The posting
Position Summary The Sales Engineer is PADNOS's technical bridge between industrial and manufacturing customers and its metals recycling operations. This person combines mechanical and process knowledge with consultative selling to grow and retain scrap-generator accounts, design efficient on-site material handling and recycling programs, and structure pricing and contracts that work for both the customer and PADNOS. The role partners closely with Operations, Logistics, and Quality so that commitments made in the field are delivered in the yard. Because every ton diverted from a landfill advances PADNOS's mission of transforming scrap into reusable resources, this role extends that mission into the field, one customer relationship at a time. Key Responsibilities
Develop and grow a portfolio of industrial and manufacturing accounts generating ferrous and non-ferrous scrap through prospecting, referrals, and proactive account management. Conduct on-site assessments of customer facilities to evaluate scrap volumes, material types, and material handling equipment needs (balers, compactors, containers, shears). Design and propose customized scrap recycling programs, equipment recommendations, and logistics solutions that improve customer efficiency and material recovery. Prepare and negotiate pricing, service agreements, and contracts in line with PADNOS's commodity pricing models and margin targets. Partner with Operations, Logistics, and Scheduling teams to ensure pickups, processing, and reporting match customer commitments. Monitor ferrous and non-ferrous commodity markets and scrap pricing trends, communicating relevant changes to customers and internal stakeholders. Maintain accurate account records, forecasts, and pipeline activity in the CRM system, and report on sales performance against targets. Ensure all customer-site visits and recommendations comply with safety standards and applicable environmental regulations. Represent PADNOS at industry trade shows, customer events, and community engagements to build the company's reputation.
Qualifications & Experience Required
Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, industrial technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 3-7 years of experience in technical or industrial business-to-business sales, manufacturing, or the scrap/recycling industry. Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand production processes and material flows. Proven negotiation and consultative-selling skills with a track record of account growth. Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office. Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly within the assigned territory.
Preferred
Experience in metals recycling, scrap processing, or industrial equipment sales. Familiarity with ferrous/non-ferrous commodity markets and pricing. Existing network of industrial and manufacturing contacts in West Michigan.
Work Environment & Physical Demands This role requires regular travel, typically up to 50%, to customer manufacturing plants, industrial facilities, and PADNOS yard locations across the assigned territory, primarily in West Michigan. Work is split between office/remote time (proposals, CRM, pricing) and time on customer plant floors and scrap yards, which involve noise, dust, heavy equipment, and moving vehicles. Required PPE (safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hi-vis clothing) must be worn on-site per PADNOS and customer safety policies. The role requires the ability to walk industrial plant floors and scrap yards for extended periods, climb stairs or ladders to inspect equipment, and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.
