Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of medical advancements, the role of pharmaceutical sales engineers has become more crucial than ever before.

As healthcare technologies evolve, there is an increasing demand for skilled professionals who can market, promote, and ensure the widespread use of pharmaceutical products.

But let’s delve a bit deeper: What’s truly expected from a pharmaceutical sales engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of pharmaceutical sales,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pharmaceutical sales engineer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers play a vital role in promoting and selling the pharmaceutical company’s products to healthcare professionals.

They utilize their understanding of the products, the medical field, and sales techniques to effectively communicate the benefits and uses of their products.

The duties and responsibilities of a Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer include:

• Develop a deep understanding of the company’s pharmaceutical products
• Present and promote pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses
• Establish, develop, and maintain positive business and customer relationships
• Reach out to customer leads through cold calling and networking
• Expedite the resolution of customer problems and complaints to maximize satisfaction
• Analyze the market’s potential, track sales, and create reports
• Keep abreast of best practices and promotional trends
• Continuously improve through feedback
• Achieve agreed-upon sales targets and outcomes within schedule
• Coordinate sales efforts with team members and other departments
• Participate in professional conferences and seminars to network and stay updated with the industry trends

 

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an energetic and motivated Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer to join our team.

As a Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer, you will be responsible for introducing and selling our pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers and pharmacies.

The successful candidate will be knowledgeable about the pharmaceutical industry and sales strategies.

In addition, they should have the ability to build positive business relationships and have a customer-oriented approach.

 

Responsibilities

• Present and sell company pharmaceutical products to current and potential clients
• Prepare action plans and schedules to identify specific targets
• Follow up on new leads and referrals resulting from field activity
• Identify sales prospects and contact them and other accounts as assigned
• Prepare presentations, proposals, and sales contracts
• Develop and maintain sales materials and current product knowledge
• Manage account services through quality checks and other follow-up
• Coordinate company staff to accomplish the work required to close sales
• Participate in marketing events such as seminars, trade shows, and telemarketing events
• Follow-up for collection of payment

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a sales engineer in the pharmaceutical industry
• Knowledge of medical, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industry
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain professional networks
• Proficiency in MS Office and CRM software
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• BSc degree in Pharmacy, Bio-Sciences, Engineering or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer
• Work Environment: This job typically requires travel and field work. Regular visits to healthcare institutions and pharmacies are a significant part of the job.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sales Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 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 Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer Do?

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers, also known as Medical Sales Engineers, work primarily in the pharmaceutical industry.

They are responsible for selling medical, surgical, or pharmaceutical equipment and services to healthcare professionals or establishments.

Their job entails understanding, promoting, and selling complex medical equipment or pharmaceutical products.

This includes explaining the science behind these products, how they work, their benefits, and any potential side effects or contraindications.

They work closely with pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers, and other professionals within the industry.

They are expected to maintain an up-to-date understanding of current medical trends, new products, and the competitive landscape in the pharmaceutical sector.

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers also engage in contract negotiations and address customer concerns or queries regarding the products they sell.

They often provide technical and after-sales support, and may also be responsible for product demonstrations or training for medical staff.

In addition, they are tasked with identifying potential markets or customers and devising strategies to reach and persuade these targets to choose their products over competitors.

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers must adhere to all relevant industry regulations and ethical standards, including those related to patient safety and privacy.

Their ultimate goal is to drive sales growth while maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction.

 

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers utilize a combination of technical knowledge, sales abilities, and industry expertise to sell pharmaceutical products, including:

• Strong understanding of scientific and technical information related to pharmaceutical products to be able to explain product features, advantages, and benefits to potential customers.
• Excellent sales and negotiation skills to persuade healthcare professionals to purchase and use the company’s products.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with customers, clearly explain complex medical information, and respond effectively to customer inquiries and concerns.
• Proficient problem-solving abilities to identify customer needs and provide appropriate product solutions.
• Understanding and adhering to all relevant healthcare laws, regulations, and standards.
• Ability to work independently and manage a sales territory effectively, including planning and organization skills to manage sales calls and customer follow-ups.
• Willingness to stay updated on latest pharmaceutical products and medical research to provide the best service to customers and gain a competitive edge.

