International Sales Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the global marketplace, the demand for International Sales Engineers has never been greater.

As commerce becomes increasingly borderless, the call for skilled professionals who can navigate, expand, and secure our international sales channels intensifies.

But let’s unpack this: What’s truly expected from an International Sales Engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricate dynamics of international sales engineering,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable International Sales Engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

International Sales Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

International Sales Engineers utilize their technical and commercial knowledge to present, promote, and sell products or services to existing and prospective international customers.

They act as a bridge between the company and its international clientele by addressing needs and concerns to optimize sales.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Understand the technical aspects of the company’s products or services and communicate this knowledge effectively to international clients
• Establish, develop, and maintain positive business and customer relationships
• Reach out to customer leads through cold calling, emails, and visits
• Analyze international markets to identify new sales and business opportunities
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations explaining products or services to customers and prospective customers
• Coordinate with the engineering department to modify products as per customer requirements
• Process customer orders in compliance with export regulations and international trade laws
• Negotiate and close sales by agreeing terms and conditions
• Provide after-sales service and technical support to the customers
• Prepare and present sales, revenue, and expenses reports and realistic forecasts to the management team
• Keep abreast of best practices and promotional trends in the international market
• Participate in international trade shows and exhibitions

 

International Sales Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an experienced and result-driven International Sales Engineer to join our dynamic sales team.

The candidate will be responsible for the growth of our international business by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.

The ideal candidate should be proficient in technical sales, negotiating contracts, conducting market research, and enhancing customer relationships.

You should also have strong technical knowledge of our products and the ability to communicate effectively in different languages.

 

Responsibilities

• Identify potential international markets and clients
• Develop and implement effective sales strategies
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations explaining products or services to customers and prospective customers
• Negotiate and close sales contracts
• Coordinate sales projects and partner with team members from other departments
• Provide after-sales support
• Document and report sales trends, potential sales opportunities, and challenges
• Attend trade shows and seminars to promote products and learn about industry developments
• Conduct product training for customers and sales teams
• Collaborate with engineering teams to understand customer requirements and provide sales support

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an International Sales Engineer or similar role
• Strong technical knowledge of the company’s products/services
• Ability to travel as needed
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and sales skills
• Fluent in at least two languages
• Strong problem-solving and customer service skills
• BSc degree in Engineering, Marketing, Business Administration, or relevant field

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary and commission structure
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Company-paid travel
• Continuous professional development and training

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: International Sales Engineer
• Work Environment: This role involves extensive travel to different countries. When not traveling, the role can be performed remotely.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of International Sales.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum, plus commission
• 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 International Sales Engineer Do?

International Sales Engineers often work for global manufacturing firms or technology companies.

They can also work as part of an international sales team in a variety of industries.

Their primary responsibility is to promote and sell their company’s products or services to global markets.

This requires a deep understanding of the product or service, as well as the technical knowledge to explain how it works to potential clients.

International Sales Engineers often travel to different countries to meet with clients, attend trade shows, or present product demonstrations.

They must be comfortable working in different cultures and dealing with language barriers.

Their duties include researching international market trends, identifying potential clients, and developing sales strategies tailored to each market.

They also need to maintain relationships with existing clients and provide them with technical support.

They collaborate closely with other departments, such as R&D, production, and marketing, to ensure the product or service meets the needs and expectations of international customers.

International Sales Engineers also have to navigate the complexities of international trade regulations, customs, and tariffs.

They must be aware of cultural differences and business etiquette in different countries to effectively close deals and maintain customer satisfaction.

In addition, they are often responsible for negotiating contracts, preparing sales reports, and meeting sales targets.

 

International Sales Engineer Qualifications and Skills

International Sales Engineers require a combination of technical knowledge and sales acumen, including:

• Technical knowledge related to the industry and products to accurately explain product features to clients and answer any queries.
• Strong sales skills to convert potential leads into sales, negotiate contracts, and maintain fruitful relationships with existing clients.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with clients from different regions and cultural backgrounds.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to understand customer requirements, devise appropriate solutions, and handle any issues or objections that may arise during the sales process.
• Understanding of international business practices, regulations, and customs to ensure compliance with local laws and cultural norms.
• Ability to travel internationally and adapt to different time zones for client meetings and presentations.
• Proficiency in multiple languages would be beneficial to communicate with clients in their native language.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple accounts and sales opportunities simultaneously.
• Experience in using customer relationship management (CRM) software for tracking sales opportunities and forecasting revenue.

