Automotive Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

For nearly 100 years, Arnold Motor Supply has provided amazing career opportunities for those who prefer to keep things simple; we focus on relationships, service, and expertise. We’re passionate about what we do and always strive to be the best in our business across the five states and 80 locations in which we operate.

The Automotive & Industrial Paint Booth Outside Sales Professional drives sales of automotive refinish and industrial finishing equipment including paint booths, prep stations, mixing rooms, spray equipment, air systems, and related shop solutions. This individual develops new business while growing existing customer relationships by providing consultative solutions that improve customer productivity, compliance, profitability, and quality.

The ideal candidate understands collision repair, industrial manufacturing, finishing operations, and capital equipment sales.

Please note: This role reports to our paint division leader at headquarters, but candidates will work remotely from a home office. Although this position is posted across several locations, candidates should ideally live anywhere in Iowa and as far west as Lincoln, NE.

Essential Responsibilities

Business Development

• Prospect and develop new automotive collision, commercial vehicle, fleet, industrial manufacturing, powder coating, and finishing customers.
• Generate leads through cold calling, referrals, trade shows, networking, and existing customer relationships.
• Identify facility expansion and new construction opportunities.
• Build relationships with shop owners, plant managers, engineers, estimators, and purchasing personnel.

Sales & Consulting

• Conduct facility evaluations and workflow assessments.
• Recommend paint booths, prep stations, air make-up units, mixing rooms, compressed air systems, and finishing equipment.
• Develop complete turnkey solutions including installation and service.
• Prepare professional quotations and equipment proposals.
• Present ROI calculations and productivity improvements.
• Negotiate pricing and close equipment sales.

Project Management

• Coordinate with engineering, contractors, electricians, HVAC contractors, and installation teams.
• Monitor project timelines from order through installation.
• Ensure customer satisfaction throughout the project.
• Assist with startup and customer training.

Customer Support

• Maintain long-term customer relationships.
• Generate repeat business through preventative maintenance programs.
• Promote replacement parts, filters, lighting, doors, controls, and service agreements.
• Identify future expansion opportunities.

Market Development

Develop opportunities in:

• Collision repair centers
• Heavy-duty truck repair facilities
• Fleet maintenance operations
• Auto dealerships
• Manufacturing facilities
• Powder coating operations
• Agricultural equipment manufacturers
• Metal fabrication shops
• Aerospace finishing
• Industrial coating facilities

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Products Sold

• Automotive paint booths
• Industrial paint booths
• Powder coating booths
• Prep stations
• Mixing rooms
• Air make-up units
• Spray equipment
• Compressed air systems
• Paint curing systems
• Explosion-proof lighting
• Booth filters
• Dust collection systems
• Paint booth controls
• Booth service contracts
• Preventive maintenance programs

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is a consultative salesperson who can build trust with collision shop owners, plant managers, and manufacturing leaders. They understand that selling a paint booth is more than selling equipment—they help customers improve throughput, reduce operating costs, ensure OSHA and environmental compliance, and maximize profitability through complete finishing solutions.

Qualifications

• 3+ years outside sales experience preferred
• Experience in automotive collision, industrial finishing, manufacturing, or capital equipment sales strongly preferred
• Strong consultative selling skills
• Mechanical aptitude
• Ability to read shop layouts and blueprints is a plus
• Excellent presentation and negotiation skills
• Self-motivated with strong organizational abilities
• Proficient with CRM software and Microsoft Office
• Valid driver's license with ability to travel extensively

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Preferred Experience

• Collision repair industry
• Industrial painting or coatings
• Paint booth equipment
• Body shop operations
• Manufacturing processes
• Powder coating systems
• Air compressor systems
• HVAC or ventilation systems
• Capital equipment sales

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Performance Expectations (KPIs)

• Annual sales revenue goal
• Gross profit margin achievement
• New customer acquisition
• Number of facility assessments completed
• Equipment proposals submitted
• Closing ratio
• Service contract sales
• Preventive maintenance agreement growth
• Customer retention rate
• CRM activity compliance

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Compensation

• Competitive base salary plus commission
• Monthly and annual performance bonuses
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Expense reimbursement
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Ongoing technical and sales training