What does a Technical Sales Engineer do?
Published 3 min read
A technical sales engineer is responsible for the sale of technical products and services to customers. They work with clients to identify their needs and then match them with the right product or service. Technical sales engineers typically have a background in engineering or a related field.
Technical Sales Engineer job duties include:
- Act as the technical expert in sales presentations and calls
- Understand customer technical requirements and match them with company products
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers
- Provide input on product development based on customer feedback
- Train customers on how to use company products
- Assist customers with troubleshooting issues
- Generate leads for new business opportunities
- Write proposals for potential projects
- Attend trade shows and conferences
Technical Sales Engineer Job Requirements
A technical sales engineer typically has a bachelor's degree in engineering, although a degree in business or a related field is also acceptable. In addition to formal education, employers often require candidates to have several years of experience working in technical sales or a related field. Certification from the National Institute of Sales Engineering may also be required.
Technical Sales Engineer Skills
- Communication
- Presentation
- Negotiation
- Solution Selling
- Technical Expertise
- Product Knowledge
- Industry Knowledge
- Competitive Analysis
- Customer Needs Analysis
- Value Proposition Development
- Business Acumen
- Relationship Management
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How to become a Technical Sales Engineer
A technical sales engineer is a professional who uses their engineering knowledge to sell products or services. They are responsible for understanding the technical aspects of the products or services they are selling and for providing support to customers. Technical sales engineers typically work in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology.
To become a technical sales engineer, you will need to have a strong background in engineering. A bachelor’s degree in engineering is typically required, although some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. It is also important to have excellent communication and customer service skills.
Once you have the necessary education and skills, you can begin applying for jobs in technical sales. Many companies will require you to take a sales aptitude test as part of the application process. Once you are hired, you will receive training on the specific products or services you will be selling.
As you gain experience in technical sales, you may advance to a senior-level position or become a manager. With further experience and education, you could also become a technical sales consultant or start your own engineering consulting firm.
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