Sales Engineer

Purpose

The Sales Engineer is responsible for driving revenue growth by developing new business opportunities for optical components, sub-assemblies, and modules. Combining technical expertise with commercial insight, the role involves working closely with customers to identify applications, define technical requirements, and convert opportunities into new product development projects. The Sales Engineer will collaborate with the Business Unit Manager and NPI Project Engineer to ensure a smooth transition from inquiry to project execution and production, acting as a trusted link between the company and customers to ensure satisfaction while consistently achieving or exceeding sales targets.

Job Duties:

1. Business Development & Opportunity Identification
   - Identify and develop new business opportunities in industries such as photonics, semiconductor equipment, medical imaging, industrial inspection, life science instruments.
   - Build and maintain relationships with R&D engineering teams, product managers, and procurement teams.
   - Support the Business Unit Manager in expanding strategic accounts, customer portfolios, and market segments.

2. Technical Sales Support
   - Work with customers to understand technical requirements, including optical specifications, mechanical constraints, and system integration needs.
   - Propose solutions leveraging the company's capabilities in precision optical components, optical assemblies, and imaging modules.
   - Prepare technical proposals and presentations for discussions with the customers R&D Team.

3. RFQ & Quotation Management
   - Coordinate RFQ processes with internal teams.
   - Review customer drawings and specifications to ensure completeness.
   - Collaborate with engineering and factories to prepare cost estimates and quotations.
   - Track quotation status and follow up with customers to ensure timely responses.

4. Pre-NPI Technical Coordination
   - Support early design discussions and feasibility studies.
   - Coordinate with engineering teams on manufacturability, tolerances, and material selection.
   - Assist in defining project scope before NPI launch.

5. Market & Industry Intelligence
   - Monitor industry trends in photonics, imaging systems, and optical instrumentation.
   - Provide feedback on emerging applications, competitor capabilities, customer strategies, and technology directions.

6. Customer Relationship Management
   - Maintain strong communication with existing and new customers.
   - Expand industrial network across SEA, Europe, and China.
   - Coordinate customer visits, technical meetings, and factory tours.
   - Ensure alignment of customer expectations with internal capabilities.

7. Reporting and Data Analysis
   - Analyse revenue figures, track performance metrics, and investigate root causes for variances.

Experience:

• 0-3 years of experience in technical sales, application engineering, optical systems, or precision manufacturing.

• Experience interacting with engineering customers is preferred.

• Experience in customer-facing roles and a customer-oriented mindset.

• Proven track record in customer-facing roles with strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

• Experience in manufacturing or precision optics is advantageous.

• Ability to work independently and proactively generate leads.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or Master's in Engineering (Optics, Mechanical or Electronics) or a fundamental sciences (Physics) field is required.

Other Requirements:

• Basic understanding of optical components (lenses, prisms, filters), imaging systems, mechanical tolerances, and manufacturing processes.

• Ability to read engineering drawings and optical specifications.

• Good command of written and spoken English. Ability to communicate in Mandarin will be an advantage to liaise with Mandarin-speaking counterparts.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc).

• Willingness to travel overseas (up to 50% of the time) and work across multiple time zones.

• Oversea travel is needed, up to 50% of time.

• Customer facing experience.

• Professional demeanour and office-appropriate attire.

KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR THE JOB:

• Strong communication and presentation ability.

• Ability to translate technical language into commercial proposals.

• Customer-oriented mindset and relationship management skills.

• Proactive and curious about technology and industry trends.

• Comfortable collaborating with engineers and business teams.

• Organized and able to manage multiple opportunities.

• Continuous learning with proactive mindset and behaviour.

• Take responsibility and ownership to achieve higher company goals.