 

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers often have 1 to 2 years of experience, gained through internships or part-time roles in pharmaceutical sales or related fields.

This experience could also come from roles such as medical sales representative, pharmaceutical research associate or other health-related sales roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their knowledge about pharmaceutical products, industry regulations, and sales techniques in entry-level Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer roles.

They also gain proficiency in maintaining customer relationships and demonstrating the functionality and benefits of pharmaceutical products to clients.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have gained some leadership experience and may have coordinated sales teams or led product demonstrations at medical conferences or to large client groups.

At this level, they may be prepared for a managerial role or a position that involves strategic planning for pharmaceutical sales.

Additionally, it is also beneficial for Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers to have a background in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, or a related field to gain an in-depth understanding of the products they are selling.

The ability to keep up-to-date with the latest medical research and pharmaceutical products is also an important part of the job.

 

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers generally hold a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Pharmacy, Biological Sciences, or Chemical Engineering.

They must have a solid understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including the production processes, drug compositions, and the regulatory environment.

This knowledge is often obtained through coursework or internships during undergraduate studies.

In addition to the technical knowledge, pharmaceutical sales engineers must have strong sales and business acumen.

Therefore, some may have a dual degree in business or marketing, or they might have followed their technical degree with an MBA.

A variety of certifications are available to pharmaceutical sales engineers, such as Certified Sales Professional (CSP) or Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), that can demonstrate their competence and commitment to the profession.

Many employers prefer candidates with some sales experience, especially in the pharmaceutical or medical device sectors.

Furthermore, continuous professional development is essential in this role due to the ever-evolving nature of the pharmaceutical industry.

This might involve attending industry conferences, completing additional courses or training, and staying abreast of the latest medical research and advancements.

 

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer Salary Expectations

A Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $86,500 (USD) annually.

However, this figure can greatly fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience in the field, level of education, location, and the specific pharmaceutical company for which they work.

 

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer need?

Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers need excellent communication skills and a thorough understanding of the pharmaceutical products they sell.

They should have a strong ability to explain complex information in a way that clients can understand.

These professionals must also have a good grasp of sales techniques and customer service.

Finally, they should stay updated with the latest developments in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

Do Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers need a specific degree?

While a specific degree is not always required, Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers often have a background in pharmaceutical science or a related field.

However, a degree in business, marketing, or sales can also be beneficial.

What is most important is that the person has an understanding of pharmaceutical products and the industry.

 

What should you look for in a Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer’s resume?

Look for evidence of sales experience, particularly within the pharmaceutical industry.

Any training or certification in sales or marketing can also be beneficial.

The resume should also show a strong understanding of pharmaceutical products and the ability to develop relationships with clients.

 

What qualities make a good Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer?

A good Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer is knowledgeable about the pharmaceutical industry and is able to keep up to date with new developments.

They have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and they can effectively sell products and maintain relationships with clients.

They are also organized and able to manage their time and sales territories effectively.

 

Is it challenging to recruit Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers?

Recruiting Pharmaceutical Sales Engineers can be challenging due to the specialized knowledge and skill set required for the role.

Employers often look for candidates with sales experience in the pharmaceutical industry, which can limit the number of suitable applicants.

To attract top talent, employers may need to offer competitive salaries, training opportunities, and career development programs.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve shed light on the intricate role of a Pharmaceutical Sales Engineer.

Guess what?

It’s not just about selling drugs.

It’s about reshaping healthcare, one drug sale at a time.

Armed with our pharmaceutical sales engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to advance.

But why not take it a step further?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ticket to crafting exact, compelling listings or enhancing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every drug sale contributes to the larger vision of better health.

Let’s transform healthcare. Together.