Senior Sales Engineer - Powder Metal Powertrain (North America)

Company: Bleistahl North America LP
Location: Battle Creek
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: Position Summary We are a leading powder metal manufacturing facility specializing in powder metal valve seats and valve guides for internal combustion engines. To support our aggressive growth strategy, we are seeking an experienced Sales Engineer with a strong design and engineering background to drive customer acquisition and market expansion across North America. The primary objective of this role is to achieve 50% market share in North America through a balanced and shared responsibility between sales execution, customer engagement, and product development collaboration. This role requires deep automotive powertrain knowledge, strong technical credibility, and a proactive sales mindset. Key Responsibilities · Sales & Market Development o Drive new business acquisition to support the target of 50% North American market share for powder metal valve seats and related powertrain components. o Own customer engagement activities including cold calling, lead generation, RFQs, technical sales presentations, and commercial negotiations. o Develop and execute a structured sales funnel and account penetration strategy focused on OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. o Identify competitor positioning, pricing strategies, and technical differentiators to strengthen value propositions. o Support contract negotiations, long-term agreements, and pricing strategies aligned with margin and volume objectives. · Technical Sales & Engineering Interface o Act as the technical interface between customers and internal engineering, metallurgy, and manufacturing teams. o Translate customer requirements into technical specifications, design concepts, and feasibility assessments. o Support DFMEA, PFMEA, material selection, and design-for-manufacturability discussions. o Participate in design reviews, application engineering discussions, and validation planning. o Provide technical input for customer audits, PPAPs, and launch readiness activities. · Product Development Collaboration o Share joint ownership of growth targets with Product Development and Engineering teams. o Identify gaps in current product portfolio and drive new material, alloy, or design concepts aligned with customer needs. o Support benchmarking of competitive materials, wear resistance, thermal performance, and cost positioning. o Provide voice-of-customer input to guide R&D roadmaps and capital investment decisions. · Customer Relationship Management o Build long-term strategic relationships with engineering, purchasing, and program management at customer organizations. o Represent the company in customer meetings, technical workshops, industry events, and trade shows. o Ensure high customer satisfaction through responsiveness, technical credibility, and commercial transparency. Requirements: Desired Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related technical discipline. · Minimum of 7 years experience in in automotive sales engineering, application engineering, or technical business development working with North American OEM’s is a plus. Sound commercial knowledge is expected. · Strategic Thinking to develop ideas, concepts and plans which he/ she can convincingly communicate internally and to customers (future and existing). · Ability to analyze data and present information effectively. Respond to questions from various stakeholders, internally as well as customers and other relevant partners. · Demonstrated success in new business acquisition and account growth. · Ability to conduct cold calls, prospecting, and early-stage customer engagement. · Excellent communication skills required as written and verbal communication with internal and external organizations and customers are essential to the success of the position. · Excellent negotiation skills are required to effectively negotiate and close sales agreements with potential customers. · Computer skills in Microsoft Office are required. A Valid Driver’s license and ability to travel within market territory, both local and international is required. · Experience in powder metal alloys, wear-resistant materials, and thermal management solutions. · Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949, and customer-specific requirements. · Exposure to cost modeling, VA/VE, and total value management discussions. · MBA or commercial training is a plus.

Keywords: Bleistahl North America LP, South Bend , Senior Sales Engineer - Powder Metal Powertrain (North America), Engineering , Battle Creek, Indiana