Sales Engineer I - Bay Area
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Summary
Entry-level technical sales role at a Swagelok fluid-systems distributor in Fremont, CA: after a 12-18 month onboarding, the Sales Engineer I owns a book of business, using CRM and Power BI to identify opportunities and visiting customer sites to recommend fittings, valves, regulators, tubing, and assemblies. Frequent local travel is required.
The Sales Engineer I is the foundational step in a technical sales career path that may progress toward a Sales Engineer II within 18 to 24 months, based on performance and business needs. In this role, the Sales Engineer I learns the fundamentals of the role, Swagelok Northern California’s tools and systems, and the basics of customer interaction while working under the supervision and coaching of the Director, Sales and Engineering and senior team members.
A central onboarding objective is completing the Swagelok Northern California Sales Engineer onboarding program, which prepares the Sales Engineer I to provide their customer base with exceptional technical support and embody our Vision of being “the Fluid System Experts the World Relies On.” Additional onboarding objectives include an internal rotational program through relevant functional areas to build business acumen, customer shadowing and observation, and standard orientation activities. Upon completing a 12-to-18-month onboarding period, the Sales Engineer I assumes ownership of a defined book of business, primarily Focused and Target Accounts.
With guidance from senior team members and using a proactive, data-driven approach in CRM and Power BI, the Sales Engineer I identifies and promotes product, assembly, and service offerings that align with each customer’s purchase profile, supporting their accounts through phone, email, and face-to-face interactions to win and maintain customer trust, confidence, and long-term business.
In addition to a competitive base salary, the Sales Engineer earns uncapped commissions on an assigned book of business under the company’s commission plan.
In addition to a competitive base salary, the Sales Engineer earns uncapped commissions on an assigned book of business under the company’s commission plan.
Customer Focus:
- Demonstrate active listening, empathy, and responsiveness in all customer interactions in support of the company’s Vision “To Be the Fluid System Experts the World Relies On.”
Customer & Market Understanding:
- Learn Swagelok markets, customer segments, and buying behavior.
- Use CRM and Power BI to analyze Limited and Core accounts and identify opportunities and trends, with guidance from senior team members.
Opportunity Identification & Account Management:
- Collaborate with the Marketing and Inside Sales teams to identify and qualify leads.
- Use data to uncover sales opportunities and prospect for new business through outbound calls, email campaigns, and customer visits.
- Develop and maintain territory and account plans aligned with the company’s Strategic Plan, subject to supervisor review.
- Build trust through consistent communication and follow-up while learning to manage a small book of business.
Pipeline Management:
- Follow the sales process and accurately log activities in CRM.
- Contribute accurate account-level data to pipeline reporting and forecasting.
Fluid System Optimization:
- Collaborate with Field Engineers on technical applications and solutions.
- Participate in developing and delivering fluid handling solutions tailored to specific customer needs, which may include supporting the creation of P&IDs.
- Support evaluations of customer fluid systems to identify improvements and best practices.
Product Expertise Application:
- Select and recommend products for specific customer applications, with guidance from Field Engineers and senior team members.
- Serve as a Swagelok representative in support of existing installations and product returns.
Business Acumen & Development:
- Learn Swagelok’s value proposition, pricing structure, and margin impact, as well as the financial basics of account profitability.
- Pursue professional development through internal and external training, continuing education, and job rotation, as relevant.
Work Environment & Travel:
- Frequent travel to customer sites, including industrial, laboratory, and manufacturing facilities, with regular on-site presence at the Fremont office.
- Valid driver's license and personal vehicle required for travel to customer sites (monthly vehicle allowance provided).
- Ability to meet customer site access requirements, which may include identification and site safety or security procedures.
- Work in customer plant and production environments, including plant floors; personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when specified by site safety policies.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Skills & Competencies
- Accountability. Takes ownership of assigned customer interactions and onboarding activities. Completes commitments reliably and seeks clarification when expectations are unclear.
- Collaboration. Engages actively in team meetings and supports cross-functional initiatives with Marketing, Inside Sales, and Field Engineers. Demonstrates respect and openness to diverse viewpoints.
- Effective Communication. Communicates clearly and professionally with customers and colleagues through email, phone, and in-person meetings. Practices active listening to understand customer needs.
- Problem-Solving. Identifies straightforward challenges in customer accounts and applies guidance from supervisors or senior team members to resolve them.
- Growth Mindset. Shows enthusiasm for learning Swagelok products, customers, and sales processes. Welcomes coaching and feedback as opportunities to improve.
- Planning & Prioritizing. Organizes daily activities using CRM tools and follows defined account plans. Manages time effectively with supervisor support.
- Self-Awareness. Recognizes areas for improvement in communication and time management. Responds positively to feedback and seeks to develop confidence in customer interactions.
- Data & Systems Proficiency. Uses CRM and Power BI to log activity, review account data, and identify trends, and seeks guidance on interpreting results and next steps.
- Technical Knowledge (Industry & Functional). Has, or is able to quickly develop, technical acumen in industrial fluid systems—including fittings, valves, regulators, tubing, and assemblies—and a foundational understanding of how these are applied across industries, including the ability to learn to read P&IDs and product specifications.
Education & Work Experience
Required:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technical sales, or a related business field OR completion of a two-year degree or comprehensive certification program in a relevant technical discipline.
Preferred:
- Experience engaging with customers in any setting (retail, service, or technical).
- Exposure to fluid systems, industrial equipment, or mechanical components is beneficial.
- 100% covered employee Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- Up to 80% dependent coverage for Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Health Care Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- 401k Plan & Company Matching up to 4%
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Competitive Pay
- Generous PTO
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Gym Membership Reimbursement up to $50/month
- Professional Coaching
Equal Opportunity Employer
Swagelok Northern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Swagelok Northern California provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, throughout the application and hiring process. If you need an accommodation to apply or interview, please contact HR@imdfst.zendesk.com.