Field Sales Engineer

Kelly Services; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 77,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Company phone

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Wellness reimbursement

Job summary

Kelly Services is seeking a motivated Field Sales Engineer to support and grow our customer base within an assigned territory. This field role emphasizes building customer relationships, identifying business opportunities, and driving sales through in-person visits and technical support.

The ideal candidate has proven technical sales experience or strong hands-on machining experience with cutting tools across materials. CNC programming experience (manual and CAM) is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in technical sales, CNC machining, or CNC programming.
• Hands-on machining experience applying cutting tools to various workpiece materials.
• Experience with CNC programming using both manual and CAM systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support and grow the customer base within the assigned region.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through in-person visits.
• Drive sales growth throughout the territory.
• Identify customer needs and recommend technical solutions.
• Apply knowledge of cutting tools, machining processes, and materials to support applications.
• Travel daily throughout the region (70–80%).
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to address technical and business needs.
• Represent the company professionally and maintain high customer service.
• Work independently while contributing to a team.

Skills

Technical sales

CNC machining

CNC programming

Machining hands-on

CAM programming

Verbal & written communication

Territory management

Job description

Field Sales Engineer

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Compensation: $90,000 per year

Travel: Approximately 70–80% daily travel throughout the assigned territory

Location: Assigned region; residence within the territory is not required

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and technically knowledgeable Field Sales Engineer to support and grow our customer base within an assigned territory. This field-based role focuses on building strong customer relationships, identifying business opportunities, and driving sales growth through in-person customer visits and technical support.

The ideal candidate will have proven technical sales experience and/or strong hands‑on machining experience applying cutting tools across a variety of workpiece materials. Experience with CNC programming, including both manual and CAM systems, is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and grow the customer base within the assigned region.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through regular in-person visits.
• Drive sales growth throughout the assigned territory.
• Identify customer needs and recommend appropriate technical solutions.
• Apply knowledge of cutting tools, machining processes, and workpiece materials to support customer applications.
• Travel daily throughout the assigned territory, approximately 70–80% of the time.
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to address technical and business needs.
• Represent the company professionally and maintain a high level of customer service.
• Work independently while contributing effectively to a team environment.

Required Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Technical sales
• CNC machining
• CNC programming
• Strong hands‑on machining experience applying cutting tools to a variety of workpiece materials.
• CNC programming experience using manual methods and CAM systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and comfortable managing a field-based territory.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, professionalism, and commitment to safety.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 70–80% throughout the assigned territory.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous sales experience in the cutting tool industry.
• Experience providing technical support or process recommendations to manufacturing customers.
• Experience working directly with CNC machining operations and production teams.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary of $90,000 per year
• Commission structure with strong earning potential
• Company-issued vehicle with a full maintenance program
• Company-issued phone
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Excellent 401(k) match
• Wellness reimbursement
• Generous paid time off

Why Join This Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically skilled sales professional or experienced CNC machinist to combine machining expertise with customer relationship development and business growth. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting customers, identifying opportunities, and expanding the company’s presence throughout the assigned territory.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan.

Why Kelly ® Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting‑edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short‑term projects or are looking for a long‑term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.

Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and inclusive employer, welcoming, valuing, and affirming diversity at all levels. Requests for accommodated application processes can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.