Sales Engineer

Sales Engineer
Plainwell, MI49080

SUMMARY:

• We are a leading engineering, systems integration, and technology consulting firm located in Plainwell, Michigan, providing complete automation and control system solutions for automotive, food & beverage, water/wastewater, and other industrial sectors for over 25 years
• We are seeking an experienced Sales Engineer to join our team
• This role is responsible for developing customer relationships, architecting technically sound automation solutions, and guiding opportunities from initial engagement through project handoff. The ideal candidate combines technical depth with disciplined sales execution and earns customer trust through preparation, competence, and follow-through
• This position is not built around volume or pressure tactics. It is designed for someone who prefers thoughtful analysis, clear communication, and long-term customer relationships. Travel is generally regional and limited in frequency

ROLE OVERVIEW:

• The Sales Engineer serves as the primary technical and commercial owner of assigned opportunities
• This role spans the full pre-award lifecycleincluding opportunity identification, solution development, estimating, proposal support, and contract awardand remains engaged through project kickoff to ensure a clean transition to execution
• Success in this role depends on technical credibility, sound judgment, and the ability to balance customer needs with realistic engineering and delivery constraints

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Opportunity Development & Customer Engagement

• Develop a deep understanding of customer processes, operational challenges, and business objectives
• Identify and qualify automation and controls opportunities aligned with Perceptive Controls' technical capabilities
• Engage customers in a consultative manner to define scope, success criteria, risks, and constraints
• Build and maintain long-term customer relationships based on trust and technical competence
• Maintain a disciplined, well-documented sales pipeline

Solution Architecture & Proposal Development

• Collaborate with controls engineers and management to develop practical, well-engineered solutions
• Support the development of project estimates, technical narratives, and commercial proposals
• Clearly communicate solution assumptions, exclusions, and execution considerations to customers
• Ensure proposed solutions align with internal engineering standards and execution realities
• Participate in proposal reviews and customer clarifications as required

Lifecycle Ownership & Handoff

• Serve as the primary technical owner of opportunities from initial engagement through contract award
• Participate in internal project kickoff meetings to ensure proper scope transfer and alignment
• Maintain awareness of project progress and customer satisfaction post-award
• Support the resolution of scope clarifications or commercial issues that arise during execution
• Act as an escalation point when customer expectations and execution realities diverge

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a Sales Engineer, Controls Engineer, or technical sales role
• Strong understanding of industrial automation systems, including PLC, HMI, and SCADA platforms
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and control system architectures
• Experience with automation platforms such as Rockwell Automation, Ignition, Siemens, Wonderware, or equivalent
• Proven ability to engage both technical and non-technical customer stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Disciplined time management and ability to manage multiple active opportunities
• Methodical problem-solving approach with attention to technical and commercial accuracy
• High aptitude for learning new industries, processes, and technical platforms

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:

• Comfortable operating independently with minimal oversight
• Values preparation, clarity, and follow-through over speed or volume
• Respects the realities of engineering execution and project delivery
• Calm, professional demeanor in complex or ambiguous situations
• Motivated by long-term customer success rather than short-term wins

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Compensation commensurate with experience, technical depth, and performance
• Sales incentive structure aligned with profitable, well-executed projects
• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Long-term growth opportunity within an engineering-driven organization

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are an organization that values diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including minorities and persons with disabilities.

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