Sales Development Associate Jobs in Columbia, MO

Element Materials Technology is seeking an experienced Business Development Associateto join our Rancho Dominguez, CA Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) team. This role is focused on expanding customer relationships, driving new business, and delivering value through our full range of NDT services.

The ideal candidate has proven experience in NDT sales or operations, understands turnaround time (TAT) pressures in aerospace and manufacturing, and can position Element as the go-to partner for quality and responsiveness.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision makers in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing accounts that rely on NDT.
• Drive profitable sales growth by acquiring new customers, re-engaging dormant accounts, and expanding current partnerships.
• Proactively identify opportunities early in the sales cycle and maximize Element’s NDT share of wallet.
• Deliver business development presentations, negotiate, and close contracts in alignment with local operations and BD resources.
• Gather and analyze market intelligence, customer requirements, and competitor activity specific to NDT.
• Prepare reports and presentations on sales volume, growth by sector, and pipeline opportunities for the Rancho NDT business.
• Partner with operations to align customer expectations with lab capabilities, ensuring responsiveness and best-in-class TAT.
• Actively manage the sales process: qualifying prospects, building trust, needs assessment, solution development, and closing.
• Maintain accurate records in CRM, participate in pipeline reviews, and ensure follow‑up on all quotations in a timely manner. Represent Element at industry associations, customer events, and professional forums focused on NDT.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, trade compliance, and applicable NADCAP / OEM / regulatory standards.

• Minimum 5 years of business development, account management, or operations experience in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) or closely related services.
• Strong technical understanding of NDT methods (UT, RT, MT, PT, etc.) and ability to discuss testing requirements with technical and procurement stakeholders.
• Proven track record managing turnaround time (TAT) expectations and winning business based on service speed and reliability.
• Demonstrated success in aerospace, defense, or manufacturing supply chains where NDT is a critical requirement. Experience negotiating contracts, closing business, and achieving revenue growth targets.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms (preferably D365), pipeline management, and accurate forecasting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence and build trust at multiple organizational levels.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to identify, qualify, and convert opportunities.
• High level of accountability, self‑direction, and ability to work cross‑functionally with operations and technical teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, materials science, or related field preferred (or equivalent NDT industry experience).
• Must be able to travel.

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.