Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Title: Technical Sales Associate

About Us

For over 80 years, we have pioneered the motion controls industry as our two legacy brands – Womack Machine Supply Co and the Morrell Group. Today, these industry leaders have come together and evolved to become Evolution Motion Solutions.

Evolution Motion Solutions is the leading engineering partner, systems integrator, and value-add distributor of advanced hydraulic, electromechanical, pneumatic, and automation technologies. Our innovative solutions have been built on a foundation of technical excellence and industry-leading components designed for factory automation, heavy industrial, and mobile/off-highway applications.

Culture

Our culture is a competitive advantage; our shared values provide the foundation for how we interact with each other and the way we conduct our business. Our reputation is one of integrity and accountability. We are small but mighty, and we offer a unique work environment that big companies struggle to compete with.

• Putting our people first – we take care of our people, and our people take care of our customers
• Approachable leadership – open-door policies, flat organization, collaborative environment
• Growth mindset – entrepreneurial perspective, sense of purpose
• Professional development – ongoing training in a continuous learning environment

Our Core Values

• Heart to Care
• Excellence
• Relentless Resolve
• Optimism
• Integrity
• Commitment

About this Opportunity

The Technical Sales Associate is an entry-level field Sales position designed to develop future Technical Sales Representatives (TSRs) through a structured two-year mentorship and training program. This role supports up to three TSRs and collaborates closely with Regional Management (Regional Sales Manager, Regional Technology Sales Manager, Regional Vice President) to learn Evolution Motion Solutions’ products, sales processes, and customer engagement strategies. This position combines hands-on customer interaction, technical sales development, and cross-functional collaboration to prepare for a long-term career in professional technical sales.

In Year 1 of the program, the Technical Sales Associate focuses on training, customer support, and company initiatives. In Year 2, the role expands to include assigned accounts and new territory development. After completion of the 2-year program, and with management approval, the Technical Sales Associate may be promoted to a Technical Sales Representative in Year 3.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their primary duties.

• Participate in structured onboarding and a 30-60-90-day training plan, including product knowledge, customer relationship management (CRM), and sales process fundamentals.
• Support up to three assigned TSRs and regional leadership by assisting with lead generation, quotes, follow-ups, and customer engagement.
• Focus on company initiatives including Filtration, Accessories, and Selling Through the Line to strengthen Evolution’s market presence.
• Increase content with existing customers and engage with new customers who may not receive regular TSR coverage.
• Work directly with regional teams and supplier partners to learn technical solutions, quoting tools, and application engineering.
• Meet early-stage activity metrics such as calls, emails, and demos scheduled; progress to revenue-based metrics as responsibilities expand.
• Maintain accurate records of customer interactions, quotes, and opportunities within the CRM system.
• Participate in weekly meetings, monthly reviews, and quarterly in-person events for development and alignment.
• Contribute to process refinement, share learning experiences, and assist in implementing regional sales best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, skills, and/or abilities required. An individual must meet the minimum requirements as listed in each Qualifications sub-section.

EDUCATION:

• Technical School 2-year training or bachelor’s degree in related technical (automation, robotics, hydraulics, fluid power, industry engineering etc.) field preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Exposure to industrial, technical, or equipment sales a plus, HIGHLY preferred.
• Experience in remote or independent work environments is beneficial.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Desire and ability to learn technical concepts and applications.
• Demonstrated initiative, entrepreneurial mentality, and self-motivation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.
• Coachable, curious, and comfortable with structured feedback and development.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work is primarily sedentary, requiring frequent use of computers, phones, and video communication tools. Regular travel to customer sites and regional offices is expected. Must be able to sit or drive for extended periods, lift up to 25 pounds occasionally, and move through customer environments including industrial facilities and warehouses.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This role involves hybrid work between remote and field environments. The employee may work from a home office, customer locations, or regional facilities. Regular regional travel and occasional overnight stays may be required.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with it.

Evolution Motion Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer