Sales Engineer
8a07ff9c-2520-4edb-a116-ba37cb0da0f2:19000101_000001 · San Jose, CA, US ·
- Category
- Solutions engineering
- Experience
- 4+ years
POSITION SUMMARY:
Polycorp is seeking a highly motivated and technically capable Sales Engineer to support aggressive growth initiatives across the Aerospace, Defense, Space, Naval, Energy, and Industrial markets. This role serves as a key commercial and technical interface between customers, engineering, manufacturing, and executive leadership. The Sales Engineer will be responsible for developing new business opportunities, supporting existing strategic accounts, identifying new applications for Polycorp's engineered elastomer solutions, and driving long-term revenue growth. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical sales skills, excellent communication abilities, and experience selling engineered materials, rubber compounds, molded components, thermal insulation systems, or specialty manufacturing solutions into highly regulated industries. The Sales Engineer will work directly under the Commercial Director and serve as a critical contributor to Polycorp's strategic growth objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Business Development
- Identify and develop new revenue opportunities within Aerospace, Defense, Space, Missile
- Systems, Naval Defense, Industrial, and Energy markets.
- Build relationships with engineering, sourcing, program management, and executive decision makers.
- Develop strategic account plans for key growth customers.
- Execute customer acquisition campaigns and targeted account penetration strategies.
- Identify and qualify new opportunities through customer visits, trade shows, industry events, referrals, and market intelligence.
- Support long-term sales growth objectives and annual budget targets.
Customer Engagement
- Conduct extensive customer visits throughout North America.
- Perform Lunch & Learn presentations for engineering and procurement organizations.
- Establish strong customer relationships at all levels including:
- Engineers
- Program Managers
- Commodity Managers
- Sourcing Teams
- Supplier Quality Teams
- Executive Leadership
- Lead voice-of-customer initiatives to identify emerging requirements and market opportunities.
- Present Polycorp capabilities to prospective customers and strategic partners.
Technical Sales Support
- Understand customer requirements and recommend technical elastomer solutions.
- Collaborate with Technology, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.
- Assist customers with:
o Material selection
o Compound development
o Design considerations
o Qualification testing
o Program transitions
- Translate technical requirements into quotations and commercial proposals.
- Support technical reviews, supplier audits, and customer qualification activities
CRM & Pipeline Management
- Maintain complete and accurate customer records within the company CRM platform.
- Track opportunities through all stages of the sales funnel.
- Develop and maintain:
o Opportunity pipelines
o Sales forecasts
o Customer contact databases
o Competitive intelligence reports
- Provide accurate monthly forecasting and business updates.
- Generate account-development plans for strategic growth targets.
Strategic Market Development
Develop opportunities within:
- Space Launch Systems
- Missile & Rocket Propulsion
- Defense Systems
- Naval Applications
- Acoustic & Vibration Control
- Thermal Protection Systems
- Industrial OEM Markets
- Alternative Energy
- Additional markets, as identified
Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies to support Polycorp's strategic growth initiatives.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with the following:
- Elastomers and rubber compounds
- Aerospace materials
- Thermal insulation systems
- Missile and space systems
- Composite materials
- Precision molding
- Industrial manufacturing
- Defense contracting
- ITAR-regulated environments
- Government and military programs
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: (Education, Experience, Certificates/Licenses)
- Minimum of 4 Year College degree. (Business or Engineering preferred)
- Minimum 5-10 years of experience in sales, or engineering related field required
- Strong Technical aptitude beneficial. Must be mechanically inclined and able to understand technical prints and drawings.
- Deep knowledge of Aerospace, Space and Defense Customer requirements and sales cycle.
- Knowledge of rubber processing (compounding through part production)
- Commercial Skills
o Consultative selling
o Negotiation
o Strategic account management
o Territory development
o Relationship building
o Opportunity qualification
o Proposal development
o Business growth planning
- Technical Skills
o Ability to communicate effectively with engineers and technical teams.
o Understanding of material science concepts.
o Ability to interpret specifications, drawings, and technical requirements.
o Familiarity with manufacturing processes and quality systems.
- CRM & Business Systems
o Salesforce, HubSpot, Dynamics, or similar CRM experience.
o Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.
o Forecasting and pipeline management.
o Data-driven account planning.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to successfully complete all required background screening
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The role primarily operates in an office setting with occasional interaction in a warehouse environment.
The position requires:
- Office Environment:
o Regular use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing systems
o Long periods of sitting, typing, analyzing and reviewing documents and spreadsheets
- Warehouse Environment:
o Occasional visits to warehouse and production areas
o Exposure to varying temperatures (heat included), noise levels, dust, chemicals and moving equipment
o Ability to walk, stand, and navigate warehouse aisles safely
- Physical Requirements:
o Ability to lift and carry items up to 20 pounds occasionally
o Frequent sitting and computer work for extended periods
o Ability to wear PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes)
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- This position requires:
o 50-60% travel throughout North America.
o Frequent customer visits to East Coast, West Coast and Midwest USA.
o Trade show attendance.
o Industry conference participation.
o Ability to travel on short notice when required.