Technical Sales Trainee (Grand Rapids)

Balluff Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Comprehensive benefits

Career mentorship

Paid time off

Job summary

Balluff Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI is launching a Sales Trainee Engagement Program (STEP) starting January 2027.

This 12-month paid rotation trains recent grads in engineering, business, or technical fields to become a Technical Sales Engineer within a defined sales territory. You'll rotate through Technical Customer Support, Sales Support, Operations and more, learn product and solution delivery, build customer relationships, and prepare for a future role supporting the Grand Rapids territory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a technical field.
• Up to 1–2 years of post-education experience.
• Willingness to relocate twice for training and then territory assignment.

Responsibilities

• Participate in structured product and sales training programs.
• Rotate through core functions: Technical Customer Support, Sales Support, Operations and more.
• Build product knowledge and learn how to deliver customer-focused solutions in industrial automation.
• Support the Grand Rapids territory after STEP program completion.

Skills

Problem solving

Curiosity

Time management

Teamwork

Communication

Self-learning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Virtual meeting platforms

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Grand Rapids Territory - Grand Rapids, MI 49504, Position Type: Full-Time, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Travel Percentage: Up to 25%, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Sales Engineering,

Balluff is a global leader in sensor technology and industrial automation. With over 100 years of experience, we empower customers to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and drive innovation through smart solutions. Join a company that values your growth, your ideas, and your future.

Launch Your Career in Technical Sales with Balluff Inc.

Calling all December and recent grads in engineering, business, or technical fields - this is your chance to step into a career in automation sales with a global industry leader. Balluff is expanding, and we're looking for future sales professionals to join our Sales Trainee Engagement Program (STEP).

Starting the first week of January 2027, this 12-month paid rotational training program will prepare you to become a Technical Sales Engineer within a defined sales territory at Balluff. You’ll gain hands‑on experience across key departments, build product knowledge, and learn how to deliver customer-focused solutions in industrial automation. Upon successful completion of the STEP program, you will transition into a Sales Engineer role supporting the Grand Rapids territory, where you will apply your training to develop customer relationships and grow the business.

What You'll Experience

• Rotate through Balluff’s core functions: Technical Customer Support, Sales Support, Operations, and more
• Learn how our products work by solving real customer applications and building solutions
• Participate in structured product and sales training programs
• Gain experience with internal systems, customer communication, and demo tools
• Travel with and shadow experienced Sales Engineers
• Begin building customer relationships via virtual sales activities

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Enjoy solving problems and improving efficiency
• Are naturally curious about how things work
• Manage time well and are goal-oriented
• Work well independently and as part of a team
• Communicate confidently and clearly
• Are eager to keep learning every day

Why Join Balluff?

• Competitive base salary + incentive program
• Paid relocation support
• Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match)
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career growth and mentorship from experienced sales professionals
• Be part of a high-growth global company with a strong commitment to innovation

Qualifications: What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a technical discipline
• Up to 1–2 years of post-education experience
• Technical aptitude with a willingness to learn Balluff products and systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms
• Ability and willingness to relocate twice:
  1. First, to Florence, KY / Cincinnati, OH area for training for 12 months
  2. Then, to your assigned sales territory (Grand Rapids, MI) upon program completion

Balluff is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.