Sales Engineer

Lakeside Manufacturing is America's Premier Stainless Steel Utility Cart Manufacturer. Since 1946, Lakeside has continued to move the food service industry forward with innovative utility carts and stainless steel moving, storing, delivery, dispensing, and merchandising solutions. We look to hire people who value a positive work environment, have a passion for serving our customers, and have a desire to learn and grow. Lakeside's culture of continuous improvement values hiring individuals who are looking for the opportunity to stretch their current talents to the next level and beyond.

Lakeside is currently seeking a knowledgeable and customer-focused Sales Engineer to join our Engineering team. Under the direction of the Engineering Manager, this role provides technical sales support, customer interaction, and engineering problem-solving to meet the needs of both internal operations and external customers.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

Schedule: 5-day workweek – Monday through Friday, 8-hour shifts
Shift: 1st Shift
Travel: Some customer site visits and trade show attendance
Work Environment: Culture-forward, team-oriented, safety-first, free coffee, nice lunchroom

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve customers by identifying needs and engineering product adaptations to meet customer requirements.

• Review and interpret customer specifications and sales agreements.

• Prepare accurate cost estimates and support pricing decisions.

• Program and maintain design layouts using SolidWorks 3D; interpret AutoCAD 2D drawings.

• Visit strategic customer locations (typically once per month) to understand customer operations and identify opportunities for product solutions.

• Provide technical support for products and equipment to customers, service personnel, and sales teams.

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with fabrication, welding, and assembly departments to resolve issues and improve collaboration.

• Utilize computer-aided design techniques to perform applicable design work, including CAM programming.

• Perform engineering calculations to establish acceptable performance standards, material selection, and construction methods.

• Create clear, buildable drawings for the production team.

• Conduct investigations related to product and design development and maintain appropriate design references.

• Analyze projects for manufacturing feasibility and material costs, developing cost-effective solutions.

• Act as a technical resource for field support, addressing and resolving customer and product-related issues.

• Participate in cross-functional teams to resolve manufacturing, design, and quality challenges and drive continuous improvement.

• Stay current on industry developments, materials, and methods to improve products and designs.

• Assist in creating and managing Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).

• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and fully meet customer requirements.

• Maintain familiarity with applicable safety certification organizations such as UL, ETL, and NSF.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering preferred

• Proficiency in SolidWorks 3D; familiarity with AutoCAD software required.

• Experience creating CAM programs.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

• Strong customer interaction skills with the ability to communicate effectively with key decision-makers.

• Demonstrated leadership competencies, including confidence, influence, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines and budget requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk as required throughout the workday.

• Ability to use hands and fingers for handling, touching, and reaching.

• Ability to talk and hear effectively in office and manufacturing environments.

• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Some key advantages of working at Lakeside include: a wonderful culture, career opportunities in diverse areas, a highly competitive benefits package, including a generous 401(k) plan, profit sharing, attendance, anniversary and holiday bonuses, generous paid time off, an