Outside Sales Engineer - Industrial Automation

Ralph W. Earl Company; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ralph W. Earl Company, Inc. in Buffalo, NY is seeking an outside sales engineer to grow market share for our industrial automation product lines. You will build customer relationships, identify opportunities, and own your territory with support from an experienced team and supplier partners.

Travel within the territory is required; you will develop strategic plans, manage the sales funnel, and present technical solutions. We offer base salary plus incentives and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of technical sales, sales engineering, or industrial sales experience.
• Technical background with the ability to understand industrial automation products and applications.
• Experience with industrial automation, pneumatics, hydraulics, robotics, or related technologies highly preferred.
• Proven ability to prospect, develop new accounts, and grow existing business.
• Strong communication, presentation, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Self-motivated, competitive, and results-driven with a strong sense of ownership.
• Grit and a 'figure-it-out' mentality with the ability to overcome obstacles and find solutions.
• Computer and technology proficient, including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and CRM systems.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the assigned territory, including occasional overnight travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan focused on territory growth and market share.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities through prospecting, cold calling, networking, customer visits, and referrals.
• Grow and maintain strong relationships with existing customers.
• Conduct regular face-to-face customer visits to identify opportunities and strengthen relationships.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries, quote requests, and technical support needs.
• Apply technical knowledge to understand customer applications and recommend products and solutions.
• Partner with suppliers, product specialists, and internal teams to develop customer solutions.
• Qualify leads, manage the sales funnel, and maintain accurate, up-to-date CRM records.
• Participate in supplier visits, product training, trade shows, demonstrations, and customer events.
• Take ownership of territory strategy, priorities, and day-to-day sales activities.

Skills

Technical sales

Industrial automation

Account development

CRM

Communication

Education

HS Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

CRM software

MS Office

Job description

Ralph W. Earl Company, Inc., a SunSource company, is a leading provider of automation and motion control solutions, serving customers across a broad range of industrial markets throughout upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. With a long-standing reputation for technical expertise, quality products, and exceptional customer service, Ralph W. Earl partners with customers to solve complex application challenges and improve the performance, productivity, and efficiency of their operations. www.rwearl.com

We're looking for a driven, technically minded Outside Sales Engineer to join Ralph W. Earl Company, Inc. and grow market share for our leading industrial automation product lines. If you enjoy building customer relationships, solving technical challenges, developing new business, and owning your territory, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact. You'll have the autonomy to build your territory like your own business, with the support of an experienced team and a strong portfolio of industry-leading suppliers.

Essential Functions

• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan focused on territory growth and market share
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities through prospecting, cold calling, networking, customer visits, and referrals
• Grow and maintain strong relationships with existing customers
• Conduct regular face-to-face customer visits to identify opportunities and strengthen relationships
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries, quote requests, and technical support needs
• Apply technical knowledge to understand customer applications and recommend products and solutions
• Partner with suppliers, product specialists, and internal teams to develop customer solutions
• Qualify leads, manage the sales funnel, and maintain accurate, up-to-date CRM records
• Participate in supplier visits, product training, trade shows, demonstrations, and customer events
• Take ownership of territory strategy, priorities, and day-to-day sales activities

Experience, Education And Skills

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, technology, business, or related field preferred
• 3+ years of technical sales, sales engineering, or industrial sales experience
• Technical background with the ability to understand industrial automation products and applications
• Experience with industrial automation, pneumatics, hydraulics, robotics, or related technologies highly preferred
• Proven ability to prospect, develop new accounts, and grow existing business
• Strong communication, presentation, organizational, and relationship-building skills
• Self-motivated, competitive, and results-driven with a strong sense of ownership
• Grit and a "figure-it-out" mentality with the ability to overcome obstacles and find solutions
• Computer and technology proficient, including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and CRM systems
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the assigned territory, including occasional overnight travel

Why Ralph W. Earl?

• Own your territory. Build your customer base, develop opportunities, and determine how to grow the business
• Represent leading brands. Compete with a strong portfolio of respected industrial automation suppliers
• Build your expertise. Participate in supplier training, trade shows, industry events, and technical development
• Make an impact. Our best Sales Engineers become trusted experts and play an important role in the business
• Company vehicle provided with gas and maintenance covered
• Competitive compensation with base salary and incentive tied to territory performance and growth
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life, disability, and 401(k) with company match

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. If you are an individual with a disability and require an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact [e-mail] to request reasonable accommodation. Only requests for accommodation in the application process will be returned from this email address. This employer uses E-Verify. Sun-Source | Privacy Policy #rweassc

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.