Sales Engineer - Iowa

Technical. Consultative. Growth-Driven

Beckhoff Automation is seeking a Sales Engineer to join our Central regional team, focused on the Des Moines, Iowa area. The Sales Engineer will leverage both technical expertise and commercial acumen to drive growth, build trusted customer relationships, and deliver innovative automation solutions. This is a high-impact role for an individual who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment and is passionate about shaping the future of industrial automation.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Growth & Strategy

• Execute a strategic sales plan for the Iowa territory to achieve revenue and growth targets.

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities while expanding engagement within existing accounts.

• Conduct in-person and virtual customer meetings to uncover needs, deliver tailored automation solutions, and drive deals to close.

• Collaborate with the Regional Director to align account strategies and ensure consistent territory execution.

• Maintain a structured and accurate sales pipeline, ensuring opportunities progress effectively through each stage of the sales process.

Customer & Territory Management

• Manage territory forecasting, CRM documentation, and opportunity tracking to ensure accurate reporting and planning.

• Analyze sales performance metrics and develop action plans to improve territory effectiveness.

• Partner with Application Engineers and other internal experts to support customer technical needs and strengthen long-term relationships.

• Represent Beckhoff at trade shows, customer events, and industry conferences to build visibility and foster engagement.

Technical & Product Expertise

• Deepen product and technology knowledge to effectively position Beckhoff’s solutions and communicate value to customers.

• Generate bills of materials (BOMs) and proposals based on customer design requirements.

• Stay informed about new product releases and industry trends to proactively engage customers.

• Route administrative or support tasks as appropriate to ensure smooth customer experiences.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. The company reserves the right to modify duties or assign additional responsibilities as necessary to meet business needs. Other duties as assigned.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Own Your Territory: Full-cycle sales ownership in a growth market

• Cutting-Edge Portfolio: Sell the most advanced automation technology in the world

• Collaborative Culture: Join a supportive, high-performing regional team

• Visible Impact: See the results of your work directly in customer success and territory growth

What We’re Looking For – Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical field; or a Business degree with relevant automation industry experience.

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a sales or industry-related role

• Hands on experience developing and implementing machine automation solutions (PLC, motion, HMI) as an Application or Controls Engineer and looking to transition to a sales role.

• General automation specialist functioning in a sales support role.

• Demonstrated success in technical solution sales, preferably within industrial automation.

• Strong understanding of automation hardware and software.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of a customer organization.

Work Location

As Application Engineers engage with customers throughout the region as part of a collaborative, team-selling model, this position follows a remote work model.

Travel

This position requires varying travel ranging from around 35% which may include day trips, overnight stays, and occasional extended travel depending on business needs. Travel may be local, regional, or national. All travel-related expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with company policy. Candidates must be able to meet the travel requirements of the role, and reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

What We Offer

Benefits

• At Beckhoff Automation USA, our privately held, family-owned culture empowers candid collaboration, the freedom to create innovative solutions, and strong relationships built around cutting-edge technology and shared purpose.

• Generous Paid Time Off + 12 Paid Holidays

• Employer paid High-Deductible Medical plan, Dental, and Vision for Employee + Family!

• 401(k) with up to 6% match

• Employer-Paid Insurance: Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

• Elective Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Indemnity, and Pet Insurance

• Professional Development Opportunities

• CarData Program: Fixed monthly reimbursement + Variable monthly mileage

  • Add $200.00 - $800.00 (Disclaimer: dependent on location)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods.

• Ability to use a computer screen for extended periods.

• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally.

• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and move as needed to perform job duties.

• Manual dexterity for operating tools and equipment.

• Adequate vision and hearing to perform essential tasks safely.

About Beckhoff

At Beckhoff, automation is our calling. We empower engineers to differentiate and succeed as industry leaders –– to harness new technologies, embrace open standards and solve the world’s most complex problems. Founded and led by engineers, we organically create advanced controls, communication, IoT, and motion technologies that become unique tools for your one-of-a-kind challenges in an age of digital transformation.

As a global partner with U.S. headquarters in Minneapolis, we remain committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and support for the people behind the automation. So, whether you’re powering the EV revolution, dazzling on Broadway, launching satellites, or developing fusion energy solutions – you can reach new heights for your business, industry, and humankind.

Beckhoff is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, participate in an interview, or otherwise take part in the recruitment process, please contact our Talent & Culture Team.