What does a Sales Engineer do?
Sales Engineers are a key part of the sales team for a technically complex product or service. They often work in business-to-business sales, outfitting other companies with equipment and technology to improve their operations, optimize customer satisfaction and increase profits. Sales Engineers meet with sales leads and customers to discuss how their products can fulfill the consumer’s technical needs.
Sales Engineers may lead a sales team of Salespeople who rely on the Sales Engineers to understand customer specifications and recommend the correct products. Sales Engineers develop materials to explain different aspects of a product and describe the benefits of making a purchase, for both the consumer and the sales team.
Sales Engineer skills and qualifications
In order to perform well in their fields, Sales Engineers need to be directly involved in the product’s technological or scientific development process. Here are some of the top skills and qualifications a Sales Engineer uses:
- Reliable technical background
- Good marketing skills and business sense
- Ability to work with others as a team
- Ability to build client relationships easily
- Analytical ability and great problem-solving skills
- Presentation skills and ability to convey product value
- High-level organizational skills for maintaining sales territory
- Self-confidence to support persuasion and sales efforts
Sales Engineer salary expectations
The average salary for a Sales Engineer is $114,587 per year. Salary may depend on the level of experience, education and the geographical location. Sales Engineers can also earn an average of $20,000 per year in commissions. The typical tenure for this position is one to three years.
Sales Engineer education and training requirements
Sales Engineers should have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, but in some cases advanced levels of experience and training within a company can replace the educational requirement. Most Sales Engineers are required to work independently as salespeople. Therefore, the position often requires a mentor who is familiar with the company culture, procedures and customers. Many Sales Engineers complete continuous training to keep their knowledge of technical subjects up-to-date.
Sales Engineer experience requirements
Prospective Sales Engineers should get ample sales experience before applying for a Sales Engineering job. To make sales, Sales Engineers need to understand the market as much as they may understand your products. They must also possess a track record of marketing complex enterprise solutions.
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