Sales Engineer Career Path

Sales Engineer Career Path

Do you find yourself searching “sales engineer jobs near me” or “what is the best sales engineer career path” only to find an overload of outdated information? We’ve got you covered. Here at NCW, we’re always looking for someone to get the job done and we’re here to help you along the way.   

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growth YOY in employment from 2021 to 2031
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sales engineer median annual wage
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positions will open each year on average.

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See if you check the boxes to be a great Sales Engineer:

Technical Knowledge

Your expertise as a sales engineer empowers you to effectively communicate your product or service features, capabilities, integration points, and why it surpasses the competition. This enhances your ability to respond to customer inquiries with assurance, leading to higher sales and goals that are met.

Analytical & Problem-Solving

You are perceptive, recognize primary elements and patterns, and formulate an optimal solution within a specified time frame. As a problem-solver you are probably a fan of brainstorming, identifying patterns, evaluating data, and offering the best solutions to fit customer needs.

Project Management 

You provide customers with a demonstration of a specific product or service and run proofs-of-concept (POCs) to show its value and promote the benefits it offers. In addition, as a project manager, you would monitor progress on the POCs and associated tasks and ensure plans remain current.
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Sales Engineer Job Overview

We think you have what it takes to be a sales engineer, do you? 

Sales engineers are an essential piece of the puzzle that is industrial automation. They are regularly found in most B2B organizations that offer advanced scientific and technological goods and services. Supporting high-tech sales, sales engineers present cutting-edge solutions that remedy complex business challenges and production hindrances in automated or manufacturing operations. 

Key requirements to be a great sales engineer:

Keep an eye out for changes – every job posting is different, and every employer has their preferences. Here are the basic roles and responsibilities in every sales engineer job description: 

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Preparing & Developing

Technical presentations to explain a company’s products or service offerings to customers.

Processing & Logging

Client feedback and evaluating the data to create new sales and marketing strategies to target new customers.

Collaborating

With sales teams to understand customer requirements: provide adequate technical knowledge and sales support.

Researching & Modifying

Products/Service improvements to meet customers’ technical requirements and needs.

Provide Coaching

To sales associates to enhance their product knowledge, technical acumen, and technical sales skills.

Analytical

Utilize analytical, process, and/or technical skills to meet project objectives within the project scope.

Unsure of next steps to become a Sales Engineer? We’ve got you:

Getting Started
A Few Years In
Ramping Up
The Future

Bachelor's degrees in these fields are the most common starting point:

Civil Engineering, Electrical engineering, Mechanical engineering, Computer Science, and Business (Sales and/or Marketing)

Earn Certifications

You can take many sales engineering courses to get certifications that showcase your knowledge and skill. Here are a few that you should consider: Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP), Engineer in Training Certification (EIT), Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), & Sales Management

Gain Experience

There is no replacement for professional experience and taking the time to advance your technical skills/knowledge. Once you spend several years as a sales engineer, you can decide if you want to move into a more technical or sales-oriented sales engineer role. Here are a few technical sales engineer career options to consider below: Subject Matter Expert (SME), Solution Architect, Systems Engineers (SE), & Product Evangelist

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations offer development and networking opportunities with other professionals in your field. Joining an organization shows you are committed to your profession and actively committed to your career development. A few sales engineering organizations are listed below: National Sales Network (NSN), North American Association of Sales Engineers (NAASE), & National Society of Sales Engineers (NSSE)

Here are some trends we’ve noticed in the industry:

Keeping Up with Industry Trends: Insights into Sales Engineer Jobs, Hiring, and Related Roles

01

Sales Technology 

Most sales engineers must have some experience and understanding of sales technology, such as CRM software, SFA systems, lead generation software, and contact management platforms. These tools are used daily for sales tracking, funnel management, and communication. 

02

Industry Profile

More companies are starting to prioritize hiring sales engineers (employment industry trends). Research sales engineer positions in various industries such as industrial automation, computer science, manufacturing, and construction. Identify the types of companies you want to work for to get started!

03

Related Jobs

Once you start your career as a sales engineer there are several related jobs to consider: 

Job Titles Similar to Sales Engineer:

  • Solutions Engineer 
  • Solutions Consultant 
  • Application Engineer 
  • Sales Engineering Manager 
  • Director of Sales Engineering 

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So, how much can you earn?

Let's Talk Sales Engineer Salary

A sales engineer’s salary can range between $72,000-$200,000 based on factors like education, experience, and technical expertise. We know that’s a big range, and we know how daunting it can feel starting out.

Here’s the breakdown:    

Entry-level avg. salary: $78,000 

Mid-level avg. salary: $110,000 

Senior-level avg. salary: $136,000 

These five states have the highest sales engineering salaries:  

  1. Virginia: $110,699/avg salary 
  2. California: $107,495/avg salary 
  3. Maryland: $104,108/avg salary 
  4. New York: $102,985/avg salary 
  5. Arizona: $98,117/avg salary 

 

Want to see how much you could earn in a Sales Engineer role? Reach out today to speak with a recruiter!

Unsure of next steps to become a Project Engineer?

We're Here to Help!

Let us show you why NCW should be a part of your journey to becoming a sales engineer:

We specialize in helping sales engineer professionals find their dream roles. Do you have technical knowledge, project management, and analytical and problem-solving skills? If so, we are here to help you find your next job as a sales engineer. Have another specialty? Don’t worry, we do more than hire for sales engineering jobs, so let us know how we can help you.    

Our recruiters have years of experience working with top talent, just like you. Our goal is to get to know you, understand your aspirations, chat through your experience, and connect you with a position that aligns with your wants and needs.    

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