Position Summary We are seeking a commercially driven and technically aware Technical Sales Engineer to serve as the operational backbone of our commercial organization. Based in an office setting, this role supports three core product lines by converting field activity into tracked, closeable revenue. You will review technical specifications, generate accurate proposals, manage order entry, and provide responsive continuity for distributors and field sales teams.
Function & Classification
Function: Technical Sales & Inside Sales
Reports To: Inside Sales Manager
Location: Office-Based
Classification: Full-Time / Exempt
Key Responsibilities
Proposal & Quotation Management: Review RFQs, drawings, and spec sheets to construct complete, commercially competitive proposals across tank gauging, sensing, and software portfolios. Partner with Product Line Managers on complex applications.
Technical Support & Specification Review: Interpret P&IDs and technical data sheets to verify product fit. Identify compliance gaps early and assist field reps in writing our products into project specs.
Pipeline Management & Follow-Up: Conduct structured follow-up on open quotes, update opportunity statuses in the CRM, and coordinate with Business Development Managers (BDMs) to advance deals.
Order Processing: Accurately enter orders into ERP systems, verify order acknowledgments, manage change requests, and coordinate shipping lead times with Operations.
Distributor & Field Sales Support: Act as the primary inside contact for distributor inquiries regarding pricing, lead times, and product training. Handle pre-call planning and administrative tasks to support field BDMs.
CRM & Data Governance: Maintain accurate pipeline metrics, open proposal logs, and order entry records. Monitor trends to surface channel opportunities or risks.
Required Qualifications
Experience: 3+ years in inside sales, technical customer service, or application support within an industrial, instrumentation, or manufacturing setting.
Technical Skills: Proven ability to read spec sheets, data sheets, and P&ID; experience building proposals from RFQ packages.
Systems Proficiency: Hands-on experience with order entry systems (ERP) and CRM tools.
Communication: Clear, responsive written and verbal communication style for handling distributors and internal teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with tank gauging, process instrumentation, or data/inventory management software (e.g., Varec).
Experience supporting distributor networks and working alongside field sales reps.
Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, Business, or a related field.
Compensation - $70-85k plus commission
Numbers & Facts
Location
Chicago, IL
Industry
Staffing/Employment Agencies
Salary
$70,000–$85,000 Per Year
Company Size
20 to 49 employees
Year Founded
1994
Website
http://www.irisrecruiting.com
About Company
“Looking for what’s next before you are.”
What’s next?
We’re always looking ahead, constantly working to be the subject matter experts in the fields that we serve. Whether it’s studying the latest industry trends or keeping you informed on best practices, our strategic recruiters are always looking for what’s next before you are.
Relationships
We work harder than other recruiters to grow relationships with our clients and candidates. This approach allows us to better match the right candidate with the right opportunity. We want to be a part of the ongoing, ever-changing process for the people we serve.
iRiS
We identify, connect with, evaluate, and deliver top talent.