Area Sales Manager

Cognex Corporation; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognex Corporation is recruiting a Field Sales Account Manager to drive field sales of vision solutions in Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL. You will work with a district sales manager to develop account strategies, exceed quotas, and expand Cognex’s presence in strategic accounts across end users, partners, and OEMs.

The role requires a strong sales track record in industrial automation, 5–7+ years in technical sales, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of sales success in industrial automation.
• Experience selling technical products to production managers and engineers.
• 5–7+ years of technical sales experience.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Forecast and close vision solutions with end users, partners, and OEMs.
• Demonstrate products and utilize Cognex sales processes.
• Follow up on sales leads and schedule customer visits.
• Develop account strategies with the District Sales Manager and expand Cognex presence in strategic accounts.
• Coordinate with Sales and Product Marketing on cross-functional opportunities.

Skills

Sales leadership

Territory management

Account management

Relationship building

Negotiation

Product knowledge

Education

Technical degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Cognex is the largest, most successful and recognized global player in industrial machine vision! We are a financially strong, international company with no debt and have been in business for over 40 years. Using advanced optics, image sensors and artificial intelligence software Cognex vision and ID systems capture an image then analyze it to make sense of what’s being seen. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment, guided by our "Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast" culture, which celebrates employee innovation, determination, and dedication in a dynamic, fun, and distinctive atmosphere.

Position Overview

This position is responsible for the field sales of Cognex Vision Solutions. This is a sales role for a defined territory and/or set of end users, partners, and OEMs. While the primary focus is on vision opportunities, the Account Manager is responsible for ensuring that the entire sensor portfolio is sold within strategic accounts. The employee will work closely with the District Sales Manager to develop account strategies and tactics and will be responsible for exceeding an assigned quota while expanding Cognex’s presence within existing and newly identified accounts. In addition, this position will collaborate with Sales and Product Marketing teams on strategic opportunities where cross‑functional engagement is required to secure business. The successful candidate will embody Cognex’s core values, including Work Hard, Play Hard and Move Fast. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed by management.

Territory & Leadership

Territory: Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL

Leadership Responsibility: 8 direct reports (3 TSEs and 5 ASEs)

Essential Functions

• Properly forecast and close vision solutions with end users, partners, and OEMs.
• Effectively demonstrate products and utilize the Burn Grass/Delta Sell sales process.
• Follow up on sales leads and schedule customer visits.
• Work closely with the Sensor Sales Engineer to ensure all Cognex products are sold into strategic accounts.
• Generate and pass sensor opportunities to the Sensor Sales Engineer.
• Partner with ASPs to ensure they are properly trained on positioning and selling Cognex products.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans for vision and sensor solutions within Most Wanted Accounts.
• Utilize the 6 Bullets sales process to win large strategic opportunities.
• Conduct product and solution demonstrations at customer sites.
• Collaborate with counterparts in other territories on multi‑territory opportunities.
• Follow up on customer inquiries, understand requirements, and differentiate Cognex solutions.
• Assist at trade shows and marketing events.
• Coordinate evaluations with the Applications Engineering team.
• Maintain project information within SalesBook.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Proven track record of sales success within industrial automation. Demonstrated success in a solutions‑based sales environment. Consistent use of a structured sales process to exceed targets. Strong PC proficiency and working knowledge of Microsoft Windows applications. Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively. Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Technical degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven sales experience with a history of exceeding sales targets.
• Experience selling technical products and solutions to production managers and engineers.
• 5‑7+ years of technical sales experience, ideally within machine vision, industrial automation, sensors, or related technologies.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cognex is an equal opportunity employer. Cognex evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

WE MAKE COMPUTERS THAT CAN SEE. Cognex is the largest, most successful and most recognized global player in industrial machine vision. Using advanced optics, image sensors, and artificial intelligence software Cognex vision and ID systems capture an image, then analyze it to make sense of what’s being seen. Companies use Cognex vision and ID in their manufacturing processes to improve product quality, guide assembly robots, and track items through each stage of production and distribution. Cognex is focused entirely on solving the toughest problems in industrial machine vision and ID, and we have sold more solutions in these areas than any other company in the world. More than a billion products are made each day using Cognex vision. The only thing smarter than our vision and ID systems are the people that stand behind them. One of them could be you!