CNC Tooling Sales and Application Engineer

Kennametal, Inc.•Wichita, KS

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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

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, and 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.
Strong 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 excellent service.
Attention to detail when reviewing contracts and discussing project specifications.
Creative and persuasive, with the ability to think tactically and strategically.
Collaborative approach and ability to work effectively across departments.

Nice To Haves

Technical degree or degree in business, manufacturing, or engineering.
1–2 years of technical sales and/or application experience.
Hands-on machining and CNC programming experience.

Responsibilities

Meet or exceed revenue targets by providing metal-cutting solutions that address customers’ needs and objectives and reflect market trends.
Generate, qualify, and manage sales leads, prospects, and new customer accounts.
Manage the sales process, including prospecting, qualification, consultative sales meetings, product demonstrations, pricing, terms 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 the CRM to support a healthy sales pipeline.
Collaborate with internal sales and support professionals, including Application Engineers, Channel Partner Representatives, and Inside Sales, to provide a positive end-to-end customer experience.
Conduct online and onsite demonstrations of metal-cutting products tailored to customers’ needs.
Lead pre-sales workshops, webinars, and other online or onsite territory events.
Represent and promote Kennametal at territory tradeshows, conferences, and other events.
Analyze complex applications and conduct tooling and application testing to identify cost savings and support customer business needs.
Prepare and present progress, status, and forecasting reports.