CNC Tooling Sales and Application Engineer

Kennametal, Inc.•North West Houston, TX

About The Position

Kennametal is seeking a machinist or programmer with hands-on machining and CNC programming experience to transition into a professional sales role. The position drives metal-cutting tool sales growth with new and established direct and indirect customers by managing relationships, providing technical direction and support, and improving customer productivity. It combines technical knowledge with sales skills to achieve targets, build territory presence, and develop a sales pipeline. The engineer works with internal sales and support professionals to address customer initiatives and technical needs, including CNC machining, milling, and lathe applications. The role is based from a home office within the assigned territory, with 80% or more of the week spent in the field at customer locations. The employee must be located in the territory supported. A company vehicle is provided, along with a compensation package that includes base salary and performance-based bonus. Benefits begin on the first day.

Requirements

At least 3 years of related CNC machining industry experience.
Proficiency in product knowledge, applications, and troubleshooting, with the ability to tailor solutions to customer needs.
Solid understanding of industry dynamics and the ability to align product solutions with customer needs and industry trends.
Competence in a range of sales techniques, including advanced objection handling and closing strategies, with the ability to adapt to different customer types.
Ability to independently execute strategic sales plans, contribute to strategy development, and meet targets through effective planning.
Critical-thinking, presentation, and administrative skills.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
Customer-focused mindset and a passion for problem-solving and delivering exceptional service.
Attention to detail to manage contract review and discuss project specifications.
Creativity and persuasiveness, with the ability to think tactically and strategically.
Ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
Must be located in the territory supported.

Nice To Haves

Technical degree or degree in Business, Manufacturing, and/or Engineering.
1–2 years of technical sales and/or application experience.

Responsibilities

Meet or exceed revenue targets by providing metal-cutting solutions that address customer needs and objectives.
Generate, qualify, and manage sales leads, prospects, and new customer accounts.
Manage the complete sales process, including prospecting, qualification, consultative sales meetings, product demonstrations, pricing, negotiations, and sourcing.
Develop and execute strategic territory plans to achieve revenue goals, with a focus on new product sales.
Respond promptly to customers’ pre-sales technical and commercial questions.
Maintain current customer and project records in CRM to support a healthy sales pipeline.
Collaborate with internal sales and support professionals, including Application Engineers, Channel Partner Representatives, and Inside Sales.
Conduct online and onsite demonstrations of metal-cutting products tailored to customer needs.
Conduct pre-sales workshops, webinars, and other online or onsite territory events.
Represent and promote Kennametal at territory tradeshows, conferences, and other events.
Analyze complex application needs and recommend tooling and application testing to deliver customer cost savings.
Prepare and present progress, status, and forecasting reports.