Job Description:

The HEF Group is a global leader in the science of tribology for more than 50 years and offers innovative nitriding surface treatments and PVD thin-film coating solutions for corrosion, wear and friction reduction of automotive and industrial machinery components. Today HEF is active in more than 30 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas, engaged in providing Liquid Nitriding services & chemicals; PVD based coating services; tribology testing services; and supplying engineered sleeve bearings & bushings for demanding industrial applications. HEF Group operates a global service jobbing network that provides our nitriding treatments and PVD coating services to manufacturers of automotive components and precision components used in industrial equipment such as pumps, valves, compressors, hydraulic gear-boxes etc.  HEF Group, which operates several processing facilities in the US and is seeking an experienced Sales Engineer to spearhead the growth of its business and application development activity - with primary focus to support our Tech Nickel Inc. facility located near Benton Harbor, Michigan. For more information about HEF, please visit and Location: Western Michigan or Northern Indiana Candidate location: It is preferable if the candidate lives within 50-miles of our Benton Harbor, Michigan facility. For suitable candidates, home office working will be acceptable, provided the candidates lives in the Western Michigan or Northern Indiana area. The sales focus will be primarily in IL, MI, IN, WI.     Job Responsibilities: Generate jobbing revenue for Liquid Nitriding treatments, Electroless Nickel platings and PVD Coating technologies within the following market segments:Automotive components that could benefit from reduced friction and improved corrosion and wear dustrial machinery: Sliding and rotating precision components used in - Hydraulic & Pneumatic equipment; Power Generation; Oil & Gas; Construction equipment; Mechanical Drives; General Mechanical components etc.Stamping, Forming, Injection Molding, Die-Casting etc. tools. Sales Engineer Job Duties: Generate revenue within identified industrial sectors for HEF and Tech-Nickel products & services: PVD coatings including Diamond-like Carbon (DLC), Liquid Nitriding treatments and Electroless Nickel platingsIdentify current and future customer service requirements by establishing personal rapport with potential and actual customers and other persons in a position to understand operating & performance requirements. Provide product and service-related technical and engineering information by answering questions and requests.Understanding the technical and product performance issues being faced by the customer and conveying the relevant details to HEF Application Development engineers; coordinating testing at customer location and providing performance feedback to facilitate development of optimum solutions.Penetrate industrial customers in the markets segments indicated above, to disseminate information about HEF's surface treatments and coatings and generate new revenue opportunities. Gain customer acceptance by explaining or demonstrating value enhancements that can be achieved when using HEF products & services.Prepare price quotes by studying blueprints, plans, and related customer documents; consulting with engineers, and other technical personnel.Determine improvements by analyzing potential & actual cost-benefit ratios of HEF products & services within the customer's operating environment.Develop customer's staff by providing technical information and training.Prepare sales reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing sales information, engineering and application trends.Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.Contribute to sales engineering effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-range issues that must be addressed; providing information and commentary pertinent to deliberations; recommending options and courses of action; implementing directives. SkillsQualifications:  4-year science engineering degree or equivalent - preferably in Metallurgical or Mechanical engineering. Candidates without engineering degrees will be considered if they have industry-relevant experience.3-7 years of experience in one of the following areas:Selling metallurgical services such as heat treatment, electroplating, nitriding, thermal-spray coatings, PVD CVD coatings etc. to automotive or industrial equipment component manufacturers will be desirable. Selling engineered metal precision mechanical components - Preference for individuals who have industrial sales experience within targeted industries such as Hydraulic & Pneumatic; Power Generation; Construction equipment; Mechanical Drives; General Industrial Machinery etc.Good mechanical aptitudeStrong consultative selling skills.Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills are required.Experience in managing multiple accounts through the various steps of application development, product launch and on-going account maintenance.Ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders within the customer's organization - product engineers, purchasing, operational managers and R&D pensation Package:We offer a competitive salary, commission, car allowance, excellent health benefits and 401(k) plan, etc. Base: $90,000 annually - depending upon skills and relevant experience.Bonus Plan: Depending upon skills and experience - potential of 10% of annual salary - payout based upon completion of objectives.Car Allowance: $400 per month + plus gas, maintenance, insurance.Medical Benefits: Currently through Anthem Blue-Cross and Blue-Shield. Company currently pays around 75% of the insurance premium.401k: Company matches up to 4% when employee contributes 6%. 401k starts after 12 months of employment.