Location: Minnesota Travel: Multi-state territory (CO, UT, WY, MT, ID, NM, WI, SD, ND, IA, NE) — ~30–40%

Productivity, Inc.—a leading CNC machine tool and automation distributor headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota—is seeking an Automation & Robotics Sales Engineer with systems integration experience to help manufacturers implement turnkey automation solutions.

This is a customer-facing, revenue-generating role, ideal for someone who understands how automation systems are designed and integrated, but who thrives on working directly with customers to uncover opportunities, develop solutions, and close business.

If you have experience in systems integration, robotics applications, or automation engineering—and want to grow your career in consultative technical sales—this role is an excellent fit.

• Develop and close automation opportunities within new and existing customer accounts

• Lead customer conversations from discovery through proposal and closing

• Evaluate customer processes and identify automation opportunities across:

  • Machine tending

  • Material handling

  • Assembly

  • Welding

  • Packaging

  • Inspection

• Build and manage a pipeline of qualified automation opportunities

• Define automation solutions that deliver measurable ROI

• Scope robotic cells and turnkey automation systems, including robots, EOAT, fixturing, vision, and controls architecture

• Collaborate with Automation Engineering and Service teams to develop technically sound, manufacturable solutions

• Support pre-sale activities including customer visits, application reviews, and feasibility discussions

• Prepare and present technical proposals and integrated system solutions

• Drive follow-up, proposal refinement, and deal progression through close

• Maintain accurate pipeline, forecasting, and activity tracking in CRM systems

• Hands-on experience in systems integration, automation engineering, or robotics applications

• Experience working on or supporting turnkey automation systems or robotic cells

• Customer-facing experience (applications engineering, sales, or technical support with direct customer interaction)

Working knowledge of:

• Industrial robotics (6-axis, SCARA, delta, cobots)

• PLCs, HMIs, and motion control systems

• End-of-arm tooling (EOAT), fixturing, or part handling

• Vision systems and automated inspection

• General automation system architecture

• Strong interest in customer interaction, business development, and sales outcomes

• Ability to translate technical solutions into clear business value and ROI

• Effective communicator with strong relationship-building skills

• Self-motivated and comfortable managing multiple opportunities

• Willingness to travel 30–40% (1–1.5 weeks per month)

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

Strong candidates often come from:

• Systems integrators (applications, project, or customer-facing engineering roles)

• Robotics or automation applications engineers working directly with customers

• Technical sales or solution consulting roles in industrial automation

• Machine tool or manufacturing automation environments with customer interaction

This role is especially well-suited for individuals who:

• Have been involved in designing or supporting automation systems

• Want to move closer to the customer and commercial side of projects

• Are motivated by solving problems, influencing projects, and closing opportunities

• Work on complete, integrated automation solutions—not just components

• Collaborate with a highly experienced team of automation engineers and service professionals

• Help manufacturers solve real-world production challenges

• Join a respected, growth-oriented company with a strong reputation in machining and automation

• Competitive compensation and excellent benefits

• $80,000 – $150,000+ total compensation (base + uncapped commission)

IND123