Automated Warehouse Sales Engineer in Wixom, Michigan at CEC Controls Company Inc

We are seeking a highly skilled Automated Warehouse engineer to lead both the front-end development of complex automation solutions and the growth of new customer relationships. This role combines technical solution design and consultative sales responsibilities to identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities in warehouse automation.

The position is responsible for new sales activities, designing conceptual layouts, defining system architecture, aiding in cost estimates, and engaging prospective clients to understand operational challenges and propose innovative automation solutions involving Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), control systems, and simulation modeling.

The ideal candidate brings a balance of engineering expertise, creative system design thinking, financial acumen, and business development skills to translate customer requirements into actionable, cost-effective automation solutions while expanding the company's market presence.

Responsibilities:

Business Development

• Identify, prospect, and develop new customer relationships within warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
• Generate and qualify sales opportunities through networking, industry events, referrals, market research, and direct outreach.
• Conduct customer discovery meetings to understand operational challenges, growth plans, and automation requirements.
• Develop and maintain a healthy sales pipeline and manage opportunities through the sales cycle.
• Present automation concepts, business cases, and ROI analyses to prospective customers and key stakeholders.
• Support contract negotiations and commercial discussions to successfully close new business opportunities.

Solution Design

• Develop high-level conceptual designs and layouts for automated warehouse systems including ASRS, AMRs/AGVs, conveyors, sortation systems, and control layers.
• Perform throughput and operational analysis using simulation tools to validate design concepts and system performance.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, engineering, and vendor partners to refine concepts and costs.
• Prepare and present concept design packages, proposals, and cost estimates to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Continuously evaluate technology trends and supplier capabilities to inform solution design and pricing accuracy.
• Support RFQ and proposal development with technical specifications, assumptions, and pricing strategies.
• Assist in transitioning awarded projects to engineering and operations teams for execution.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in warehouse automation design, technical estimation, systems engineering, solution sales, or business development.
• Demonstrated success developing new customer relationships and closing capital equipment or automation projects.
• Strong knowledge of automated material handling technologies including ASRS, AGVs/AMRs, conveyors, sortation systems, and shuttle systems.
• Familiarity with warehouse control and execution systems (WCS/WES/WMS).
• Experience with simulation tools such as Emulate3D, SolidWorks, Visual Components, or Siemens Plant Simulation.
• Ability to interpret customer requirements, operational data, and facility constraints to create viable automation concepts.
• Proficient in AutoCAD or similar layout design software.
• Strong Excel and financial modeling skills for estimation, ROI analysis, and cost breakdowns.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical solutions to both technical and executive-level audiences.
• Willingness to travel as needed for customer meetings, site visits, trade shows, and business development activities

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to create detailed technical estimates, including equipment, installation, integration, controls, simulation, and commissioning costs.
• Experience selling warehouse automation, material handling systems, robotics, or industrial automation solutions.
• Established network within logistics, distribution, e-commerce, or manufacturing industries.
• Knowledge of solution selling methodologies and consultative sales practices.
• Experience preparing business cases, ROI analyses, and executive presentations for automation investments.