Technical Sales Engineer

ZEISS Group•Wixom, MI

About The Position

The Technical Sales Engineer is responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and communicating automated solutions for ZEISS customers. This role partners closely with Regional Sales Managers, customers, internal engineering teams, and third-party suppliers to identify customer needs and translate them into feasible, value-driven technical solutions. The Technical Sales Engineer supports the full sales lifecycle—from early concept development and budgeting through solution planning and proposal creation—and ensures a smooth handoff to Project Management and Engineering once an order is received.

Requirements

Degree in an engineering discipline is preferred, equivalent automation engineering and management work related experience may be considered
Minimum 5 years of related industry experience
Ability to communicate effectively and present technical material
Ability to create design concepts using CAD
General Electrical and Mechanical Engineering knowledge
Material Flow and value stream mapping knowledge
Robotics and automation knowledge
Control Systems and software knowledge
Ability to work in a fast paced high pressure environment
Ability to interface effectively with customers at many levels in their organizations
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent Microsoft Office skills
Excellent 3D modeling skills
Ability to travel up to 50% including international

Responsibilities

Support the sales organization throughout the entire sales process, including frequent direct interaction with customers
Act as the technical expert during customer meetings, site visits, and solution discussions
Collaborate with sales teams to develop strategies for targeting key accounts
Identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling ZEISS solutions
Conduct customer consultations, site visits, and technical discussions to understand requirements
Translate customer challenges into practical, automated technical solutions
Conduct live and virtual product demonstrations
Clearly communicate product features, benefits, and value propositions
Demonstrate how ZEISS solutions address specific customer pain points
Develop customized solution concepts aligned with customer requirements
Create design concepts using CAD
Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure technical feasibility and alignment
Build and maintain strong customer relationships as a trusted technical advisor
Support long-term customer satisfaction and loyalty through exceptional service
Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and third-party partners
Prepare detailed technical proposals, including cost estimates and timelines
Identify and coordinate with external partners to obtain third-party quotations
Ensure proposals align with customer expectations and ZEISS business objectives
Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor offerings
Leverage market insights to effectively position ZEISS solutions
Act as a liaison between Sales, Engineering, Project Management, and Product Development
Provide customer and market feedback to support continuous product improvement