Sales Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the role of sales engineers has never been more critical.

As the global marketplace expands and becomes increasingly competitive, the demand for skilled professionals who can drive sales, understand complex technological products, and bridge the gap between technical teams and clients continues to surge.

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

Whether you are:

A job seeker curious about the intricacies of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply interested in the dynamic world of sales engineering,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Contents show

Sales Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Sales Engineers use their technical skills and sales acumen to sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses.

They have a deep understanding of the products and services they sell and can articulate the scientific and technological aspects in a way that a potential customer can understand.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

Develop comprehensive knowledge of the products or services being sold
Present and explain the technical aspects of the product or service to potential customers
Collaborate with sales teams to understand customer requirements and provide sales support
Plan and modify products or services to meet customer needs
Prepare and deliver technical presentations that explain products or services to customers and prospective customers
Confer with customers and engineers to assess equipment needs and to determine system requirements
Create and propose customized solutions that meet clients’ needs and boost sales
Help clients solve problems with installed equipment
Recommend improved materials or machinery to customers, showing how changes will lower costs or increase production
Secure and renew orders and arrange delivery

Sales Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a results-driven Sales Engineer to provide product and service solutions to our clients.

This position includes understanding customer needs, providing appropriate solutions, and presenting technical and complex product information to clients.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background, excellent interpersonal skills, and a passion for sales.

The role of the Sales Engineer is to establish and maintain positive customer relationships by providing exceptional customer service and technical expertise.

Responsibilities

Identify current and future customer requirements by establishing relationships with potential customers
Prepare and deliver technical presentations explaining products or services to customers and prospective customers
Collaborate with sales teams to understand customer requirements, provide sales support, and sell the benefits of our products
Recommend improved materials or machinery to customers, showing how changes will lower costs or increase production
Help clients solve problems with installed equipment
Secure and renew orders and arrange delivery
Plan and modify product configurations to meet customer needs
Provide technical and non-technical support and services to clients or other staff members regarding the use, operation, and maintenance of equipment

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Sales Engineer
Proven track record of sales excellence
Ability to forge strong, long-lasting relationships with senior executives
Ability to creatively explain and present complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent presentation and creativity skills
Willingness to travel
BA/BS degree or equivalent, preferably in a related field

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities
Commission-based bonuses

Additional Information

Job Title: Sales Engineer
Work Environment: Office setting with frequent travel. Remote work may be possible depending on client needs.
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: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum, excluding commissions
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 Sales Engineer Do?

Sales Engineers typically work for businesses in the technology or industrial sector where complex systems and services are being sold.

They can also work as independent consultants or representatives for a specific company.

Their role is to understand the customer’s needs and to propose the appropriate solutions, products or services that the company offers.

They work closely with the sales team and the technical department to ensure a seamless transition from sales prospecting to closing the deal.

Sales Engineers often provide technical explanations or demonstrations of products to the customers, and they may also need to respond to technical queries or concerns raised by potential customers.

In addition to sales, they are often responsible for the post-sales support, helping with the installation and maintenance of products, or providing training for the customers.

Sales Engineers also provide feedback to the product development teams, informing them about customer needs, market trends and competition, which in turn helps in the development and enhancement of products or services.

Their main goal is to secure sales by convincing the customers about the technical superiority and applicability of their company’s products or services.

Sales Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Sales Engineers leverage their technical knowledge and sales skills to provide solutions to customers, including:

Strong technical understanding to be able to explain complex technical concepts to customers in an understandable and compelling manner.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build strong, long-term relationships with customers, understand their needs, and present the best possible solutions.
Problem-solving abilities to identify and address customer challenges, using technical knowledge and creativity to devise effective solutions.
Customer service skills to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and maintain a positive company reputation.
Ability to perform demonstrations of products or services to potential customers, using persuasive sales techniques to highlight the benefits and value of the product.
Excellent negotiation skills to reach agreement with customers on price, delivery and specifications.
Time management skills to effectively handle multiple tasks, prioritize duties, and meet sales targets within strict deadlines.
Knowledge of the market and competitors, to identify opportunities for growth and stay ahead of industry trends.

