Automation & Robotics Sales Engineer (Systems Integration Focus)
Job Description
Job Description
Automation & Robotics Sales Engineer (Systems Integration Focus)
Location: Minnesota (Multi-state travel: CO, UT, WY, MT, ID, NM, WI, SD, ND, IA, NE)
Productivity, Inc., a leading CNC machine tool and automation distributor headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, is seeking an experienced Automation Sales Engineer with systems integration expertise to help manufacturers implement turnkey automation solutions.
This role is ideal for professionals who have designed, scoped, or supported integrated automation cells or production systems and are looking to leverage that experience in a consultative, customer-facing role. You will work closely with customers and internal teams to develop complete automation solutions—from concept through implementation—that improve throughput, reduce labor dependency, and enable lights-out manufacturing.
Productivity offers a broad range of automation technologies, including industrial robots, collaborative robots (cobots), and fully integrated systems incorporating end-of-arm tooling, fixturing, vision, and controls. Our solutions span high-volume production environments and flexible, small-batch manufacturing.
What You’ll Do
- Partner with Machine Tool sales representatives to identify and develop automation opportunities within new and existing customer accounts
- Work directly with customers to evaluate manufacturing processes and identify automation opportunities across material handling, machine tending, assembly, welding, packaging, and inspection
- Scope and define turnkey automation systems and robotic cells, including robots, EOAT (end-of-arm tooling), fixturing, vision systems, and controls architecture
- Support development of concepts, layouts, cycle time analysis, and ROI justification
- Prepare and present technical proposals and integrated system solutions, and drive opportunities through to close
- Collaborate with Automation Engineering, Service, and Management teams to ensure solutions are technically sound, manufacturable, and aligned with customer requirements
- Engage in pre-sale activities, including customer visits, application reviews, and feasibility discussions
- Partner with internal teams throughout the project lifecycle to support successful system implementation and customer satisfaction
- Develop new business through networking, referrals, and proactive outreach within manufacturing and automation markets
- Maintain accurate opportunity tracking, forecasting, and pipeline management within CRM systems
What We’re Looking For
Required / Strongly Preferred
- Hands-on experience in systems integration, including robotic cells, turnkey automation systems, or production line integration
- Background in automation engineering, robotics, controls engineering, or industrial automation systems
- Experience scoping, designing, or supporting integrated automation solutions (not just component-level sales)
Technical Expertise
- Knowledge of:
- Industrial robotics (6-axis, 7-axis, SCARA, delta, cobots)
- PLCs, HMIs, and motion control systems
- End-of-arm tooling (EOAT), fixturing, and part handling
- Vision systems and inspection technologies
- Automation safety and cell design principles
Professional Skills
- Ability to translate complex technical solutions into clear business value and ROI for customers
- Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
- Experience in technical sales, applications engineering, or customer-facing engineering roles
- Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and cross-functionally
Other Requirements
- Willingness to travel 30–40% (approximately 1–1.5 weeks per month)
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
Typical Backgrounds for Success in This Role
- Automation systems integrators
- Robotics or turnkey automation solution providers
- Applications engineers or automation engineers transitioning into sales
- Controls or robotics engineers with customer-facing experience
Why Join Productivity?
- Work on complete automation solutions, not just individual components
- Collaborate with a highly experienced team of automation engineers and service professionals
- Help manufacturers solve real-world production challenges with advanced robotics and automation
- Join a respected, growth-oriented company with a strong reputation in machining and manufacturing
- Competitive compensation and excellent benefits
- $80,000 – $150,000+ total compensation (base + commission)
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