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Business Development Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Business Development Manager - Sports Construction TenCate Multiple U.S. Markets | Nationwide ... engineers, contractors, purchasing groups, and other key decision-makers. • Conduct in-person ...

Business Development Manager

IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Build and manage strong relationships with engineering, sourcing, quality, operations, and ... of experience in business development, sales, or account management (5+ years preferred)

Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field ... Business development experience: Track record of proactive prospecting, cold calling, and winning ...

Showing results 21-40

Business Development Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$47.5K

$93.2K

$148.7K

How much do business development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for business development engineer in Illinois is $93,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $103,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a business development engineer?

A Business Development Engineer is a professional who combines technical expertise with business acumen to identify growth opportunities for a company. They work to expand the company's market presence, build partnerships, and support the sales process by leveraging their understanding of both engineering and business principles. Their responsibilities often include researching new markets, developing strategies for product or service expansion, and collaborating with technical and sales teams to meet business goals. This role is crucial for companies looking to innovate and stay competitive in technology-driven industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a business development engineer?

To thrive as a Business Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, market analysis, and sales strategy, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, data analysis tools, and industry-specific platforms is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, negotiation abilities, and creative problem-solving set top performers apart. These skills and qualities are critical for identifying new opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving company growth in a competitive market.

How does a business development engineer typically collaborate with sales and technical teams to drive business growth?

A Business Development Engineer acts as a bridge between technical and sales teams, translating complex engineering solutions into clear business value for clients. They often join meetings with sales representatives to address technical queries, help identify customer needs, and customize proposals. Collaboration also involves working with product and engineering teams to ensure proposed solutions are feasible and align with organizational capabilities. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance both technical detail and strategic business goals.

What is the difference between Business Development Engineer vs Sales Engineer?

AspectBusiness Development EngineerSales Engineer
Primary FocusIdentifying new business opportunities and strategic partnershipsPresenting technical solutions and closing sales
Required SkillsBusiness acumen, communication, technical knowledgeTechnical expertise, sales skills, customer interaction
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, market research, client meetingsProduct demonstrations, client consultations, technical presentations
Common CertificationsBusiness or engineering degrees, sales certificationsEngineering degrees, technical certifications

While both roles involve client interaction and technical knowledge, Business Development Engineers focus on strategic growth and partnership development, whereas Sales Engineers concentrate on technical sales and product demonstrations. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the industry.

Is a business development engineer a good career?

A business development engineer is a valuable role that combines technical knowledge with sales and strategic planning, often requiring skills in engineering, communication, and market analysis. It offers opportunities for career growth, higher earning potential, and involvement in expanding company markets, making it a favorable career choice for those interested in both technical and business aspects.

What does a business development engineer do?

A business development engineer combines technical knowledge with sales and marketing skills to identify new business opportunities, develop client relationships, and support product growth. They often analyze market trends, create strategic plans, and collaborate with engineering teams to tailor solutions to customer needs. Strong communication, technical expertise, and understanding of industry tools are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Business Development Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Business Development Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Business Development Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Business Development Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Business Development Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,176 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Business Development Manager

Tencate Grass

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Business Development Manager – Sports Construction
TenCate
Multiple U.S. Markets | Nationwide Opportunities
Company Overview
TenCate is a leading provider of synthetic turf, sports surfacing, sports construction, and related athletic-facility solutions. Through our family of companies, we partner with schools, universities, municipalities, architects, contractors, athletic organizations, and facility owners to deliver high-performance sports environments across the United States.

We are growing our Business Development team across the U.S. and are looking for experienced sales professionals who already know our industry. Previous industry experience is required.

Position Summary
The Business Development Manager is responsible for developing new revenue opportunities and growing business within an assigned geographic territory. This role manages relationships throughout the sales and project-development lifecycle and works closely with estimating, operations, project management, marketing, and leadership teams to move opportunities from initial identification through award and execution.
We are specifically interested in candidates with established sales experience in the sports market, including synthetic turf, sports construction, athletic facilities, athletic surfacing, commercial landscape construction, or related industries. Experience selling sports lighting systems, scoreboards, or other athletic-facility capital projects is especially valued.

While this position may be posted in a specific city or region, TenCate has Business Development opportunities across multiple U.S. markets. Candidates with relevant industry experience are encouraged to apply even if their specific city is not currently listed.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop and grow business within an assigned geographic territory, with accountability for pipeline development, revenue growth, and long-term market presence.
• Identify, qualify, pursue, and close new projects and business opportunities across sports construction, athletic facilities, synthetic turf, athletic surfacing, sports lighting, scoreboards, and related solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, universities, municipalities, athletic directors, facility owners, architects, engineers, contractors, purchasing groups, and other key decision-makers.
• Conduct in-person sales calls, site visits, presentations, customer meetings, and value-based selling conversations.
• Manage customer relationships throughout the sales and project-development lifecycle, from prospecting and early project identification through proposal, award, and transition to project execution.
• Develop and execute territory-specific business development plans aligned with company growth strategy.
• Maintain an active, accurate sales pipeline and provide regular updates on opportunity status, deal value, decision-makers, next steps, market activity, and expected close timing.
• Partner closely with Estimating, Operations, Project Management, Marketing, and leadership teams to develop competitive solutions and support a strong customer experience.
• Maintain a strong understanding of company product and service offerings, competitive positioning, market trends, and customer needs.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, trade shows, customer meetings, and other business-development activities.
• Travel extensively throughout the assigned territory and to other locations as business needs require.

Required Qualifications
• Previous industry experience within synthetic turf, sports construction, athletic facilities, athletic surfacing, sports lighting, scoreboards, commercial landscape construction, or a closely related sports or construction market is required.
• Proven business development, outside sales, account management, or territory-development experience with demonstrated success prospecting, qualifying, and closing new business.
• Prior sales experience within the sports market is required; experience selling sports lighting systems, scoreboards, synthetic turf, running tracks, athletic surfaces, or other athletic-facility solutions is strongly preferred.
• Established knowledge of the industry, customer base, competitive landscape, and relationship-driven sales cycle.
• Ability to independently develop, manage, and grow a geographic territory.
• Strong relationship-building, presentation, negotiation, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including the ability to participate in value-based and ROI-focused sales discussions.
• Self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and comfortable operating with a high level of autonomy in a fast-paced sales environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using CRM systems.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving requirements.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned territory.

Preferred Qualifications
• Existing relationships with schools, universities, municipalities, athletic departments, architects, contractors, facility owners, or other sports-industry decision-makers.
• Experience selling complex, high-value capital projects with extended sales cycles and multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with sports lighting, LED athletic lighting systems, scoreboards, video displays, or related sports technology solutions.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, construction management, or a related field preferred.

Multiple U.S. Opportunities
We are building our Business Development team in markets across the country. If you know this industry, have a strong track record of developing business, and are interested in exploring an opportunity with us, we would like to hear from you - even if your specific city is not currently listed.

Compensation amp; Benefits
• Competitive base salary plus performance-based commission opportunity.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holidays, and 401(k).
• Company vehicle and/or vehicle program may be provided based on role and territory.
• Comprehensive onboarding, product training, and ongoing professional development.

Work Environment amp; Travel
This is a territory-based sales role requiring frequent in-person customer engagement and extensive regional travel. Travel requirements will vary by assigned market and may include periodic overnight travel, industry events, internal meetings, and training.

Work Authorization
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity
TenCate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.