Sales Engineer Experience Requirements

Sales Engineers often have a background in engineering or a related field, with several years of experience in a technical role.

This can range from 2 to 5 years of experience, depending on the complexity of the products or services being sold.

Entry-level candidates may have gained some experience through internships or part-time roles in technical sales, customer service, or in a technical role related to the product or service of the company.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience generally have a solid grasp on both the technical and sales aspects of their role.

They have likely developed their skills in customer engagement, product demonstration, and have honed their ability to translate complex technical concepts into easily understandable terms.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a proven sales track record and may have experience leading a sales team or managing key accounts.

They may also have gained significant industry-specific knowledge and built strong relationships with key clients or partners.

Advanced roles often require a combination of technical expertise, sales acumen, and leadership ability, making a background in both sales and engineering ideal for a Sales Engineer.

Sales Engineer Education and Training Requirements

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

They need to possess a strong technical background, preferably with a focus on the product or service they will be selling.

Familiarity with scientific and technological principles related to the product is crucial.

In addition to technical knowledge, they should also have a solid understanding of business and marketing principles.

This allows them to effectively demonstrate the value of their product or service to potential clients and to develop effective sales strategies.

Some positions, particularly those in highly technical or specialized fields, may require Sales Engineers to have a master’s degree in a specific engineering discipline or an MBA.

Sales Engineers can also benefit from obtaining certification in sales and marketing, such as the Certified Sales Professional (CSP) or Certified Professional in Engineering Sales (CPES).

These certifications demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to their profession and their dedication to continuing education and skill development.

Extensive on-the-job training is often provided to help Sales Engineers understand the specifics of the products or services they will be selling.

This training usually involves working under the supervision of a more experienced Sales Engineer.

Continuing education is also important in this role due to the ever-changing nature of technology and the need to stay up-to-date with new products and market trends.

Sales Engineer Salary Expectations

A Sales Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $101,652 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary may differ based on factors such as industry, years of experience, specialized technical knowledge, and the location of the job.

Sales Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Sales Engineer need?

Sales Engineers should have a solid technical background to understand and explain complex information about the products or services they are selling.

They should possess excellent communication skills to express technical details in an easy-to-understand manner and to build and maintain relationships with clients.

Problem-solving, critical thinking, and presentation skills are also important for a Sales Engineer.

What is the educational requirement for a Sales Engineer?

A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field is typically required to become a Sales Engineer.

Some roles might require a master’s degree or experience in a technical field.

Sales Engineers also need to continually update their knowledge about the products or services they are selling, as well as about advancements in technology and market trends.

What should you look for in a Sales Engineer resume?

When reviewing a Sales Engineer’s resume, look for a combination of technical and sales experience.

They should have a degree in engineering or a related field and a solid understanding of the products or services your company offers.

Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a track record in sales, can indicate a successful Sales Engineer.

What qualities make a good Sales Engineer?

A good Sales Engineer is both technically knowledgeable and customer-oriented.

They have the ability to understand and explain complex technical information, while also listening to and addressing customer needs.

They are proactive, good problem solvers, and have strong negotiation skills.

Successful Sales Engineers are always eager to learn about new technologies and market trends and are able to handle pressure and meet sales targets.

Is it difficult to hire Sales Engineers?

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

They need both a deep understanding of technical products or services and the ability to sell these effectively.

Therefore, finding candidates with the right balance of technical and sales skills can be difficult.

Offering competitive salaries and continuous training opportunities can help attract and retain qualified Sales Engineers.

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the intricate details of being a sales engineer.

Guess what?

It’s not just about selling products.

It’s about fostering relationships, understanding technical products, and driving business growth, one successful sale at a time.

With our streamlined sales engineer job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to take your next step.

But don’t stop there.

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool for crafting precision-focused listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every successful sale contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s drive that growth. Together.

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