Territory: State of Michigan (primary focus on Lower Peninsula)
Position Overview
We are seeking a Sales Application Engineer to drive revenue growth across Michigan, with a strong concentration in the Lower Peninsula. This role combines technical application expertise with a proactive sales approach, focused on expanding market share through end-user engagement while leveraging industrial distribution partners for execution.
The product portfolio is primarily standard solid carbide and indexable tooling, requiring a high-activity, results-oriented individual who can identify cost-saving opportunities, convert competitive business, and build long-term customer relationships. This position plays a critical role in generating demand at the end-user level and pulling that demand through the distribution channel.
Key Responsibilities
Drive territory sales growth by identifying, developing, and closing new business opportunities
Call on end users to evaluate machining processes and implement cost-saving tooling solutions
Partner closely with distribution sales teams to increase product pull-through and territory coverage
Conduct tool evaluations, application trials, and troubleshooting to demonstrate performance improvements
Convert competitive tooling through demonstrated cost-per-part reductions and process optimization
Train and support distributor sales representatives on products, positioning, and application strategies
Maintain a strong pipeline through consistent prospecting and account management
Collaborate with internal teams to support key accounts and align on growth strategies
Track sales activity, opportunities, and forecasts through CRM systems
Stay current on market trends, competitor activity, and evolving machining technologies
Qualifications
3–10+ years of experience in cutting tools, machining, or industrial sales
Strong understanding of CNC machining processes (milling, drilling, and/or turning)
Experience with standard cutting tools (solid carbide and/or indexable)
Demonstrated success in driving revenue growth and winning competitive business
Experience working with industrial distribution partners
Ability to identify and communicate cost savings and productivity improvements
Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
Self-motivated with the ability to manage a large, geographically diverse territory
Willingness to travel throughout Michigan (approximately 50–70%)
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience in a Sales Engineer, Application Engineer, or Territory Manager role
Established relationships within Michigan’s manufacturing base (automotive, aerospace, general industrial, etc.)
Familiarity with materials such as steels, stainless, aluminum, and cast iron
What Success Looks Like
Achieving and exceeding territory revenue targets
Increasing market share through new account penetration and competitive conversions
Building strong, revenue-generating partnerships with distribution
Delivering measurable cost savings and improved machining performance for customers
Maintaining a high level of activity and visibility across the Michigan market