 

International Sales Engineer Experience Requirements

Aspiring International Sales Engineers typically hold a degree in engineering or a related field, combined with a few years of sales experience in a technical industry.

They are often expected to have at least 2 to 5 years of field sales experience, preferably on a global scale, with a track record of achieving sales targets.

Entry-level candidates usually gain experience through internships, part-time roles, or in roles such as Sales Associate or Technical Support Representative within engineering or technology companies.

These roles equip them with practical experience and knowledge about the industry and the technical products involved.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have more refined technical and sales skills, having had roles like Sales Engineer, Product Engineer, or Business Development Representative.

They are typically well-versed in negotiation, customer service, and cross-cultural communication, and have experience working with international clients.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in international sales, usually have extensive knowledge of the global market, key industry trends, and are proficient in managing complex sales cycles.

They may also have leadership experience, showcasing their ability to lead teams, manage key accounts, and strategize business growth.

This positions them for senior or managerial roles in international sales.

 

International Sales Engineer Education and Training Requirements

International Sales Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, marketing, or a related field.

They need to have a strong technical background in order to understand and explain complex engineering concepts and products to potential customers.

Familiarity with various engineering disciplines, depending on the industry they are working in, is crucial.

In addition to their technical knowledge, International Sales Engineers must have excellent sales skills.

These can be learned through coursework, internships, or on-the-job training.

Since they work in an international context, fluency in more than one language can be a significant advantage.

They also need to understand international business practices and cultural nuances.

Some job positions may require additional training or certification in international business or a relevant field.

A master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a similar field can be beneficial, particularly for those who aspire to leadership roles.

Additional professional development courses in sales techniques, communication skills, or specific engineering disciplines may be advantageous.

These requirements may vary depending on the specific role and industry.

 

International Sales Engineer Salary Expectations

An International Sales Engineer earns an average salary of $97,263 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, the specific industry they work in, and the country in which they are selling.

Additional bonuses and commissions for sales may also significantly impact the total compensation.

 

International Sales Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an International Sales Engineer need?

International Sales Engineers need a combination of technical and interpersonal skills.

They must understand the technical details of the products they are selling and be able to explain these details to customers in clear, understandable language.

They should also be comfortable dealing with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and be able to adapt their sales approach accordingly.

Other vital skills include negotiation, presentation, and problem-solving skills.

 

Do International Sales Engineers need a degree?

Most employers require International Sales Engineers to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field.

However, a higher degree or certification in international business or sales can be advantageous.

In addition, they should have a good understanding of the technical aspects of the products they will be selling, which may require additional training or experience.

 

What should you look for in an International Sales Engineer’s resume?

In addition to an engineering or business degree, look for experience in sales, particularly international sales.

Evidence of strong communication, negotiation, and customer service skills are also important.

Knowledge of multiple languages can be a major asset for an International Sales Engineer.

Lastly, any specialized knowledge or experience related to the products being sold should be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good International Sales Engineer?

A good International Sales Engineer is both technically knowledgeable and culturally sensitive.

They must be able to understand and explain complex technical concepts, but also adapt their sales approach to suit different cultural contexts.

They should be highly organized, as they often need to manage multiple accounts at once, and be able to work independently.

Strong problem-solving skills are also essential, as they may need to troubleshoot issues with products or negotiate complex deals.

 

Is it difficult to hire International Sales Engineers?

Hiring International Sales Engineers can be challenging due to the unique combination of skills required.

Candidates must be technically proficient, possess strong sales skills, and be comfortable working in international business environments.

As a result, finding candidates with the right mix of skills and experience can take time and require a thorough recruitment process.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the exciting world of an international sales engineer.

Guess what?

It’s not just about making sales.

It’s about bridging the gap between technology and business, one deal at a time.

Armed with our user-friendly international sales engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But don’t stop there.

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool for creating precision-tailored job listings or refining your resume to stand out.

Remember:

Every deal closed is a step towards a global business revolution.

Let’s make that change. Together.

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