CareerGPS

Sales Engineers
Summary Occupational Forecast Data for Sales Engineers
Employment Employment Change Average Annual Job Openings Wage & Training Levels
2020 2025 Numerical Percent New Jobs Replacement Jobs Total Median Hourly Median Annual Training Levels
466 487 21 4.43% 4 52 56 $60.81 $126,492 Bachelor's degree
Description: Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.
Forecast Data Source: EMSI (4th Quarter 2023)

Occupation Details

The information in this section represents occupational characteristics included in O*NET which defines key features of an occupation as a standardized, measurable set of variables called "descriptors". These distinguishing characteristics of an occupation are described in greater detail in the O*NET Content Model. All items are listed in descending order of importance.

  • Plan and modify product configurations to meet customer needs.
  • Confer with customers and engineers to assess equipment needs and to determine system requirements.
  • Collaborate with sales teams to understand customer requirements, to promote the sale of company products, and to provide sales support.
  • Secure and renew orders and arrange delivery.
  • Develop, present, or respond to proposals for specific customer requirements, including request for proposal responses and industry-specific solutions.
  • Sell products requiring extensive technical expertise and support for installation and use, such as material handling equipment, numerical-control machinery, and computer systems.
  • Diagnose problems with installed equipment.
  • Recommend improved materials or machinery to customers, documenting how such changes will lower costs or increase production.
  • Prepare and deliver technical presentations that explain products or services to customers and prospective customers.
  • Provide technical and non-technical support and services to clients or other staff members regarding the use, operation, and maintenance of equipment.
  • Research and identify potential customers for products or services.
  • Visit prospective buyers at commercial, industrial, or other establishments to show samples or catalogs, and to inform them about product pricing, availability, and advantages.
  • Create sales or service contracts for products or services.
  • Arrange for demonstrations or trial installations of equipment.
  • Keep informed on industry news and trends, products, services, competitors, relevant information about legacy, existing, and emerging technologies, and the latest product-line developments.
  • Attend company training seminars to become familiar with product lines.
  • Provide information needed for the development of custom-made machinery.
  • Write technical documentation for products.
  • Develop sales plans to introduce products in new markets.
  • Identify resale opportunities and support them to achieve sales plans.
  • Document account activities, generate reports, and keep records of business transactions with customers and suppliers.
  • Train team members in the customer applications of technologies.
  • Maintain sales forecasting reports.
  • Attend trade shows and seminars to promote products or to learn about industry developments.

Knowledge

90%
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
88%
Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
84%
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
66%
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
65%
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
65%
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
64%
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
61%
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
56%
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Skills

78%
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
78%
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
78%
Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
75%
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
75%
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
75%
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
72%
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
69%
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
65%
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
65%
Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
65%
Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
65%
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
62%
Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
62%
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
62%
Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
62%
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
62%
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
56%
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
56%
Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
53%
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
50%
Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Abilities

81%
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
78%
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
78%
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
78%
Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
75%
Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
72%
Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
72%
Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
72%
Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
69%
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
69%
Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
69%
Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
66%
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
62%
Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
62%
Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
60%
Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
60%
Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
56%
Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
53%
Perceptual Speed - The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes compa
53%
Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
53%
Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.
53%
Memorization - The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
50%
Speed of Closure - The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

Work Activities

95%
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
94%
Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
92%
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
91%
Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
88%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
85%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
85%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
82%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
80%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
79%
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
77%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
76%
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
74%
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
74%
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
74%
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
72%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
70%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
69%
Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
68%
Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
66%
Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
65%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
63%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
62%
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
62%
Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
62%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
62%
Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
61%
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
60%
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
59%
Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
58%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
57%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
56%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
54%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Title Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Overall Experience A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Job Zone Examples Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, database administrators, teachers, chemists, environmental engineers, criminal investigators, and special agents.
Education Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Interests

Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outsi
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles

Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Self Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Work Values

Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.