Sales Engineer (with Chemical Engineering background)

Published: 6/14/2022

Job Description

1. Are you sick and tired of working for huge, uninspired companies where you feel like you are a cog in a wheel or a number in their system?

2. Are you motivated by solving real-world problems, not just running calculations in isolation?

3. Are you looking for a company where your work is visible, valued, and connected to a larger purpose?

If you answer "no," to any of the above then please DO NOT apply. We only have a limited amount of seats on our bus and we are looking for the next AWESOME team member.

The work we do matters: We create custom foam parts to make people's lives more comfortable.

Here's a little about us...

We exist to Glorify God and to serve our customers.
We are family owned and have been in business for 78 years!
We make custom foam parts for companies big & small!
We have a positive, hardworking culture! (imagine Chick-fil-A, but without chicken in a manufacturing environment)

Title: Sales Engineer (with Chemical Engineering background)
Type of position: Full-time and on-site at our Sylacauga, AL manufacturing plant

Position Overview

We are seeking a Sales Engineer with a chemical engineering background who enjoys bridging the gap between technical problem-solving and customer-facing work.

In this role, you will partner closely with customers, our manufacturing team, and sales leadership to develop solutions, grow key accounts, and win new business. This is a highly collaborative position with visibility across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities below describe the general scope of the role. As a growing company, responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.

Customer & Account Management

Manage and grow key customer accounts to achieve revenue and profitability objectives
Develop trusted relationships with customers by understanding their technical needs and business drivers
Identify, qualify, and pursue new sales opportunities in existing and emerging markets
Resolve customer issues by investigating root causes, coordinating solutions, and communicating clearly

Sales Strategy & Execution

Create and execute territory and account sales plans aligned with company goals
Participate in sales planning, forecasting, and pipeline management
Monitor competitive activity and market trends; share insights with leadership
Drive profitable growth through value-based selling, not price-based transactions

Technical & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Engineering, Estimating, Manufacturing, and Customer Service to develop accurate, timely solutions and quotes
Translate customer requirements into manufacturable, cost-effective solutions
Support new business development through technical expertise and application knowledge
Maintain accurate CRM records and sales documentation

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

Provide regular activity, forecast, and performance reporting
Contribute to process improvements across sales, quoting, and customer engagement
Stay current on industry trends, materials, and applications through professional development

Qualifications & Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related technical field (preferred)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to understand and communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities
Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment and collaborating across departments
Professional demeanor with a strong sense of ownership and accountability

Skills & Competencies

Technical sales and customer engagement
Account and territory management
Prospecting and opportunity qualification
Negotiation and closing
CRM and reporting tools
Presentation and communication skills
Strong computer literacy and comfort with modern digital tools

Work Environment & Travel

This role includes travel for customer visits, trade shows, and industry events
Combination of office, manufacturing floor, and customer-facing environments

Why This Role Matters

This is not a “sales-only” position. Your engineering background will be central to how we serve customers, develop solutions, and grow responsibly. You will have influence, visibility, and the opportunity to build long-term relationships that matter.

\nCompany Description

We are a different kind of company, fiercely focused on serving our customers through teamwork and prompt service. As a family owned company, with 3 manufacturing locations, we are proud of our history and heritage of manufacturing. Most of our employees stay with us for a long time. It's not unusual to find people with 30+ years of experience on our team and sometimes even their children join our team after they graduate from school.

Merryweather Foam isn't a place for everyone. We are not slow-paced or laid-back. Each day, we look for new ways to adapt and grow. We regularly challenge our team members to eliminate waste and improve processes, so if you are looking to belong to an organization that is driven by teamwork, focused on details, and values character and integrity, then please apply!

Company Description

Merryweather Foam is an industry leader in the fabrication and service of flexible foam products. For 78 years, we have served a diversified base of clients and industries, creating multiple paths for opportunity and growth. \n\nWe are a different kind of company, fiercely focused on serving our customers through teamwork and prompt service. As a family owned company, with 3 manufacturing locations, we are proud of our history and heritage of manufacturing. Most of our employees stay with us for a long time. It's not unusual to find people with 30+ years of experience on our team and sometimes even their children join our team after they graduate from school. \n\nMerryweather Foam isn't a place for everyone. We are not slow-paced or laid-back. Each day, we look for new ways to adapt and grow. We regularly challenge our team members to eliminate waste and improve processes, so if you are looking to belong to an organization that is driven by teamwork, focused on details, and values character and integrity, then please apply!