Controls Outside Sales Engineer

association of engineering companies; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The association of engineering companies is seeking a Sales Engineer to drive business growth in HVAC Controls. You will build strong relationships with owners, engineers, and contractors, delivering technical expertise and innovative solutions.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with at least 3 years of HVAC Sales experience. You will manage projects from opportunity through execution while ensuring customer satisfaction. Join our team to make a significant impact!

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in HVAC Sales.
• Strong understanding of ASHRAE recommendations and HVAC industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with consulting engineers and contractors.
• Promote AEC’s controls product lines effectively.
• Prepare quotations and pricing in coordination with internal teams.

Skills

HVAC Sales

Technical aptitude

Customer service

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

For more than 75 years, Air Equipment Company has been solving the toughest HVAC challenges with smart, reliable solutions. We partner with over 45 leading manufacturers to bring cutting‑edge air systems to life—and we do it with a team that values agility, collaboration, and fresh thinking. From engineers to sales and support, every voice on our team plays a part in pushing the industry forward.

If you’re looking for your next move, we’re glad you found us. At AEC, you’ll join a company where local roots meet the strength of a national network—giving you the tools to grow, the space to innovate, and the chance to make a real impact from day one. We review every application carefully and appreciate your interest in growing your career with our team.

The Opportunity

The Sales Engineer is responsible for driving new business growth and expanding Air Equipment Company’s Controls Products presence across the commercial HVAC and building systems marketplace. This role serves as a trusted advisor to consulting engineers, mechanical contractors, controls contractors, and building owners by delivering technical expertise, responsive service, and value‑added solutions. The Sales Engineer will focus specifically on AEC’s industry‑leading controls and critical environment offerings, including ABB Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Phoenix Controls airflow control solutions, along with complementary product lines such as airflow monitoring, dampers, hydronic measurement, demand control ventilation, and life safety systems. This position owns the sales process from opportunity development through project execution support, ensuring AEC Controls Department continues to be Kentucky’s premier manufacturer’s representative firm for HVAC technical products.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strong relationships with owners, engineers, contractors, and end users across the assigned territory, with an emphasis on controls and critical environment applications.
• Identify, generate, qualify, and pursue new sales opportunities aligned with AEC’s strategic growth goals in the Controls Products market.
• Promote and support key AEC controls product lines, including but not limited to:
  • ABB Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
  • Phoenix Controls Venturi valves and airflow control systems
  • Tamco industrial and commercial damper solutions
  • Onicon flow and energy measurement systems
  • Antrum demand control ventilation (DCV) solutions
  • Honeywell gas detection and safety monitoring systems
• Support customers with equipment selection, system application guidance, and design assistance for complex mechanical and controls projects.
• Prepare quotations, pricing, and sales proposals in coordination with internal estimating, engineering, and operations teams.
• Deliver technical presentations and product demonstrations highlighting manufacturer capabilities, system performance, and solution value.
• Maintain accurate pipeline tracking, forecasts, and opportunity documentation within CRM systems.
• Collaborate with internal engineering, service, and project execution teams to ensure successful project delivery and long‑term customer satisfaction.
• Provide ongoing customer support before and after the sale, ensuring AEC solutions perform as intended and relationships remain strong.
• Conduct business ethically, legally, and in alignment with AEC’s core values.

Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey technical information and to interact effectively with customers and team members.
• Strong customer service skills to address inquiries and resolve issues.
• Analytical skills to diagnose and solve technical problems.
• Ability to identify sales opportunities and develop relationships with potential customers.
• Regular interaction with customers via phone, email, and video conferencing.
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to understand complex engineering concepts.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.

The Ideal Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.
• Minimum 3 years of HVAC Sales experience.
• Knowledgeable regarding ASHRAE recommendations, HVAC industry.
• Strong mathematics and physics understanding.
• Education and experience with the construction and engineering industry, with specific experience in dealing with construction drawings, specifications, construction schedule and processes is a plus.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to operate computer keyboard and telephone, reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.

Salary ranges listed are dependent upon a candidate’s qualifications, experience, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the specific role and location.