Technical Sales Engineer

Technical Sales Engineer - Development ProgramAbout the CompanyOur client is one of the largest industrial parts washer manufacturers in the United States, with over 60 years of experience. They design and manufacture aqueous cleaning systems for aerospace, automotive, ammunition, and medical device manufacturers. This is a well-established, veteran-friendly company backed by private equity, known for its team-first culture and commitment to developing talent. They promote based on performance and potential, not tenure, with many leaders in their 30s.About the RoleThis is a development program designed for technically capable individuals who want to transition into a technical sales career. This is NOT an immediate sales role. You will spend your initial phase (milestone-based, not time-based) building deep product knowledge and customer understanding through hands-on training with engineers, service teams, and field sales.Think of it as an apprenticeship: learn the equipment inside and out, understand customer applications, and gradually take on sales responsibilities. Once you complete the program, you will own your own territory and build customer relationships in manufacturing industries.LocationTraining Phase: Springfield, Missouri (or travel there 1-2 weeks per month if remote)After Training: Field-based in Midwest, Texas, or Southeast (you choose where you live within these regions)Travel: ~3 days per week to customer manufacturing facilities after trainingall travel expenses covered by the companyWhat You'll Do During TrainingTravel to customer manufacturing sites to understand their cleaning challenges and equipment needsWork alongside field engineers and service technicians to learn how the systems workSupport sales teams with technical questions and application designLearn consultative selling techniques (Wilson Learning Counselor Sales Process)Learn internal CRM systems, quoting tools, and design software (Autodesk Inventor)Participate in customer demonstrations and equipment testingAssist with aftermarket services, parts identification, and basic modificationsWhat You'll Do After Training (Full Sales Role)Own a territory in the Midwest, Texas, or SoutheastVisit manufacturing customers to diagnose their parts cleaning challengesDesign custom equipment solutions and present proposalsBuild long-term customer relationships and close salesExpand accounts with aftermarket services (spare parts, maintenance, refurbishments)Travel approximately 3 days per week to customer sitesWho We're Looking ForYou don't need an engineering degree or sales experience. We're looking for someone with mechanical aptitude, curiosity, and hunger to learn. Maybe you:Worked on cars, motorcycles, or machinery as a hobby or jobStarted in engineering but realized you want more customer interactionHave a technical support or field service backgroundGrew up working with your hands (farm, construction, welding, fabrication)Are transitioning from military with technical trainingHad side hustles or sales exposure (even college sales jobs count)Must HaveStrong mechanical or technical aptitude (hands-on experience counts more than degrees)High drive and motivation (you want to prove yourself and succeed)Excellent communication and people skillsWillingness to travel frequently (3 days/week after training)US citizenship (required due to company partnerships)Curiosity and eagerness to learnAbility to work independently and take ownershipNice to HaveMilitary background (especially service academy graduates)Previous sales experience of any kindManufacturing industry exposureEngineering or technical support backgroundEntrepreneurial experienceCompensationBase Salary During Training: $60,000 - $65,000 (adjusted based on experience)Base Salary After Training: $60,000 - $70,000Commission: 1.5% - 2.5% (uncapped)On-Target Earnings (OTE): $71,000 - $81,000+ with strong performance upsideFull benefits: health, dental, vision, 401k match, life insurance, paid holidays, vacationGrowth OpportunityThis is a ground-floor opportunity. You would be one of the first in this program. If successful, you could build out a team and lead other sales engineers as the company expands. Direct access to leadership and clear path to advancement based on results.Ideal CandidateSomeone who likes solving problems, enjoys working with both machines and people, and wants to build a career in technical sales. You're comfortable getting your hands dirty during training, but also excited about the business side: understanding customer needs, building relationships, and closing deals. You're motivated, reliable, and ready to travel to win business.