Technical sales engineer: Job description

Technical sales engineers combine technical knowledge with sales skills to provide advice and support on a range of products. Clients are usually technical staff from non-retail organisations, such as factories, public utility providers, local authorities and hospitals. The emphasis of the work varies depending on the level of technical knowledge needed to sell a particular product or service.

Technical sales engineers are a key point of contact for clients and provide both pre- and after-sales advice. They liaise regularly with other members of the sales team and colleagues from a range of departments, such as research, development, design, purchasing, production and quality, as well as senior company managers.

Typical work activities

Tasks typically involve:

• searching for new clients who might benefit from company products or services and maximising client potential in designated regions;
• developing long-term relationships with clients through managing and interpreting their requirements;
• persuading clients that a product or service best satisfies their needs in terms of quality, price and delivery;
• negotiating tender and contract terms and conditions to meet both client and company needs;
• calculating client quotations and administering client accounts;
• providing pre-sales technical assistance and product education, and after-sales support services;
• analysing costs and sales;
• preparing reports for head office;
• meeting regular sales targets and coordinating sales projects;
• supporting marketing activities by attending trade shows, conferences and other marketing events;
• making technical presentations and demonstrating how a product meets client needs;
• liaising with other members of the sales team and other technical experts;
• helping in the design of custom-made products;
• providing training and producing support material for other members of the sales team.