Sales Development Representative

Engine; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity for all employees

Hybrid-hub model

Bonuses or commissions where available

Job summary

Engine is hiring a Sales Development Representative in Chicago, IL. You will generate and qualify new opportunities through cold calling and outreach, fueling rapid growth with an emphasis on learning and career progression.

You’ll move quickly with clear promotion paths, including an average 8-month SDR → AE track for top performers. You’ll work with sales, marketing, and product teams, leveraging LinkedIn, email, and CRM tools to build a strong pipeline and exceed KPIs in a fast-moving,

Qualifications

• Interest in building a long-term sales career.
• Ability to make high-volume outbound calls and qualify leads.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfort with CRM and sales tech.
• Growth mindset and goal-driven.

Responsibilities

• Make high-volume outbound calls to prospects, introducing them to our solutions, qualifying needs, and scheduling meetings.
• Use LinkedIn, email, and other resources to identify new leads and develop targeted outreach strategies.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of potential customers through outreach and follow-up.
• Collaborate with account executives, sales managers, and marketing to align outreach efforts.
• Keep CRM up to date with lead status, contact records, and follow-ups.
• Stay updated on product knowledge, industry trends, and sales best practices.
• Meet and exceed daily, weekly, and monthly KPIs.

Skills

Outbound sales

CRM software

Communication skills

Prospecting

LinkedIn outreach

Tools

LinkedIn

CRM systems

Email outreach

Job description

Engine is the all-in-one travel and spend management platform trusted by 38K+ businesses and groups representing 1.8M+ travelers. We're the retailer and the rails of business travel, one of the fastest-growing companies in travel tech, built on a decade of proprietary technology, supply, and pricing no one else can replicate. Other travel and AI companies run on our infrastructure to book real trips, hold rates, and move payments, without building any of it themselves. We built it, AI-forward at every layer, from how travelers book to how the rails run.
That work has earned recognition as one of Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators (2025), TravelTech's Reservation Platform of the Year (2026), and one of Built In's Best Places to Work (2020–2026).
We're looking for bold, ambitious people to help redefine how businesses manage and experience travel. Working here, you can expect exponential growth, an ambitious pace, full ownership, and high-caliber colleagues who push you to do the best work of your career. Every hire raises the bar.

Come outpace the ordinary and build the future of travel with us.

*MUST be located in Chicago, IL*

About the Role

As a Sales Development Representative, you'll be responsible for generating and qualifying new sales opportunities through cold calling, prospecting, and other outreach efforts. You’ll be a key part of our sales engine, helping to fuel our rapid growth. This position is ideal for someone who is eager to hustle, learn on the fly, and grow within a fast-moving team.

Expect to move quickly and adapt rapidly. You'll work toward measurable goals, with clear opportunities for promotion and career growth — including an average 8-month promotion path from SDR → AE for top performers.

Here’s what you’ll do

• Make high-volume outbound calls to prospects, introducing them to our solutions, qualifying their needs, and scheduling meetings for the sales team.
• Leverage tools like LinkedIn, email, and other resources to identify new leads, research potential customers, and develop targeted outreach strategies.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of potential customers through strategic outreach and follow-up.
• Work closely with account executives, sales managers, and marketing teams to align outreach efforts and share insights from the field.
• Keep CRM systems up to date with accurate information on lead status, contact records, and follow-up activities.
• Stay up to date with product knowledge, industry trends, and sales best practices to maximize performance and personal growth.
• Meet and exceed daily, weekly, and monthly KPIs (e.g., call volume, meetings set, lead conversion rate).

Here’s what we’re looking for

• You’re excited about starting or advancing your sales career, and you’re eager to build a solid foundation for long-term growth in the field.
• You have a strong desire to succeed, a natural sense of urgency, and the ability to push through challenges with enthusiasm.
• You’re not afraid to pick up the phone and speak to strangers, and you can quickly build rapport with decision-makers.
• You thrive in fast-moving environments, quickly learning and adapting to new processes, tools, and customer objections.
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.
• You’re goal-driven and always looking for ways to improve your performance.
• Previous experience in a sales or business development, staffing, telemarketing, or related role is a plus, but not required.

We accept applications for this role on an ongoing basis. We review applications as they are received and encourage interested candidates to apply early.

OTE Compensation
In addition to a competitive base salary, our listed compensation range includes the estimated variable target. Your OTE (on-target earnings) are based on several factors including your experience, expertise, and location. In addition, all roles receive equity. Your recruiter will share your complete compensation package as you move through the process.

Total OTE Range (Base Salary + Variable)

$90,000 - $90,000 USD

The Engine Edge: Perks & Compensation
We believe in rewarding great work with great benefits:

• Compensation: Competitive base pay tied to role and experience, with equity for all employees. Some roles are also eligible for bonuses or commissions.
• Environments for Success: Different roles have different needs in terms of the environments that drive success which is why we have a hybrid-hub model. Whether you are in one of our amazing offices or fully remote, we'll make sure you have what you need to succeed.

Perks and benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and more