Technical Sales Trainee (Recent Graduate Development Program)

Puffer-Sweiven LP; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Puffer-Sweiven LP in Houston, TX, invites applications for a Technical Sales Trainee as part of a recent graduate development program. This role combines hands-on sales exposure with structured technical training across process control products and services to build a foundation for a future sales leadership career.

During the program, you will rotate through departments, support customers with technical and commercial guidance, and develop skills in proposals, product sizing, and pricing while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year College or university, in Engineering or Industrial Distribution a must.
• General knowledge of business, industry and sales knowledge learned through a specific degree program.
• A basic framework and understanding of sale, or sales engineering within the process industry a plus.

Responsibilities

• Receives training across Sales, Operations, Inside Sales, Accounting, or Branch sales.
• Learns line and staff functions, operations, and company policies.
• Sets performance goals with upper management.
• Monitors performance progress with management and HR.
• Observes experienced sales professionals to acquire knowledge of sales methods and standards.
• Prepare proposals/quotes including product sizing, selection and pricing.
• Interact with customers providing technical, commercial, and general sales support.

Skills

Strong communication

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Industrial Distribution

Job description

Technical Sales Trainee (Recent Graduate Development Program)

Job Category : Sales Associate

Requisition Number : TECHN002563

• Posted : September 3, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Houston, TX 77477, USA

Description

Company Description:

For over 80 years, Puffer-Sweiven has set the standard in equipment and services for process control, automation, safety, and reliability. We help process-intensive facilities run more efficiently and safely by delivering quality products, technical support, and knowledgeable staff to implement the needed process solutions — with the goal of exceeding customer expectations. Our dedication brings the most advanced products and services to our customers throughout the Central and Gulf Coast regions of Texas.

As a local Impact Partner of Emerson, we offer a broad base of superior solutions including the top product lines for a given application. Our specialties at Puffer-Sweiven include:

• Process Control & Safety Systems
• Control Valves & Regulators
• Isolation Valves & Actuation
• Oil & Gas Automation
• Reliability Solutions & Services
• Pressure Management
• Specialty Pumps & Rotating Equipment
• Instrumentation

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receives training and performs basic duties in several departments such as Sales, Operations, Inside Sales, Accounting, or Branch sales.
• Learns line and staff functions, operations, management viewpoints, and company policies and practices that affect each phase of business.
• Sets performance goals and objectives with upper management.
• Monitors performance progress with management and Human Resources representatives.
• Observes experienced sales professionals to acquire knowledge of methods, procedures, and standards required for performance of sales job responsibilities.
• Receives training in functions and operations of related departments to facilitate subsequent transferability between departments and to provide greater promotional opportunities.
• Prepare proposals/quotes including product sizing, selection and pricing.
• Interact with customers on a day-to-day basis providing technical, commercial, and general sales support.
• Evaluate customer requirements and identify opportunities for expanding scope of products/services supplied.
• Proactively follow up with customers on quotations
• Attends company-sponsored training classes

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year College or university, in Engineering or Industrial Distribution a must.
• General knowledge of business, industry and sales knowledge learned through a specific degree program.
• A basic framework and understanding of sale, or sales engineering within the process industry a plus.

Experience/Skills:

• Previous or Co-op experience directly related to the valve or process industry preferred.
• Microsoft Word and Excel experience required. Order Processing, Inventory, Database software experience preferred.
• Strong written and written communication skills.

COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• High ethical standards.
• Good organization skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.