Full Job Description
Product Specialist - Technical Sales & Field Engineering
Location: Valparaiso, IN (with frequent travel across the USA, Canada, and Mexico)
About the Role
Are you a hands-on technical problem-solver who thrives on building client relationships and seeing your recommendations come to life for the customer? As a Product Specialist within our Technical Sales / Field Team, you will bridge the gap between cutting-edge metallurgy technology and real-world heavy industry operations.
In this role, you won't just pitch products-you will act as a trusted technical advisor to our clients. From analyzing drawings and identifying efficiency upgrades, to being on-site during critical outages and commissioning, you will play a direct role in optimizing blast furnace performance across North America.
What You'll Do
Drive Growth & Client Strategy
• Build lasting partnerships: Manage and expand customer relationships within North America, acting as the primary point of contact for sales, service requests, and technical support.
• Uncover new opportunities: Proactively identify client needs, develop tailored proposals, and build a strong sales pipeline for SMS group products and services.
• Showcase innovation: Present the latest SMS group technologies and equipment solutions to client teams, helping them stay ahead of industry demands.
Solve Complex Technical Challenges
• Engineer better outcomes: Review customer blueprints, plans, and documents to calculate dimensions, prepare cost estimates, and project production increases.
• Optimize operations: Recommend equipment upgrades, process improvements, or material changes that cut costs and boost plant efficiency.
• Collaborate across teams: Partner closely with internal project managers, engineers, and global SMS group divisions to deliver seamless, end-to-end project execution.
Lead Hands-On Field & Workshop Support
• Be there when it counts: Travel to client sites for scheduled or emergency outages, assisting with installation supervision, commissioning, and preventative maintenance.
• Ensure top-tier quality: Perform equipment testing, DIA inspections, and QA/QC reporting at our Valparaiso workshop and vendor facilities, while supporting equipment repairs and refurbishments.
• Empower client teams: Deliver hands-on technical training and operational guidance to client personnel on equipment use and maintenance.
What You Bring to the Table
Experience & Industry Knowledge
• Proven background: At least 5 years of related industry experience (or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience).
• Sector expertise: Solid working knowledge of blast furnace equipment and the heavy metals/steelmaking industry.
• Sales track record: Demonstrated success in driving business development, expanding a customer base, and building a sales pipeline.
Technical & Mechanical Skills
• Blueprint & CAD proficiency: Ability to read mechanical, lubrication, and assembly drawings, calculate areas and volumes, and work effectively in AutoCAD.
• Multi-system fluency: Practical knowledge of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and piping systems.
• Shop-floor savvy: Familiarity with disassembly, assembly, machining, and fabrication methods, including MIG, SMAW, and TIG welding practices.
Communication & Travel Readiness
• Clear communicator: Strong ability to write detailed inspection/analysis reports and confidently present technical solutions to groups.
• Adaptable problem-solver: Comfortable tackling non-standard field challenges, interpreting complex manuals and diagrams, and working within a team-driven culture.
• Ready to move: Willingness to travel frequently throughout North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico), valid passport required.
What we Offer
Competitive compensation, medical/dental/vision coverage, paid vacation, paid holiday time, 401k with a company match, training, a tuition reimbursement program and more!
