Territory Sales Engineer

cognex; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Cognex in San Francisco is seeking a results‑driven technical sales professional to achieve defined quotas, visit customers, and introduce new Cognex products. You will prospect opportunities, travel to facilities, and demonstrate solutions.

You will build relationships, capture competitive intelligence, support events, and collaborate with a global team. A 2+ year track record in machine‑vision sales and a STEM degree are preferred; relocation is welcome.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of technical sales experience (machine vision preferred).
• Four-year college degree from a reputable university.
• STEM/Engineering major preferred, but not required.
• Must visit multiple customer accounts in a single day using own transportation.

Responsibilities

• Achieve a defined sales quota for both current and prospective customers within the assigned territory.
• Meet activity-based business objectives, including customer visits, new customer acquisition, and new product introductions.
• Prospect new sales opportunities through cold and warm leads, cultivate prospects, and schedule customer site visits with the goal of securing purchase orders.
• Travel to customer manufacturing facilities to demonstrate Cognex products, review applications, and provide technical solutions.
• Capture competitive information and update project details in the CRM system.
• Support trade shows and marketing events to generate qualified leads.
• Generate leads for other Cognex sales teams by identifying complex vision applications beyond the scope of assigned ID and Vision Sensor products.

Skills

Technical sales

Communication skills

Problem solving

Independent field sales

Willing to relocate

MS Windows proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

STEM/Engineering preferred

Job description

About Us

Cognex is the largest, most successful and recognized global player in industrial machine vision! We are a financially strong, international company with no debt and have been in business for over 40 years. Using advanced optics, image sensors and artificial intelligence software Cognex vision and ID systems capture an image then analyze it to make sense of what's being seen. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment, guided by our "Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast" culture, which celebrates employee innovation, determination, and dedication in a dynamic, fun, and distinctive atmosphere.

Job Responsibilities / Essential Functions of the Role

• Achieve a defined sales quota for both current and prospective customers within the assigned territory.
• Meet activity-based business objectives, including customer visits, new customer acquisition, and new product introductions.
• Prospect new sales opportunities through cold and warm leads, cultivate prospects, and schedule customer site visits with the goal of securing purchase orders.
• Travel to customer manufacturing facilities to demonstrate Cognex products, review applications, and provide technical solutions.
• Capture competitive information and update project details in the CRM system.
• Support trade shows and marketing events to generate qualified leads.
• Generate leads for other Cognex sales teams by identifying complex vision applications beyond the scope of assigned ID and Vision Sensor products.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interest in a career in technical sales.
• Action- and results-oriented mindset.
• Ability to solve technical problems and learn new automation technologies.
• Ability to work independently in a field sales environment with limited overnight travel (up to 20%).
• Willingness to relocate and pursue career opportunities outside of familiar surroundings.
• Effective listening, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Alignment with Cognex culture: Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast.
• PC proficiency with working knowledge of Microsoft Windows applications.

Minimum Education and Work Experience Required

• 2+ years of technical sales experience (machine vision preferred)
• Four-year college degree from a reputable university.
• STEM/Engineering major preferred, but not required.
• Must be able to visit multiple customer accounts in a single day using one's own means of transportation.

A reasonable estimate of the OTE salary range for this role is 130,000 USD - 194,000 USD. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. In addition to base salary, employees will participate in either an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance or a sales incentive plan.

This position provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching; employer-paid disability, family leave, life insurance, paid time off (including holidays), optional voluntary benefits, and recognition and wellness programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cognex is an equal opportunity employer. Cognex evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.