Technical Sales Engineer Jobs in Michigan

ROLE SUMMARY

We're looking for an experienced, senior-level Technical Sales Engineer to drive new business and own the technical backbone of our sales process — accurate spec'ing, cross-referencing, quoting, and account development — so that RFQs, orders, and customer technical questions are handled correctly the first time. This role combines proactive account growth with the hands-on product and application expertise our business development and marketing efforts currently lack. The ideal candidate can walk into a manufacturing facility, speak confidently with engineers and maintenance professionals, understand a customer's hydraulic or lubrication system, and develop a technically credible solution — not simply quote a part number.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop new business and expand existing industrial customer accounts, building and maintaining a strong pipeline of opportunities
• Sell hydraulic, lubrication, air, and process filtration products, and engineered filtration systems
• Conduct customer site visits to understand applications, identify filtration challenges, and recommend technically appropriate solutions
• Review and respond to technical RFQs and RFIs, including cross-referencing filter specifications (micron rating, media type, dimensions, OEM part numbers) across manufacturers
• Serve as the technical point of contact for customer questions on filtration selection, compatibility, and application
• Own quote and order accuracy — verifying specs before orders are placed to reduce mislabeled or incorrect shipments
• Identify opportunities for replacement elements, filter housings, offline filtration, filter carts, contamination-control products, and custom filtration systems
• Work directly with plant engineers, maintenance and reliability teams, purchasing departments, and OEMs on technical decisions
• Partner with Sales/BD on customer-facing technical materials — spec sheets, comparison charts, trade show collateral
• Build and maintain technical relationships with OEM and supplier partners (e.g., Donaldson)
• Provide technical training and cross-reference support to the broader sales and customer service team
• Troubleshoot recurring order-accuracy issues in partnership with operations/fulfillment

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of industrial filtration sales experience required, with strong hydraulic and lubrication filtration product/systems experience
• Demonstrated technical understanding of filtration concepts — micron ratings, Beta ratios, ISO cleanliness codes, differential pressure, contamination control, and filtration efficiency
• Demonstrated ability to read technical specifications and cross-reference OEM part numbers
• Experience working directly with industrial end users and/or OEM customers, with a proven ability to develop new accounts and grow existing relationships
• Comfortable operating in both an office/quoting environment and field/customer-facing settings; ability and willingness to travel to customer facilities as required
• Strong written, verbal, and technical presentation skills — able to translate technical detail for both engineers and purchasing contacts
• Proficiency with quoting/ERP systems (NetSuite experience a plus) and standard cross-reference tools/catalogs
• Self-directed and detail-oriented, with a track record of catching errors before they reach the customer

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• New account development and pipeline growth are measurable within the first 90–180 days
• RFQ turnaround time and quote accuracy improve measurably
• Order-accuracy-related returns and customer complaints decline
• Business Development and Sales/Marketing teams have a reliable technical resource to lean on for every deal

IDEAL CANDIDATE

We're looking for someone who combines technical expertise with a strong sales mindset — someone who can solve problems, build relationships, develop new opportunities, and grow accounts.