Technical Support Engineer / Inside Sales

Technical Support Engineer / Inside Sales

Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Our client is a global manufacturer of precision industrial automation and force measurement systems used in high-performance manufacturing environments worldwide. Their technology supports critical production processes across industries including wire & cable, converting, flexible packaging, textiles, film, battery manufacturing, and industrial automation.

The North American operation is a lean, technically driven team that values responsiveness, problem solving, and strong customer relationships.

We are seeking a technically capable, customer-focused professional who enjoys working directly with customers, solving application challenges, and supporting industrial automation systems in real-world manufacturing environments.

Position Overview

This role combines inside sales, technical support, and application engineering responsibilities. You will work directly with customers, distributors, OEM machine builders, and sales representatives to support both commercial and technical activities across North America.

You will help customers select and implement products, troubleshoot system issues, prepare quotations, and support ongoing application needs.

This is not a high-volume transactional sales role. Success in this position requires strong mechanical aptitude, customer communication skills, and the ability to understand industrial processes and automation systems.

The ideal candidate is comfortable balancing technical problem solving with customer interaction and commercial support responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Inside Sales & Customer Support

• Prepare and manage technical quotations for customers, distributors, and OEM partners

• Support customers with product selection, pricing, lead times, and application guidance

• Follow up on quotations and identify opportunities for additional business

• Process orders and support ERP/SAP transactions as needed

• Coordinate shipments, including occasional international shipments

• Maintain strong relationships with customers, sales representatives, and channel partners

Technical Support & Application Engineering

• Provide technical support via phone and email for force measurement and web handling systems

• Assist customers with troubleshooting mechanical and basic electrical issues

• Support installation, setup, and commissioning activities for new systems

• Help customers optimize tension control and web guiding applications

• Evaluate warranty and repair requests and recommend corrective actions

• Perform light hands-on diagnostics, testing, and repair of returned equipment

• Serve as a technical resource for outside sales representatives and distributors

Operations & Team Support

• Assist with inventory management, including serial number tracking and software version documentation

• Support shipping, packing, and order entry activities as needed

• Participate in trade shows and occasional customer visits

• Contribute across departments in a collaborative small-team environment

Typical Weekly Activity

This role includes a balanced mix of technical support, customer communication, and operational responsibilities, including:

• ~5 quotations per day

• ~3 technical support calls per week

• ~3 application engineering discussions per week

• ~1 RMA/warranty review per week

• Inventory support every 2–3 weeks

• Occasional repair/testing activities

• Approximately 2 trade shows per year

• Limited travel, typically 2–4 weeks annually

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred

• Equivalent 2-3 years of hands-on industrial or technical experience will also be considered

Technical Skills & Experience

• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability

• Basic understanding of electrical systems and industrial controls

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, system layouts, and specifications

• Experience working in industrial automation, machinery, converting, wire & cable, manufacturing, or related industries preferred

• ERP experience preferred (SAP experience is a plus)

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools

What We’re Looking For

• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly

• Customer-focused mindset with a practical, solutions-oriented approach

• Comfortable working independently while contributing to a small team

• Organized, self-directed, and responsive

• Hands-on attitude with a willingness to help where needed

• Interest in industrial automation, machinery, and manufacturing technologies

What’s Offered

• Competitive compensation with bonus/MBO opportunities

• Medical insurance

• 401(k)

• Paid vacation and holidays

• Stable, team-oriented work environment

• Opportunity to work with specialized industrial automation technology used by leading manufacturers worldwide