Applications Sales Specialist (Materials & Surface Testing)

Position Summary:

Nanovea is seeking an Applications Sales Specialist to support and develop instrument sales opportunities for advanced materials testing, surface measurement, and related scientific applications. This role is intended for a candidate with strong communication skills, technical curiosity, and either prior experience in technical sales or a background in materials science, mechanical engineering, metrology, surface analysis, instrumentation, or a related field.
The Applications Sales Specialist will manage customer inquiries, qualify technical and commercial needs, coordinate discussions with Nanovea technical specialists, prepare quotations, and follow opportunities through the sales process. The role does not require the candidate to independently solve every complex technical application. Nanovea technical specialists will support advanced mechanical testing, tribology, vacuum, environmental, and custom application discussions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond to assigned instrument sales inquiries and follow leads through the CRM.
• Qualify customer needs, including application, sample type, measurement goals, budget, timeline, and decision process.
• Lead first-level technical and commercial discussions, especially for profilometry and general materials testing applications.
• Coordinate technical meetings with Nanovea specialists for advanced or complex applications.
• Attend customer meetings, document key technical and commercial points, and define next steps.
• Prepare and send quotations using approved pricing, configurations, and internal guidance.
• Follow up on open quotes and maintain consistent customer communication.
• Support customer education on Nanovea instruments, applications, and laboratory testing capabilities.
• Coordinate sample testing, demonstrations, and internal application review when needed.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, opportunity status, and forecast information.
• Work with internal teams to improve sales explanations, application notes, quote templates, and customer-facing materials.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Metrology, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent experience in technical sales, scientific instrumentation, materials testing, surface analysis, or metrology will also be considered.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to understand technical customer needs and translate them into clear internal and customer-facing communication.
• Strong organization, follow-up discipline, and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with CRM systems, quotations, technical documents, and customer meeting notes.
• Prior experience with profilometry, mechanical testing, tribology, nanoindentation, microscopy, or laboratory instrumentation is a plus.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license required.
• Ability to travel occasionally for business needs.

Location:
Southern California preferred. Remote U.S.-based candidates may be considered for highly qualified applicants with relevant experience in scientific instrumentation, materials testing, metrology, surface analysis, or technical sales. Remote employment is subject to company approval based on payroll, tax, workers’ compensation, and employment law requirements in the candidate’s state.

Compensation:
Base salary of $65,000 to $75,000, depending on experience, plus commission. Expected commission opportunity is approximately $20,000 to $40,000, based on sales performance.

Travel:
Occasional travel may be required for customer visits, demonstrations, training, and trade shows. Travel is typically limited and expected to be under 10% in most periods, with the ability to travel up to 20% when business needs require.

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000