In the sale of technical products such as computer hardware or software, a technical sales engineer is responsible for providing customer support. The technical sales engineer is an important part of a technology company’s sales process because he or she works directly with customers to ensure that they understand how to configure and operate the equipment. A technical sales engineer is typically responsible for providing support to the sales team, but they can also be in charge of directly selling products and services to potential clients.
A technical sales engineer’s daily tasks would include determining a potential customer’s technical requirements and configuring a solution to meet those requirements. Technical sales engineers frequently collaborate with the sales team to develop and implement a sales strategy to win a major account’s business. This person would also be in charge of demonstrating the product to potential customers and informing them of the advantages it offers. Because the sales team is often responsible for closing the sale, sales engineers are consultative in nature. Engineers are frequently required to meet with prospective customers and attend numerous sales and marketing meetings due to the customer-centric nature of this position.
Individuals seeking a position as a technical sales engineer should have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, or computer science, as well as some level of sales experience. Technical sales engineers must have a strong background in math and science due to the nature of the job. Despite the fact that this is a technical position, the person in this position is constantly in contact with customers; therefore, a technical sales engineer must have excellent interpersonal skills in order to effectively communicate the features and benefits of the company’s products and services.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for technical sales engineers is expected to increase in tandem with technological advancements. Because of the high earning potential and the possibility of receiving stock options and bonuses, technical sales engineer jobs are in high demand. Candidates for a technical sales engineer position should be able to successfully combine the technical nature of the business with the interpersonal skills required to communicate effectively and solidify relationships with potential clients.