Automation, Business Case, Business Development, Capital Project, Cold Calling Skills, Communication Skills, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Dental Insurance, Follow Through, Identify Issues, Industrial Robotics, Investment Capital, Lead Generation, Leadership, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Automation, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Needs Assessment, Negotiation Skills, Plant Management, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Pricing, Product Demonstration, Proposal Writing, Return on Investment (ROI), Revenue Growth, Robotics, Sales, Sales Cycle, Sales Management, Sales Prospecting, Sales Strategy, Sales/Support Engineering (SE), Salesforce.com, Solution Sales, Technical Delivery, Technical Presentation, Technical Sales, Value Selling, Vision Plan
Sales Engineer – Robotic Automation
Location: Wisconsin
Overview
A Wisconsin-based robotic integrator specializing in standard robotic solutions and material handling, is looking for a high-performing Sales Engineer with a hunter mentality to drive growth in its robotic integration and material handling business.
This is an active business development role, with cold calling and other means to discovering and securing project sales.
We seek someone who can identify, develop, and close new opportunities for robotic capital automation projects. This person should be comfortable on the plant floor, in the boardroom, and prospecting new customers.
This role combines technical expertise in robotics/automation with proactive outbound sales execution, owning the full sales cycle - from lead generation through project award.
You are ideally based at our Wisconsin facility, though other arrangements will be considered for the right candidate.
As a Sales Engineer, you will be responsible for understanding customer needs, providing technical solutions, and driving sales growth.
Job Duties
Business Development & Prospecting (Core Focus):
• Proactively identify and target new manufacturing customers (greenfield accounts)
• Build and execute territory and account penetration strategies
• Prospect via calls, email, networking, referrals, and industry events
• Develop relationships with decision-makers (Operations, Engineering, Plant Managers, Executives)
Technical Sales Execution:
• Diagnose customer challenges and uncover automation opportunities
• Develop robotic and material handling concepts aligned to ROI and throughput goals
• Deliver compelling technical presentations, demos, and proposals
• Collaborate with internal engineering to scope and validate solutions
Deal Ownership:
• Lead the sales process from initial contact through closing
• Build business cases and ROI justifications for capital investments
• Prepare and present proposals, pricing, and contracts
• Negotiate and close complex automation projects
Market & Strategy:
• Stay current on robotics, automation, and manufacturing trends
• Identify emerging applications and vertical opportunities
• Provide feedback to leadership on market demand and product direction
Required Qualifications
• 3+ years of experience in sales engineering/technical sales
• Proven success selling robotics, material handling, or industrial automation
• Demonstrated track record of self-generated pipeline and new business wins
Sales Capabilities:
• Strong hunter mindset with the ability to prospect and open doors
• Experience managing long sales cycles (3–12+ months) and complex deals
• Skilled in value-based selling and ROI justification
• Comfortable operating independently with high accountability
Technical Understanding:
• Industrial robotics (leading robotics brand)
• Conveyor and material handling systems
• Manufacturing processes and automation workflows
• Ability to translate technical solutions into business outcomes
Tools & Skills:
• CRM proficiency (HubSpot, Salesforce, or similar)
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• High level of organization and follow-through
Benefits:
• Competitive wage and commission program
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan including 401(k) and profit sharing