Sales Engineer Trainee

Title: Sales Engineer Trainee (Sales Trainee Program)
Compensation: This role is part of the company’s Sales Trainee Program, designed for salespeople new to the organization. The program provides a base salary of $60K–$80K plus commission (10% of gross profit); higher compensation may be considered for highly qualified candidates.​
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Travel: Minimal; local focus with occasional in-state meetings and customer visits​​​​​​​

About The Job:

Lakeside HR Group has been engaged by a long-standing and highly respected commercial HVAC equipment manufacturer’s representative to recruit for a Sales Engineer Trainee in Savannah, Georgia. This company has been around for decades, has an excellent reputation in the market, and is backed by a larger parent organization, which has fueled continued growth.

The Sales Trainee Program is designed to provide a clear pathway for developing successful Outside Sales Engineers. As part of this program, you will receive training, mentorship, and support while gradually building your own book of business. You will be responsible for learning the company’s products and processes, supporting contractors through bids and project delivery, and building strong industry relationships.

This company offers a mid-sized, team-oriented environment where your contributions are recognized, your impact is direct, and the connections you build with customers and colleagues are meaningful.

Breakdown of Responsibilities (Approximate Percentages):

• Sales & Account Management Training: 70%
• New Business Development Training: 10–15%
• Product/Process Learning & Mentorship: 15–20%

Key Responsibilities:

• Learn the company’s sales process from bid preparation through order fulfillment and delivery.
• Assist in managing contractor accounts while building relationships with new and existing customers.
• Support the bidding process by reviewing project specifications, preparing proposals, and coordinating with inside sales for pricing accuracy.
• Gain technical knowledge of the company’s core and applied HVAC product lines to provide solutions for contractors and engineers.
• Shadow experienced Sales Engineers on site visits, customer meetings, and industry events to build field knowledge and professional skills.
• Gather and analyze market intelligence to understand competitive positioning.
• Work toward developing an independent book of business to eventually transition into a full Outside Sales Engineer role.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred, or equivalent hands-on HVAC industry experience.
• 1–2 years of experience in sales, system design, consulting, or customer-facing roles preferred (internships or co-op experience considered).
• Interest in technical sales and a career in the commercial HVAC industry.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect and build trust with customers.
• Resilient and self-driven, with the ability to learn from rejection and maintain persistence.
• Highly organized and motivated, capable of balancing multiple projects and training assignments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems; familiarity with manufacturer selection software is a plus.
• Eagerness to grow into a full Outside Sales Engineer role with long-term leadership potential.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Prescription drug coverage
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) / health savings accounts (HSA)
• Additional wellness and support resources

About Lakeside HR Group:

At Lakeside HR Group, we understand that finding the right job is essential for your career success. We are a boutique-style human resources consulting and recruiting firm dedicated to providing personalized, tailored solutions. When you partner with us, you are not just getting a recruiter; you are getting the entire Lakeside team working together to support your career goals.

Partner with us at Lakeside HR Group, where we are more than just a recruiting firm; we are your partners in achieving your career aspirations.