-sales support services
- Record and maintain client contact data and establish a regular follow-up schedule
- Coordinate with other members of the sales team and technical experts to address customer needs
- Attend industry conferences and seminars to keep up-to-date with changes in technology and market trends
- Prepare reports and paperwork needed for the sales process and provide feedback to the company on ways to improve the products
Industrial Sales Engineer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking to hire a dynamic and driven Industrial Sales Engineer to develop sales strategies and attract new clients.
The successful salesperson will source new sales opportunities and close sales to achieve quotas.
As an outside sales representative, or sales agent, they will also research sales competition.
The role of the Industrial Sales Engineer is to support the sales process, from initial contact to delivery and beyond.
This involves developing and maintaining detailed knowledge of the products’ parts and functions and understanding the scientific processes that make these products work.
Responsibilities
- “Getting the sale” using various customer sales methods
- Forecasting sales, developing “out of the box” sales strategies/models and evaluating their effectiveness
- Evaluating customers skills, needs and building productive long lasting relationships
- Meet personal and team sales targets
- Research accounts and generate or follow through sales leads
- Attend meetings, sales events and trainings to keep abreast of the latest developments
- Report and provide feedback to management using financial statistical data
- Maintain and expand client database within your assigned territory
Qualifications
- Proven sales experience
- Track record of over-achieving quota
- Experience working with Salesforce.com or similar CRM
- Familiarity with different sales techniques and pipeline management
- Computer use competency
- Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills
- Self motivated and driven
- BA/BS degree or equivalent
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Industrial Sales Engineer
- Work Environment: Frequent travel is often required. Some roles may also require that sales engineers be on call to answer client questions whenever needed.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sales Director or Sales Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $74,000 minimum to $128,000 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 an Industrial Sales Engineer Do?
Industrial Sales Engineers primarily work for corporations that manufacture industrial equipment or offer industrial services.
They may also work as independent contractors.
They serve as the key point of contact for clients, presenting the technical specifics and benefits of their company’s products or services.
They also negotiate and finalize sales contracts that fulfill both the company’s and the client’s needs.
Industrial Sales Engineers are responsible for understanding the client’s unique requirements and identifying appropriate solutions from their company’s product or service portfolio.
They often collaborate with other engineers to custom-design products or modify existing ones to meet a client’s specific operational requirements.
Industrial Sales Engineers also provide after-sale support, addressing any technical issues or queries and ensuring the client’s satisfaction with the product or service.
Additionally, they are involved in researching and identifying potential new clients, maintaining client relationships, preparing and delivering technical presentations, and keeping abreast of industry trends and competitive products.
Industrial Sales Engineer Qualifications and Skills
Industrial Sales Engineers employ a blend of technical knowledge, industry understanding, and sales skills to effectively sell industrial products and solutions to clients, including:
- Strong technical comprehension to understand and explain details about industrial products and their applications.
- Excellent communication skills for conveying complex technical information to customers with varying levels of technical understanding.
- Superb interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients, understand their needs, and maintain ongoing partnerships.
- Sales skills to effectively promote and sell industrial products and services, including negotiation and closing deals.
- Analytical skills for understanding market trends, identifying potential clients, and assessing the performance of sales strategies.
- Organizational skills to manage multiple accounts, track sales data, and organize client information efficiently.
- Problem-solving skills to address customer complaints, find suitable solutions for clients, and troubleshoot product issues.
- Understanding of industrial processes and equipment to offer relevant product solutions.
Industrial Sales Engineer Experience Requirements
Industrial Sales Engineers typically start their careers with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, but the real experience begins post-graduation.
Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship or part-time role in sales, technical sales, or a related field.
These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Technical Sales Representative, Sales Trainee, or related roles within the manufacturing or industrial sector.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often enhance their technical skills and industry knowledge, with a strong focus on understanding the customer’s business needs, product application, and problem-solving.
They may also gain experience in various sectors of the industry like automotive, aerospace, or machinery, depending on their career path.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position.
They can demonstrate their ability to manage sales territories, develop long-term customer relationships, and lead sales teams.
In addition to these, experience with contract negotiation, project management, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, as well as a deep understanding of technical product knowledge and the ability to convey complex information in a clear, understandable manner are highly sought after in this role.
Industrial Sales Engineer Education and Training Requirements
Industrial Sales Engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, marketing, or a related field.
This role often involves a deep understanding of technical product knowledge, hence a background in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering could be beneficial.
In addition to a degree, some employers prefer candidates who have experience in a technical role or sales, which could be obtained through internships or entry-level positions.
Due to the nature of the role, Industrial Sales Engineers should be proficient in using various software tools for customer relationship management, project management, and data analysis.
Some positions may require Industrial Sales Engineers to have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or in a specific engineering discipline, especially for roles that involve strategic planning or business development.
Professional certification, such as the Certified Sales Professional (CSP) from the Manufacturers’ Representatives Educational Research Foundation (MRERF), could also be beneficial.
Continuous professional development and staying updated with the latest industrial trends and technologies is crucial in this rapidly evolving field.
Therefore, many Industrial Sales Engineers pursue additional training and courses throughout their career.
Industrial Sales Engineer Salary Expectations
An Industrial Sales Engineer typically earns an average salary of $70,577 (USD) per year.
However, the actual compensation may depend on factors such as the individual’s years of experience, specialized skills, the size of the company, and the region where the individual is employed.
Industrial Sales Engineer Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Industrial Sales Engineer need?
Industrial Sales Engineers should possess strong technical knowledge of the products and services their company offers.
They need excellent communication skills to effectively explain complex concepts to clients.
They should also have strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients and sales experience to understand customer needs and close deals.
Do Industrial Sales Engineers need a degree?
Most Industrial Sales Engineers have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
While not always required, some roles may prefer candidates with a Master’s degree in business administration (MBA).
Besides, having a strong understanding of industrial products, processes, and sales tactics is crucial.
What should you look for in an Industrial Sales Engineer’s resume?
Look for a blend of technical and business education, along with relevant work experience in industrial sales or a related field.
They should have demonstrated success in selling and promoting technical products, and familiarity with the industrial sector you operate in.
Any additional training or certifications in sales could also be beneficial.
What qualities make a good Industrial Sales Engineer?
A good Industrial Sales Engineer is both technically adept and sales-oriented.
They should be comfortable explaining technical information in a way that non-technical individuals can understand.
Strong problem-solving abilities are also key, as they will often need to provide innovative solutions to meet the needs of their customers.
What are the typical duties of an Industrial Sales Engineer?
On a daily basis, an Industrial Sales Engineer meets with clients, provides technical presentations, and discusses how their products or services can solve the client’s problems.
They also draft and negotiate contracts, coordinate with other members of the sales team, and follow up with clients to ensure satisfaction and build long-term relationships.
Is it challenging to hire Industrial Sales Engineers?
Hiring Industrial Sales Engineers can be challenging as it requires finding candidates with a unique combination of technical knowledge, sales skills, and industry experience.
It can be helpful to look for candidates who have a proven track record of success in similar roles or industries.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Today, we’ve unveiled the nuts and bolts of what it truly means to be an industrial sales engineer.
And guess what?
It’s not just about selling products.
It’s about driving the industrial future, one sale at a time.
With our handy industrial sales engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your next move.
But don’t stop there!
Take a deeper dive with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for crafting precision-engineered listings or honing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every sale is a part of the bigger industrial landscape.
Let’s drive that future. Together.
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