Specialty Products Sales Engineer

The Specialty Products Sales Engineer at Ohio Gratings, Inc. plays a crucial role in driving the success of our Specialty Products division. This position combines sales expertise with engineering acumen to provide exceptional service to our customers. The primary responsibilities include generating quotes, managing orders, negotiating sales, and value engineering projects. Additionally, the role involves estimating projects, performing material take-offs from plans & specifications or customer drawings, and identifying bid scopes. The Sales Engineer will assess project complexity, determine the best course of action, and communicate effectively with customers and internal departments, all while upholding the Ohio Gratings values of integrity, teamwork, and innovation.

At Ohio Gratings, Inc., we believe in fostering relationships with our current customers and actively seeking new opportunities within the Specialty Products Market. This role requires a proactive approach in maintaining and developing these relationships.

This job description outlines the primary duties, responsibilities, and physical demands of the position. However, it is not an exhaustive list, and duties, responsibilities, activities, and physical requirements may change at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Read, interpret, and review grating products on contract or erection drawings.
• Analyze specifications and identify project-specific requirements from bid documents.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Engineering, and Sales departments to develop optimal products for each project.
• Calculate quantities and costs for individual projects, working closely with customers, the Specialty Products Manager, and the Engineering department on value engineering opportunities.
• Maintain tracking of all projects, bidders’ lists, and specialty projects within the market segment.
• Coordinate project hand-offs with assigned project managers.
• Handle order entry for all projects within the market segment.
• Maintain clean, organized personal and common work areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager.

COMMUNICATION AND VALUE ENGINEERING:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with customers, managers, and other OGI departments.
• Recommend specific grating products and provide value engineering solutions where applicable.

TAKEOFF:

• Review drawings and specifications to develop accurate material take-offs that align with NAAMM estimating standards or customer erection drawings.
• Ensure take-offs are based on the correct drawing and specification revisions or qualify cut lists.
• Ensure bid documents and scope of work are followed.
• Request necessary buyout items from source vendors.

PROPOSAL:

• Qualify and address any conflicts between drawings and specifications, whether resolved with the customer prior to bidding or not.
• Clearly list all inclusions and exclusions found during the takeoff, qualifying any discrepancies.
• Prepare qualified proposals per bid documents and scope of work or customer erection drawings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods.
• Ability to take stairs and move around a multi-level office building.
• Willingness to travel and attend trade shows as needed.

EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, AND PROFICIENCIES:

• A 4-year B.S. degree in engineering (mechanical, civil, or structural) is preferred.
• Sales experience in the metals arena is highly desirable.
• Experience with Structural Steel Drawings and a strong understanding of the Project Bid Cycle is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in estimating and sales is preferred.
• Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills are essential.
• Must be team-oriented, versatile, and capable of handling a high volume of estimates and quotes while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook), are required.

WORKING AT OHIO GRATINGS:

At Ohio Gratings, Inc., we are committed to living our core values of integrity, teamwork, innovation, and customer focus in everything we do. We offer a dynamic and supportive work environment that encourages personal and professional growth. If you are a talented engineer with a passion for sales and a desire to work in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply.

EEO STATEMENT:

Our company is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected under local, state, or federal laws.