Nature of the Job

Many products and services, especially those purchased by large companies and institutions, are highly complex. Sales engineerswho also may be called manufacturers agents, sales representatives, or technical sales support workerswork with the production, engineering, or research and development departments of their companies, or with independent sales firms, to determine how products and services could be designed or modified to suit customers needs. They also may advise customers on how best to use the products or services provided.

Training

Most sales engineers have a bachelors degree in engineering, and many have previous work experience in an engineering specialty. New sales engineers may need some on-the-job training in sales or may work closely with a sales mentor familiar with company policies and practices before they can work on their own.

Employment Opportunities

Sales engineers held about 76,000 jobs in 2006. About 37 percent were employed in wholesale trade and another 26 percent were employed in the manufacturing industries. Smaller numbers of sales engineers worked in information industries, such as software publishing and telecommunications; professional, scientific, and technical services, such as computer systems design and related services; architectural, engineering, and related services; and other industries. Unlike workers in many other sales occupations, very few sales engineers are self-employed.

Additional Resources:

Manufacturers Agents National Association
Manufacturers Representatives Educational Research Foundation