BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasSales Engineers

O*NET · 41-9031.00

Sales Engineers

Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.

Also called Aeronautical Products Sales Engineer · Aerospace Products Sales Engineer · Agricultural Equipment Sales Engineer · Business Development Engineer · Ceramic Products Sales Engineer · Channel Sales Engineer (CSE) · Chemical Equipment Sales Engineer · CSE
30 more

Customer Engineer · Electrical Products Sales Engineer · Electronics Products and Systems Sales Engineer · Enterprise Sales Engineer · Field Marketing Representative · Field Sales Engineer · Field Service Representative · HVAC Commercial Salesperson · HVAC Commercial Salesperson (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Commercial Salesperson) · Inside Sales Engineer · Inside Sales Representative · Marine Equipment Sales Engineer · Mechanical Equipment Sales Engineer · Mining and Oil Well Equipment and Services Sales Engineer · Missile Navigation Systems Sales Engineer · Nuclear Equipment Sales Engineer · Outside Sales Engineer · Outside Sales Representative · Pre-Sales Engineer · Pre-Sales Solutions Engineer · Product Sales Engineer · Product Support Engineer · Product Support Specialist · Regional Sales Engineer · Sales Applications Engineer · Sales Engineer · Sales Engineering Manager · Sales Specialist · Technical Marketing Engineer · Technical Sales Engineer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code ECI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Management Analysts

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ECIEnterprising · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • E Enterprising5.78
  • C Conventional4.51
  • I Investigative3.58
  • R Realistic3.38
  • S Social2.82
  • A Artistic1.76

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Some College Courses6%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree12%
  • Bachelor's Degree57%
  • Master's Degree25%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (58%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (50%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (51%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Persuasion4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Speakingbasic4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Judgment and Decision Making4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Social Perceptiveness4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Complex Problem Solving3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Negotiation3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Active Learningbasic3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Writingbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Service Orientation3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
Show the other 23
  • Systems Analysis3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Systems Evaluation3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Time Management3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Instructing3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Coordination3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Mathematicsbasic3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Monitoringbasic2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Technology Design2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Operations Analysis2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.63.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Management of Financial Resources2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources2.32.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Sciencebasic2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Operations Monitoring1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Quality Control Analysis1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Programming1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Equipment Selection1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Troubleshooting1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Operation and Control1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

