Automation Sales Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Role DefinitionThe Industrial Sales Engineer leads the front-end development of agricultural and industrial capital projects, partnering with clients to define operational needs and translate them into executable solutions across seed, grain, value-added agriculture, milling, and pet food facilities. This role serves as the primary technical and commercial liaison during project development and preconstruction, guiding projects from concept through validated scope, budget, and schedule readiness. Through development of process flow diagrams, conceptual designs, rough order of magnitude budgets, milestone schedules, and proposal documents, the Industrial Sales Engineer enables informed decision-making and successful project conversion.

This role requires expertise in bulk material handling, processing, and packaging systems. Working knowledge of general building and construction systems is essential. This role ensures alignment between process requirements and constructability while supporting seamless transition into execution through ongoing technical support.

Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills are essential to deliver solutions that meet client objectives and drive successful project outcomes. PROTECT PEOPLE Safety comes first in everything I do I protect our seat at the table by doing my best work I develop myself and others I put the needs of the Company and others above my own I represent myself and the Company professionally at all times BUILD RELATIONSHIPS I respect people I have a positive attitude I collaborate and build healthy external relationships I collaborate and build healthy internal relationships I engage in healthy conflict I act with honesty, integrity, and ethics I avoid dramatic and toxic behavior FOCUS ON END GOALS I focus my efforts on providing value-added work to the customer; "work in the business" I start with the end in mind I honor our process I act with the greater good of the company and the team in mind I embrace the EOS process and take the appropriate amount of time to 'work on the business' I respect Company resources DRIVE INNOVATION I offer 2 Second Lean improvements I act with a continuous improvement mindset; low tech or high tech I think differently to create value and solve problems Top 5 role responsibilities: CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS May serve as the primary client contact during early project development and preconstruction. Lead discovery meetings to understand the Owner Program and / or Request for Proposals (RFP).

Document the initial description of the Owner's operational goals and objectives that include budget and time criteria, space requirements relationships, flexibility and expandability requirements, process & special equipment and systems and site requirements. capital priorities. Facilitate collaboration between owners, operators, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams.

Communicate scope, process concepts, budgets, schedules, and risks clearly and consistently to the BD Lead and/or Project Manager. Manage client correspondence, meeting documentation, and decision records. Speed and agility is a differentiator for Keen.

Provide responsive, professional support to guide projects toward successful conversion. Build long-term, trust-based client relationships that support repeat business. SALES & CONCEPT DRAWINGS Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs).

Develop high-level process automation scope, typically in terms of estimated total horsepower and I/O count. Translate Owner Program into conceptual and schematic drawings to support budgeting and decision making. Validate process assumptions with owners, operators, and engineering partners.

Coordinate internal and external design teams to advance early engineering disciplines. Facilitate design reviews with Operations for constructability, safety, and lifecycle performance. Ensure concepts comply with applicable regulatory and safety standards.

ROUGH ORDER OF MAGNITUDE (ROM) BUDGETS Develop ROM budgets based on process flows and conceptual designs. Perform site assessments and risk evaluations to identify cost drivers and constraints. Solicit, review, and negotiate budgetary pricing from subcontractors and suppliers.

Validate scope coverage, assumptions, and exclusions in all early estimates. Incorporate safety, regulatory, insurance, and bonding requirements into budgets. Analyze historical cost data to improve forecast accuracy.

Identify value analysis and cost optimization opportunities. Support Owner go/no-go and phase-gate decisions through data-driven financial analysis. Track project pursuit and development costs.

Measure performance through tracking of quantity of pursuits, average pursuit size, close rate, and total contracted amounts. MILESTONE SCHEDULE Develop and maintain conceptual and preconstruction milestone schedules. Establish owner and internal development deadlines and decision milestones.

Coordinate engineering, estimating, procurement, and permitting timelines. Identify constraints, long-lead items, and approval risks impacting schedules. Work with project partners to eliminate barriers to progress.

Monitor progress and adjust plans to maintain momentum. Prepare transition schedules for handoff to Operations and construction teams. Communicate schedule risks and recovery plans to stakeholders.

PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS Lead preparation of proposal packages, bids, and sales documentation. Assemble scope narratives, assumptions, qualifications, and clarifications. Coordinate input from estimating, engineering, procurement, and operations teams.

Prepare and include alternates, allowances, and unit pricing. Ensure proposals comply with client, contractual, and regulatory requirements. Support bid reviews, negotiations, and client presentations.

Verify inclusion of risk management, insurance, and bonding requirements. Support seamless transition of awarded projects to Operations and Project Management. Maintain proposal records and templates for continuous improvement.

EPC EXECUTION & TECHNICAL SUPPORT Provide technical support to Project Managers, Superintendents, and field teams during construction and startup. Interpret process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, and design documents to clarify design intent. Assist in resolving field issues, constructability challenges, and design discrepancies.

Validate that field installations align with process requirements, performance criteria, and project scope. Participate in key construction and coordination meetings to provide technical insight and continuity. Support commissioning and startup activities to ensure systems perform as intended.

Help maintain continuity between project development assumptions and execution outcomes. POTENETIAL KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Quantity of pursuits Average size of pursuits Close rate of pursuits Average turnaround time for proposals # warm leads Sales drawing cycle time EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, construction engineering, agricultural engineering, industrial engineering, chemical engineering. Consideration given to equivalent experience in similar roles or fields.

Minimum of ten (10) years of proven experience in industrial construction projects. Experience with client bids, master planning, schematic design, design development scopes of work and processes. Working knowledge of basic computer programs like Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook, on-line collaboration tools and software programs.

Willingness to learn new programs. Proficient in Autodesk/Plant Design Suite products like Revit and AutoCAD are desired with knowledge of Inventor, Navisworks, etc., beneficial. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies

Experience working in industrial environments and knowledge of materials, methods, tools, and construction equipment involved in construction and industrial processes. Ability to work in a cross functional team environment and communicate clearly is required. Travel up to 75% or as needed, by air and ground.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Sedentary strength demands include exerting up to 10 pounds occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time. Continuously requires vision, hearing, twisting, and talking. Frequently requires standing, fine dexterity, sitting, and handling.

Occasionally requires walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, kneeling, pushing/pulling, bending, and crouching. Rarely requires climbing. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

Keen Project Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (minorities, females, veterans, individuals with disabilities, sexual orientation, or other protected categories in accordance with state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and background checks are required if applicable.

Benefits and additional Company Information is located on the career section of our website. https://keenps.com/careers/ .