Product Specialist - Motion Control Systems

The Motion Control Product Specialist is responsible for driving sales growth across an assigned territory by providing technical expertise, product support, and strategic sales guidance for Motion Control products. This role partners with customers, outside and inside sales, manufacturers, and internal teams to identify opportunities, develop solutions, support product selection, and grow sales.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on knowledge of VFDs, Servo Drives, PLCs, HMIs, and Motion Control systems, with the ability to translate customer requirements into effective technical solutions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive growth of Motion Control product sales across an assigned territory through strategic selling, customer development, and technical support.
• Serve as the Motion Control subject matter expert for the sales organization, providing product selection, application support, and technical guidance.
• Size and commission VFD and Servo Motion Control systems based on customer application requirements.
• Size gearboxes and gearmotors using customer application data and system requirements.
• Provide technical support and pre-selection assistance to customers, sales representatives, and internal teams.
• Conduct joint sales calls with sales representatives and manufacturers to develop Motion Control opportunities and support strategic accounts.
• Present new Motion Control technologies and solutions through customer visits, workshops, seminars, and training sessions.
• Develop and execute product line sales and marketing strategies to increase Motion Control revenue and market share.
• Prepare proposals and quotations, including appropriate pricing, based on customer and application requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, manufacturers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Identify competitive opportunities and maintain knowledge of products, applications, customers, and competitors within the assigned territory.
• Keep the sales organization informed of new products, technologies, applications, and competitive developments.
• Coordinate product-related training, seminars, manufacturer events, and other sales-support activities.
• Work closely with Customer Service, Sales, Marketing, Pricing, Purchasing, and other internal teams to meet customer requirements and support sales objectives.
• Assist with forecasting, product sales planning, inventory coordination, and expediting as needed.
• Take sales responsibility for unassigned accounts and opportunities when appropriate.
• Participate in manufacturer training, distributor meetings, advisory councils, and other industry events.
• Complete departmental and product-related projects as assigned.

Requirements

Experience, Education & Skills

• Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school with 2+ years of related experience required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in a related technical, engineering, automation, or industrial sales field.
• Minimum experience with at least one of the following: PLC, HMI, VFD, or Servo Drive.
• SIEMENS PLC, HMI, VFD, or Servo Drive experience preferred.
• Knowledge of AC Vector and Servo Control strongly preferred.
• Experience sizing and/or commissioning VFD and Servo Motion Control systems preferred.
• Understanding of mechatronic components and electrically controlled Motion Control systems.
• Strategic selling experience with equipment builders, engineering firms, packagers, and industrial end-users.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance customer needs with commercial objectives.
• Excellent executive-level verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong technical, creative, and business writing skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational, planning, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage conflict, adapt to change, and work effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with customers and competitors within the assigned territory is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Strong customer focus and a results-oriented, competitive mindset.

Work Environment

This is an outside technical sales position requiring regular interaction with customers, manufacturers, sales representatives, and internal departments. The role involves office work as well as customer and industrial site visits, which may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Physical Demands

• Sit at a desk for extended periods.
• Drive to customer locations.
• Use hands, arms, and fingers to handle, feel, and reach for items.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
• Occasionally crouch or crawl during customer or equipment visits.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

Regional travel throughout Michigan and/or Ohio is required based on the assigned territory. Occasional overnight travel may be required, along with periodic overnight national travel for customer, manufacturer, training, or industry events.