Synonyms: Technical Sales Specialist, Solutions Engineer

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become a Sales Engineer
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Jacob

Quick Facts

What sales engineers do:

Sales engineers combine technical knowledge with sales skills to sell complex products and services to businesses. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and demonstrate how a product can solve specific problems, providing technical presentations and expertise to close sales.

Median income:

$116,950 annually $56.23 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Sales engineers typically work full-time, balancing time between office work, meetings, and traveling to client sites. Their schedules can vary, often requiring flexibility for client appointments.

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree is typically required along with sales training.

Job Outlook

The future for sales engineers is bright, having a projected growth of 6% which is faster than average for all occupations.

This is perfect for you if:

• You enjoy working with both technology and people
• You enjoy solving complex problems
• You’re good at persuading and negotiating
• You love providing value to people

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Jacob Broussard to learn more about being a sales engineer here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Sales engineers work a mix of standard office hours and flexible hours to accommodate client meetings and product demonstrations. Travel is often required to visit client locations.

Setting:

Works in offices, client sites, or remotely. Sales engineers frequently collaborate with sales teams, engineers, and product managers.

Tasks:

Understand client needs, prepare and deliver technical presentations, assist with product installations, support sales teams, provide detailed product information, and follow up with customers to ensure satisfaction.

Topics:

Product features, technical specifications, client needs analysis, competitive analysis, market trends, solution customization, sales strategy, client presentations, project feasibility, and customer service.

Skills:

Technical expertise in the relevant field, strong communication and presentation skills, relationship building, problem-solving, time management, and customer service.

Tools:

Customer relationship management (CRM) software, presentation software (PowerPoint), product demonstration kits, project management tools, and industry-specific software for technical analysis.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Strong technical aptitude, ability to translate complex technical information into simple terms, strong interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and adaptability.

Interests:

Enjoys understanding and explaining technical products, solving customer challenges, working with clients to find solutions, keeping up with industry innovations, and contributing to both technical and sales efforts.

Personality:

Typically have enterprising, investigative, and social personality types, with a passion for technology, a strategic approach to sales, and an interest in building client relationships.

Values:

Client satisfaction, technical innovation, providing solutions, teamwork, and continuous learning.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become a Sales Engineer

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field is typically required. Sales experience or sales training is also highly beneficial for a successful career.

Preferred Majors

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

Advice from Jacob

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

You must market yourself effectively—technical skills alone aren’t enough. Build a valuable network. In sales, many roles require you to find clients, solve problems, and build relationships. Be friendly, helpful, and always do what’s right. Your reputation is everything, and integrity matters most.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

It’s to network – find someone you know in the field who can vouch for you, as referrals carry a lot of weight. If you don’t have connections, consider specific recruiters or staffing agencies that focus on your target industry. Veterans have many opportunities in oil and gas, as the industry is very veteran-friendly. Consulting firms and staffing agencies are also good options. Focus on leveraging any connections or finding specialized support to get your foot in the door.

Recommended resources:

1. SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers)
2. API (American Petroleum Institute)
3. AADE (American Association of Drilling Engineers)
4. Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning may offer oil and gas-related courses.
5. Continuing Education Programs: Check local universities or technical colleges that offer certifications in oil and gas or engineering.
6. Well Control School

What Jacob would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:

“Don’t stress out as much as I did when I was starting. It’s all gonna be okay. The next day will come. Do the next right thing, and it’ll all work out. Whether good or bad, it’ll work out. Maintain your integrity.”

Watch the full interview with Jacob:

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 02 October 2024.

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