Sales Engineer

Position Summary:

The Sales Engineer provides technical sales support by serving as the primary liaison between customers and American Handforge's Engineering, Operations, Quality, Planning, and Supply Chain teams. This position is responsible for evaluating customer requirements, reviewing engineering drawings and specifications, preparing technical quotations, and coordinating customer orders from request for quotation through production. The Sales Engineer applies engineering principles and knowledge of open-die forging processes to develop cost-effective manufacturing solutions while ensuring customer requirements are effectively communicated throughout the organization. This role is instrumental in supporting business growth by delivering exceptional customer service, technical expertise, and timely project execution.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In performing functions, duties or tasks, employees are required to know and follow safe work practices, and to be aware of Company policies and procedures related to job safety, including safety rules and regulations. All functions, duties or tasks are to be carried out in an honest, ethical and professional manner, and to be performed in conformance with applicable Company policies and procedures. In the event of uncertainty or lack of knowledge of Company policies and procedures, employees are required to request clarification or explanations from superiors or authorized company representatives.

• Comply with PCC Code of Conduct Requirements.
• Adhere to all Company SOX requirements.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison between customers and internal departments.
• Review customer Requests for Quote (RFQs), engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Evaluate product manufacturability and collaborate with Engineering and Operations to develop cost-effective manufacturing solutions.
• Prepare accurate quotations, including pricing, lead times, and technical requirements.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Production, Planning, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure customer requirements are understood and met.
• Review customer purchase orders to verify commercial and technical requirements.
• Manage customer projects from initial inquiry through production and delivery.
• Respond to customer technical inquiries and provide timely updates regarding order status, engineering changes, and delivery schedules.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and material requirements to ensure accurate product configuration.
• Support new product introductions, prototype development, and qualification projects.
• Assist in identifying process improvements that enhance product quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Maintain accurate customer records, quotations, and project documentation within the ERP or CRM system.
• Monitor project timelines and communicate potential risks or delays to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Quality to address customer concerns, corrective actions, and compliance with customer-specific requirements.
• Support customer audits, supplier assessments, and technical meetings as required.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers through responsive communication and technical support.
• Work with the Sales team to identify new business opportunities and support strategic growth initiatives.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to communicate customer priorities and project status.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering principles, and technical specifications.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) preferred.
• Knowledge of metals, forging, machining, heat treating, and manufacturing processes preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate manufacturing feasibility and recommend solutions.
• Excellent customer service and relationship management skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Experience working with ERP and/or CRM systems.
• Ability to prepare technical quotations, review specifications, and manage project documentation.
• Effective negotiation and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to adapt to changing customer requirements and production priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Timely and effective follow-through on customer requests and assigned projects.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems and aerospace industry requirements.
• Familiarity with aerospace materials, including aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and specialty alloys.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills.

Experience & Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, Business, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience in sales engineering, manufacturing engineering, technical sales, project engineering, or account management within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing, forging, machining, metalworking, or other precision manufacturing industries preferred.
• Experience reviewing engineering drawings, specifications, and customer technical requirements.
• Experience preparing quotations, cost estimates, and manufacturing proposals.
• Experience working with ERP and/or CRM systems.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, including forging, machining, heat treating, and inspection methods preferred.
• Experience working with aerospace OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or defense contractors is preferred.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems, customer specifications, and industry standards is preferred.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Operations, Quality, Planning, and Supply Chain.

Department & Reports to:

• Department: Sales
• Reports to: General Manager/ Sales Manager

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to airborne particles and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

With more than 120 operations and approximately 20,000 employees worldwide, Precision Castparts Corp. is the market leader in manufacturing large, complex structural investment castings, airfoil castings, forged components, aerostructures and highly engineered, critical fasteners for aerospace applications. In addition, we are the leading producer of airfoil castings for the industrial gas turbine market. We also manufacture extruded seamless pipe, fittings, and forgings for power generation and oil & gas applications; commercial and military airframe aerostructures; and metal alloys and other materials for the casting and forging industries. With such critical applications, we insist on quality and dependability - not just in the materials and products we make, but in the people we recruit.

PCC is relentless in its dedication to being a high-quality, low-cost and on-time producer; delivering the highest value to its customers while continually pursuing strategic, profitable growth.

In 2016, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Chairman and CEO Warren E. Buffett, acquired Precision Castparts Corp.