Sales Engineer - OEM

Phoenix Contact; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401k matching

Bonus plan

16 weeks fully paid maternity leave

10 weeks fully paid paternity leave

Job summary

Join Phoenix Contact as a Sales Engineer in Houston, Texas, where you will be responsible for driving sales by combining engineering knowledge with interpersonal skills. This role focuses on customer relationship development and maximizing long-term value within assigned accounts through consistent outreach and support.

The ideal candidate should possess a strong engineering background, have 1 to 3 years of sales experience, and be self-motivated. You will work closely with our engineering teams to ensure customer satisfaction and achieve sales targets.

Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package, including medical coverage, 401k matching, and extensive paid leave options.

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years minimum sales experience in the industrial automation & controls market.
• Strong engineering background or technical degree.
• Experience with distribution preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed sales quotas in the designated territory.
• Generate new opportunities through relationship development.
• Collaborate with team members to align sales efforts.

Skills

Sales experience

Engineering knowledge

Customer relationship building

Technical competence

Education

Technical degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

This is a hands‑on, activity‑driven role ideal for someone who is eager to learn, contribute, and grow within a dynamic team responsible for driving sales of all Phoenix Contact products by combining engineering knowledge with strong interpersonal and business skills. The Sales Engineer (OEM) plays a key role in identifying growth opportunities, building relationships with potential and existing developing customers, and supporting the sales pipeline through consistent outreach and follow‑up. This role involves identifying customer needs, recommending suitable products or solutions, and providing technical support throughout the sales process. The Sales Engineer (OEM) works closely with our Channel and Field Application Engineering teams to ensure customer satisfaction and achieve sales targets. This role focuses on deepening relationships within assigned accounts, driving growth opportunities, and expanding business engagement to maximize long‑term value. This position is an individual contributor role and does not include formal people management responsibilities.

The territory for this role is the eastern part of Houston to Beaumont to SW Louisiana. Also includes up to Lufkin area in East Texas.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed territory sales quotas as established by the RSM and/or Vice President—Field Sales.
• Be proficient in BASE selling skills and implement to build strong customer relationships.
• Generate new opportunities within assigned accounts through ongoing communication, relationship development, and collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Support the preparation of proposals, presentations, and sales materials.
• Maintain and update CRM systems with accurate client information. Fully utilize the CRM as a communication, reporting, measurement, and tracking tool to enhance productivity.
• Collaborate with the entire Phoenix Contact team to align efforts, effectively communicate both verbally and written.
• Track and report on business development activities and performance metrics.
• Differentiate Phoenix Contact from other component vendors by building “partner” relationships with customers.
• Focus on the customer by averaging a minimum of 16 to 20 sales calls per week.
• Be proficient in and drive the use of all sales tools provided to support local markets.
• Work closely with Harrisburg Product teams to aid in the development of field presentations and application notes.
• Proactively utilize all resources and sales tools to maximize productivity, responsiveness, and customer delight.
• Continue personal development through an effective skill‑building program as determined by the RSM, Director of Sales, and/or the Harrisburg Training Department.
• Demonstrate technical competence on all products/solutions within the area of focus.
• Provide forecasts and reports to RSM as required.
• Independently and/or in conjunction with regional management, develop and implement effective Mutual Action Plans with assigned customer locations.
• Deliver presentations and hands‑on demonstrations of Phoenix Contact products, applications, and technology for the purpose of product sales.
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge on all Phoenix Contact products/solutions.
• Qualify and follow up on all opportunities within the assigned account portfolio.
• Follow up on all quotations within the assigned account portfolio.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Technical discipline preferred and/or equivalent industry experience, with an emphasis on end‑user experience.
• 1 to 3 years minimum sales experience in the industrial automation & controls or end‑user marketplace.
• A strong engineering background or technical degree is essential, providing the foundation for understanding complex products and solutions.
• Experience working with distribution preferred.
• Comfortable conducting regular outreach and check‑ins with assigned accounts to maintain engagement and uncover new opportunities.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to learn and adapt quickly.

Essential Job Functions

• Must be able to travel via airplane.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel via automobile for up to six hours at a time.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Must be able to travel overnight 20‑30%+ or as dictated by assigned territory.
• Comply with company dress code guidelines.
• Punctuality is required.
• Regular and on‑time attendance.

Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k matching, bonus plan and a generous time off package. There are also a wide variety of additional benefits available including 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave & 10 weeks fully paid paternity leave, auto allowance, life insurance, short & long‑term disability, assistance, and more!

Special accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job, please call 717‑944‑1300 between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM, Eastern Standard Time, Monday – Friday or email [e-mail].

Phoenix Contact is committed to the diversity of our employees. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.