Sales Engineer

Description

Position Summary

We are seeking a technically skilled and results-driven Sales Engineer to join our team. This role bridges the gap between engineering and sales, working directly with customers to understand their metal stamping and fabrication needs, translate those needs into manufacturable solutions, and drive profitable new business growth. The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge of metal forming processes (stamping, fabrication, welding, tooling) with the relationship-building and consultative selling skills needed to win and grow accounts.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Sales & Customer Engagement

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for prospective and existing customers, guiding them from initial inquiry through quote, tooling, and production launch.

• Review customer prints, 3D models, and specifications to assess manufacturability, recommend design-for-manufacturability (DFM) improvements, and identify the optimal stamping/fabrication process.

• Develop and present technical proposals, cost estimates, and quotes in partnership with estimating and engineering teams.

• Conduct plant tours and technical presentations for customers to showcase capabilities (progressive die stamping, deep draw, laser cutting, press brake forming, welding, assembly, etc.).

Business Development

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within target markets (e.g., automotive, appliance, electrical, HVAC, agriculture, or heavy equipment).

• Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline through prospecting, trade shows, referrals, and industry networking.

• Prepare and deliver sales forecasts, account plans, and pipeline reports to management.

Account Management

• Manage existing customer relationships, ensuring satisfaction with quality, delivery, and cost expectations.

• Coordinate with production, quality, and program management teams to resolve technical or delivery issues.

• Identify opportunities for additional business within current accounts (new parts, tooling upgrades, secondary operations).

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with tool & die engineering, quality, and production teams to ensure quotes and commitments are technically and commercially sound.

• Provide voice-of-customer feedback to engineering and operations to support continuous improvement and capital investment planning.

• Support new program launches (APQP/PPAP) as the customer-facing liaison.

Qualifications

Technical Knowledge

• Solid understanding of metal stamping processes (progressive dies, transfer dies, deep draw) and/or fabrication processes (laser cutting, punching, press brake forming, welding, robotic welding).

• Familiarity with sheet metal materials (CRS, HRS, stainless, aluminum) and their forming characteristics.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and 3D CAD models.

• Working knowledge of quality systems (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, APQP/PPAP) is a plus.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong consultative selling and negotiation skills.

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple accounts and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and Microsoft Office/ERP systems.

• Self-motivated, with strong problem-solving skills and a customer-first mindset.

• Willingness to travel (typically 25–40%) to customer sites, trade shows, and industry events.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience in metal stamping/fabrication).

• 3+ years of experience in technical sales, applications engineering, or program management within metal stamping, fabrication, or a related metals manufacturing environment.