19 core · 6 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Develop, present, or respond to proposals for specific customer requirements, including request for proposal responses and industry-specific solutions.4.6
  2. Collaborate with sales teams to understand customer requirements, to promote the sale of company products, and to provide sales support.4.4
  3. Create sales or service contracts for products or services.4.2
  4. Visit prospective buyers at commercial, industrial, or other establishments to show samples or catalogs, and to inform them about product pricing, availability, and advantages.4.1
  5. Keep informed on industry news and trends, products, services, competitors, relevant information about legacy, existing, and emerging technologies, and the latest product-line developments.4.1
  6. Plan and modify product configurations to meet customer needs.4.0
  7. Confer with customers and engineers to assess equipment needs and to determine system requirements.4.0
  8. Prepare and deliver technical presentations that explain products or services to customers and prospective customers.4.0
  9. Identify resale opportunities and support them to achieve sales plans.4.0
  10. Recommend improved materials or machinery to customers, documenting how such changes will lower costs or increase production.3.9
  11. Research and identify potential customers for products or services.3.9
  12. Document account activities, generate reports, and keep records of business transactions with customers and suppliers.3.9
Show the other 13
  1. Maintain sales forecasting reports.3.9
  2. Secure and renew orders and arrange delivery.3.8
  3. Develop sales plans to introduce products in new markets.3.8
  4. Attend trade shows and seminars to promote products or to learn about industry developments.3.7
  5. Attend company training seminars to become familiar with product lines.3.6
  6. Arrange for demonstrations or trial installations of equipment.3.4
  7. Train team members in the customer applications of technologies.3.2
  8. Sell products requiring extensive technical expertise and support for installation and use, such as material handling equipment, numerical-control machinery, or computer systems.4.6
  9. Provide technical and non-technical support and services to clients or other staff members regarding the use, operation, and maintenance of equipment.3.7
  10. Provide information needed for the development of custom-made machinery.3.7
  11. Diagnose problems with installed equipment.3.6
  12. Write technical documentation for products.3.2
  13. Report to supervisors about prospective firms' credit ratings.2.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.55.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Engineering and Technology4.35.6
  • English Language4.34.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Sales and Marketing4.35.1Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Mathematics3.85.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Administration and Management3.74.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Design3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Administrative3.24.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
Show all 33
  • Mechanical3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Computers and Electronics2.94.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Economics and Accounting2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Physics2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Education and Training2.73.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Production and Processing2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Communications and Media2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Psychology1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Chemistry1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Law and Government1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Telecommunications1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Geography1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Building and Construction1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Public Safety and Security1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Foreign Language1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Philosophy and Theology1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.3—
  • Biology1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech Clarity4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Speech Recognition4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Comprehension4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Information Ordering3.84.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Problem Sensitivity3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Category Flexibility3.64.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Fluency of Ideas3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Near Vision3.63.9
  • Originality3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Number Facility3.33.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Memorization3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
  • Speed of Closure3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Flexibility of Closure2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Selective Attention2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Visualization2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Far Vision2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Perceptual Speed2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time Sharing2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Depth Perception2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Finger Dexterity2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Auditory Attention2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Manual Dexterity1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Control Precision1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Trunk Strength1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.50.6
  • Multilimb Coordination1.40.5
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Dynamic Strength1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.44.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Getting Information4.44.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Selling or Influencing Others4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Working with Computers4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
Show all 41
  • Thinking Creatively4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.64.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.54.6Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Processing Information3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Training and Teaching Others3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.92.8
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.72.9
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.53.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.52.7
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.42.7
  • Developing and Building Teams2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.22.6
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings2.22.4Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.91.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.80.9Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.41.4Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Contact With Others4.6
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.6
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.6
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.5
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.5
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.4

Technology

95 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (7)

  • Amazon Web Services AWS softwarehot
  • Microsoft Azure softwarehot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Pythonhot
  • Salesforce softwarehot

Hot (41; 7 more marked hot above)

  • Ansible software
  • Apache Cassandra
  • Apache Hadoop
  • Apple iOS
  • Atlassian JIRA
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Border Gateway Protocol BGP
  • C
  • C++
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Docker
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Google Workspace software
  • IBM DB2
  • JavaScript
  • Kubernetes
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Active Directory
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Teams
Show the other 17
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Windows Server
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle Java
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Perl
  • PHP
  • R
  • React
  • Ruby
  • SAP software
  • Shell script
  • Splunk Enterprise
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Teradata Database
  • UNIX
Other tools (47)
  • Ab Initio
  • Apache HBase
  • Apache Pig
  • Apache Struts
  • Cisco Systems CiscoWorks
  • Cisco Systems VPN Client
  • Citrix cloud computing software
  • Database management software
  • Enterprise application integration EAI software
  • Enterprise JavaBeans
  • Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
  • Firewall software
  • Google Cloud software
  • Graphics software
  • Hewlett Packard HP-UX
  • Hyperion Solutions Hyperion System 9 Bi+
  • IBM Cognos Business Intelligence
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • IBM Domino
  • Informatica Corporation PowerCenter
  • Management information systems MIS
  • MapReduce big data software
  • McAfee
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft Office Live Meeting
  • MicroStrategy
  • MicroStrategy Desktop
  • Network directory services software
  • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • Oracle Solaris
  • Platform as a service PaaS
  • RESTful API
  • Sales analysis software
  • SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise
  • SAP Business Objects
  • SAP Business One
  • SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
  • Scheduling software
  • Security assertion markup language SAML
  • Single sign-on SSO
  • Software as a service SaaS
  • Virtual private networking VPN software
  • Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
  • Web browser software
  • WebEx Sales Center
  • Wireshark

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
  2. Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
  3. Architectural and Engineering Managers
  4. Logistics Engineers
  5. Industrial Engineers
  6. Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  7. Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors
  8. Manufacturing Engineers
  9. Computer Systems Analysts
  10. Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.