CNC Machinist Sales and Application Engineer

Kennametal - San Jose, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

San Jose, CA

5,001-10,000 employees

Machinery Manufacturing

About the position

Kennametal is seeking a CNC Machinist Sales and Application Engineer to transition from hands-on machining to a professional sales role. This position focuses on driving metal-cutting tool sales growth by managing customer relationships, providing technical support, and increasing productivity for customers. The role combines technical knowledge with sales skills to achieve targets and build a strong presence in the assigned territory, primarily through fieldwork at customer locations.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed revenue targets by providing metal cutting solutions based on market trends.
• Generate, qualify, and manage all sales leads and new customer accounts.
• Proactively manage the complete sales process, including prospecting and consultative sales meetings.
• Develop and execute strategic territory plans to achieve revenue goals.
• Provide timely answers to pre-sales technical and commercial queries from customers.
• Maintain up-to-date customer and project records in CRM.
• Collaborate with internal sales and support professionals to enhance customer experience.
• Perform online and onsite demonstrations of metal cutting products.
• Conduct pre-sales workshops and webinars within the territory.
• Represent and promote Kennametal at tradeshows and conferences.
• Deliver cost savings through analysis of application needs and provide recommendations.

Requirements

• Technical degree or Degree in Business, Manufacturing, and/or Engineering preferred.
• 3+ years of related CNC machining industry experience; 1-2 years of technical sales/application experience preferred.
• Proficient in product knowledge, including applications and troubleshooting.
• Solid grasp of industry dynamics and ability to align product solutions with customer needs.
• Competent in a range of sales techniques, including objection handling and closing strategies.
• Independently executes strategic sales plans and contributes to strategy development.
• Possess solid critical thinking, presentation, and administrative skills.
• Excellent communication skills for explaining complex technical concepts.
• Customer-focused mindset with a passion for problem-solving.
• Detail-oriented to manage contract review and project specifications.
• Creative and persuasive with tactical and strategic thinking abilities.
• Collaborative team player able to work effectively across departments.

Benefits

• Base salary plus performance-based bonus
• Benefits starting day 1
• Company vehicle provided