Systems Sales Engineer

Position Overview

J+H Automation Solutions is a full-service engineering and integration company. Since 1985 we have designed, fabricated, and installed conveyor systems, robotics, AGVs, controls, and custom machinery for manufacturers, with completed installations in 23 states. Our sales team is growing, and we are adding a Systems Sales Engineer to help more plants solve production problems with systems we engineer and build in the USA.

As Systems Sales Engineer, you'll own opportunities from the first conversation to the signed purchase order. Our projects range from single-cell upgrades to multi-million-dollar turnkey assembly and conveyance systems, so this is a consultative, engineering-driven sale: you'll define the problem with the customer, develop the solution with our mechanical, controls, and robotics engineers, and put your name on a proposal the project team can deliver.

You'll own the front end of every project

1. Prospect
2. Discover
3. Concept
4. Estimate
5. Propose
6. Handoff

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Account Management

• Develop new accounts and grow existing customers among manufacturers in HVAC, appliance, food & beverage, steel, tire & rubber, automotive, and building products
• Build and manage a qualified pipeline, and keep an accurate forecast and activity record in the CRM
• Build relationships with plant management, engineering, operations, maintenance, and procurement
• Represent J+H at customer sites, trade shows, and industry events
• Work with our technology partners, including ABB, Fanuc, Yaskawa, Daifuku, Allen-Bradley, Keyence, and Cognex, on joint opportunities

Solution Development & Applications Engineering

• Lead on-site discovery: walk the line, gather rates, product data, layouts, and constraints, and document the customer's requirements
• Develop system concepts and layouts with J+H engineers, covering conveyors, overhead power-and-free, robotic cells, AGVs, vision, controls, and custom machinery
• Define scope, throughput, and performance targets, and identify technical and commercial risks before the job is priced
• Build the ROI and justification case with the customer

Estimating & Proposals

• Prepare cost estimates with engineering, purchasing, fabrication, and field installation
• Write clear proposals and scopes of work covering equipment, controls, installation, schedule, responsibilities, and payment milestones
• Present proposals, negotiate terms, and close, while protecting project margin
• Review customer specifications, RFQs, and terms and conditions with J+H leadership

Project Handoff & Customer Partnership

• Lead the sales-to-project-management handoff so that what was sold is what gets built
• Stay engaged through design reviews, factory acceptance testing, and startup as the customer's advocate
• Support the project manager on change orders and adder quotes
• Follow up after startup and develop the next project with the account

Location & Travel

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 5 years of technical sales, applications engineering, or systems/proposal engineering experience in material handling, industrial automation, or custom machinery; 8–10+ years preferred
• Track record of selling engineered capital projects of $500,000 and up, with long sales cycles and multiple decision makers

Required Skills

• Working knowledge of conveyor systems, robotics, and industrial controls at the system level
• Ability to read and mark up plant layouts and mechanical drawings; experience with AutoCAD
• Cost estimating and proposal writing experience
• Excellent presentation, written communication, and customer relations skills, from the plant floor to the executive level
• Proficiency with a CRM and Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Self-directed and organized, with the ability to manage multiple opportunities at once
• Valid driver's license and the ability to travel, including overnight stays

Preferred

• Experience with a systems integrator or machine builder selling turnkey design-build-install projects
• Existing relationships with manufacturers in the industries we serve
• Experience with overhead conveyors, AGVs, or robotic integration (ABB, Fanuc, Yaskawa)
• Experience with SolidWorks

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a home or company office, in our fabrication shop, and in customer manufacturing facilities
• Must follow site safety rules and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Requires walking plant floors, climbing stairs and ladders, and occasionally lifting up to 25 lbs

Compensation & Benefits