Sales Application Engineer – Food Processing Equipment & Automation

About the Role: This Sales Application Engineer role is ideal for a technically minded professional with experience in industrial automation, food processing equipment, or product management. The position combines technical product expertise, customer engagement, and commercial strategy to support the development and growth of automation solutions. Candidates should have experience translating customer needs into technical requirements, evaluating market opportunities, and collaborating with engineering and sales teams. The role can be based in the United States, with preference for candidates in the Greater Chicago area. Approximately 50% travel is required, with minimal but occasional international travel.

Key Responsibilities: Evaluate customer needs, market trends, and competitive solutions to identify growth opportunities. Translate customer requirements into product specifications and technical solutions. Collaborate with engineering, sales, marketing, and service teams to support product development. Support product positioning, pricing strategies, and commercial growth initiatives. Coordinate product launches, lifecycle management, and continuous improvement efforts. Support sales teams with technical product knowledge and application guidance. Assess product performance, customer feedback, and market opportunities. Support international product adaptation and compliance with applicable industry standards.

Qualifications: 3–5 years of experience in product management, ideally within a technical or industrial environment.3–5 years of experience in industrial automation. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; an MBA is a plus. Background in mechanical engineering, automation, plant engineering, or complex equipment applications. Food processing or related manufacturing industry experience preferred. Strong technical aptitude and ability to bridge customer requirements with engineering solutions. Familiarity with product roadmaps, requirements management, and product lifecycle tools. Knowledge of relevant industry standards, including food safety and international compliance requirements.