Technical Sales Engineer / Associate Sales Engineer (Machine Vision & Optics)

Help the machines of the future see. Join a rapidly growing San Diego photonics and optics manufacturer as the technical face to key customers building robotics, industrial automation systems, and autonomous vehicles.

Role Overview

• Job Title: Technical Sales Engineer / Associate Sales Engineer (Machine Vision & Optics)
• Location: San Diego, CA (On-site in San Diego Metro Area)
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Direct Hire)
• Base Salary Range: $65,000 – $80,000 / year + Performance Bonus
• Schedule: Monday – Friday (On-site; remote/hybrid is not available)
• Reports To: Founder & CEO

Job Summary

Our client designs and manufactures precision camera lenses for computer vision and machine vision—the critical optical hardware enabling robots and autonomous systems to see our physical world.

We are seeking a Technical Sales Engineer or Associate Sales Engineer based in San Diego, CA, to build long-term relationships with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engineering teams, gather complex technical requirements, and deliver custom optical solutions that win design-ins.

Working on-site alongside the engineering and production teams in San Diego, you will operate in a high-ownership, small-team environment. This is an exceptional career-launching opportunity for an ambitious professional with a strong STEM foundation and excellent technical communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Relationship Management: Serve as the primary technical contact for inbound customer inquiries from first contact through full-scale production.
• Account Development & Prospecting: Identify, prospect, and qualify high-growth OEM accounts within the robotics, UAV/drone, industrial automation, and automotive markets.
• Technical Solution Delivery: Translate client requirements into precise optical specifications; collaborate directly with internal optical design and engineering teams on custom projects.
• Account Management: Oversee quotes, custom orders, technical documentation, and post-sale account management to drive long-term client retention.
• Industry Representation: Represent the company at major global industry trade shows and photonics conferences (e.g., SPIE Photonics West, Automate, VISION).

Qualifications & Skills

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related discipline).
• Communication: Outstanding verbal and written technical communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with customer engineering teams.
• Problem-Solving & Initiative: Self-directed mindset with strong analytical skills and a desire to troubleshoot technical issues independently.
• Organization: Proven ability to manage multiple account workflows, track client requests, and follow through on deliverables without oversight.
• Location: Must be currently based in the San Diego, CA area and available to work on-site Monday through Friday.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)

• 1+ years of experience in a technical sales, applications engineering, or customer-facing engineering role.
• Practical exposure to optical engineering, imaging sensors, cameras, photonics, machine vision, or robotics systems.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive base salary ($65k-$80k) + performance bonus structure
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick Leave, and Paid Company Holidays
• On-site amenities including a fully equipped gym and indoor golf simulator

How to Apply

To apply for this San Diego-based Sales Engineer role, submit your resume through the link on this posting.

For inquiries regarding the application process, contact The Offer Club at jobs@offerclubpartners.com.

About The Offer Club

The Offer Club is a premier recruiting and talent acquisition partner headquartered in San Diego, CA. We specialize in connecting top-tier engineering, technical, and operational talent with innovative mid-sized businesses and growth-stage companies.

The Offer Club and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.