Career

Sales Engineer Defense

20.04.2026

For more than 90 years, PALFINGER has set benchmarks with innovative crane and lifting solutions worldwide. As a leading technology and mechanical engineering company, we transform customer needs into seamlessly integrated solutions while providing opportunities for our people to grow, collaborate, and push beyond limits. We foster an environment where we reach up, reach out, and reach beyond. Become part of our team and let’s lift each other to create what’s next.

 

Palfinger is a global leader in lifting and handling solutions, serving commercial and military customers in over 130 countries. As our Defense Solutions division continues to expand, we are seeking a Sales Engineer to support growth within the government contracting space.

In this role, you will combine technical expertise with customer engagement to support the sales process. Working in close partnership with the Business Development team, you will help assess client requirements, develop tailored technical recommendations, and align offerings with Palfinger’s product portfolio. Focused on the defense sector, you will help position effective, mission-ready solutions for complex operational environments, ensuring all offerings are reliable, compliant, and fit for purpose.

Your Responsibilities

  • Analyze customer technical requirements and align them with the company’s solutions, selecting appropriate products, options, and identifying customs developments that are required.
  • Collaborate with specialized application engineers to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and lead-time implications of custom developments.
  • Support the sales team with technical expertise during client engagements, delivering engaging technical presentations that highlight product features and benefits.
  • Translate customer requirements into formal technical specifications to support costing, proposal development, and engineering execution.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of company products and technologies.
  • Monitor industry trends and competitor offerings. Attend industry events and tradeshows as necessary.

Your Qualifications

  • 5 years of experience in a similar Sales Engineer or Technical role, preferably in the industrial or defense sector.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technical Sciences, or a related technical field.
  • Strong technical foundation with the ability to understand complex systems involving mechanical and hydraulic elements.
  • Experience in lifting solutions, truck upfitting, basic automation, and foundational CAD skills is considered a plus.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a solution-oriented and detail-focused mindset.
  • Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally (approx. 15%, depending on project and project phase)
  • This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. - 120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

What We Offer

  • Competitive compensation: $110,000-140,000 + bonus eligible.
  • 401(k) with Company match.
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and short- and long-term disability (depending upon state). Wellness program offered.
  • Paid Company holidays and paid Personal Time Off (PTO).
  • Opportunity for continuous learning and career growth.

 

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled
 

Apply with registration

Michaeline Dougala

Talent Acquisition Strategist

Location

Schaumburg, IL

2324 Palmer Drive
60173 Schaumburg
United States
Palfinger Schaumburg, IL

Location benefits

  • Job Ticket
  • Flexible Working Hours
  • Mobile working
  • Food Allowances
  • Pension Plan
  • Health Measures
  • Fitness Programs
  • Company Doctor
  • Learning Opportunities
  • Parking facilities
  • Employee discounts
  • Company mobile phone
  • Employee participation
  • Health Insurance