Territory: Virginia & East NC / SC
- Manufacturing engineers, industrial automation specialists, and consultative technical sellers — strongly encouraged to apply.
- Location: Virginia & East NC/SC — candidate must live in (or relocate to) the territory
- Reports to: East Zone Manager
- Travel: Varies with business needs; ~40–50% overnight typical
- Employment: Full-time · Salary + performance-based incentives · Vehicle allowance
What to Know
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Southern Tool Specialist, Inc. (STS) is hiring a highly motivated Industrial Sales Engineer to grow and manage all or portions of our VA, NC, & SC territory. This role is built for a consultative, technically curious self-starter who thrives on solving complex manufacturing problems on the plant floor — and who is energized by helping customers improve quality, throughput, ergonomics, and total cost of ownership.
You will be the face of STS, partnering with manufacturing engineers, plant managers, quality leaders, and corporate engineering teams to design and deliver assembly, fastening, and advanced drilling solutions powered by world-class brands and Industry 4.0 / Smart Factory technologies.
ABOUT STS
Southern Tool Specialist, Inc. is the leading manufacturing process systems and Smart Factory solutions provider across the U.S. South. Since 2001, STS has earned the trust of manufacturers in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, and Puerto Rico by delivering far more than tools — we deliver engineered outcomes.
Our core competency is assembly: fastening, advanced drilling, and material handling for the industries that build America — aerospace, motor vehicle and tiered suppliers, energy, off-road and railcar, electrification, appliances and electronics, shipbuilding and metal fabrication, and general industrial assembly. We represent the best brands in the industry, including Atlas Copco and Lübbering, and we are recognized as a Top 10 Solution Provider for 2026.
We grow because our customers grow with us. Our focus is always on the solution — and the value of that solution to the customer.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Own, develop, and grow sales across the territory — building a balanced book of business across existing accounts and new opportunities.
- Conduct on-site evaluations of customer assembly, fastening, and drilling processes to identify inefficiencies and engineer better outcomes.
- Provide consultative technical guidance, product demonstrations, and proof-of-concept trials with manufacturing engineers, quality teams, and plant leadership.
- Collaborate with OEM and strategic partners (Atlas Copco, Lübbering, and other line-card partners) to scope, quote, and deliver solutions.
- Help customers adopt Smart Factory / Industry 4.0 capabilities — connected tools, data-driven quality, error-proofing, and process traceability.
- Coordinate with internal application engineers, service technicians, and the Zone Manager to ensure flawless execution, installation, and after-sale support.
- Maintain disciplined pipeline, forecast, and territory plans; manage your own calendar and travel cadence.
- Build long-term, trust-based customer relationships rooted in technical credibility and responsiveness.
WHAT YOU BRING
- Bachelor’s degree preferred (engineering, industrial technology, or related discipline); equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience strongly considered.
- Mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, or automation aptitude — comfort on a plant floor and a working knowledge of assembly processes.
- Track record of translating technical problems into customer-ready solutions and proposals.
- Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills with both shop-floor users and corporate decision-makers.
- Self-directed time, territory, and pipeline management — you set the pace.
- Resilient, persistent, and coachable — committed to continuous professional development.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within territory (40–50% overnight typical).
- Must reside in (or be willing to relocate to) the {{TERRITORY_NAME}} territory.
HELPFUL BUT NOT REQUIRED
- Experience with industrial fastening tools, DC electric tools, torque/angle strategies, or assembly error-proofing.
- Exposure to Industry 4.0 / Smart Factory platforms, MES, or connected-tool ecosystems.
- Background in aerospace drilling (CFRP/stack drilling), automotive powertrain or final assembly, energy/oil & gas, off-road vehicle, or shipbuilding/metal fabrication environments.
- Prior outside sales, technical sales, or applications engineering experience.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM STS
- A collaborative, team-focused culture where engineering rigor is celebrated and customer outcomes drive every decision.
- Comprehensive onboarding plus ongoing training on our product lines, brands, and Smart Factory technologies.
- Above-industry-standard, performance-based compensation that rewards growth in your territory.
- Excellent benefits package, including 401(k) with company match, paid travel, and vehicle allowance.
- Direct access to Zone Managers, application engineers, and leadership — a flat structure where your ideas move fast.
- A growing company with a proven distributor network and Top 10 Solution Provider (2026) recognition.
How to Apply
Send your resume and a brief note about why this territory and this role fit you to:
Joshua W. Bruce
Vice President – Sales & Business Development
Email: Josh.Bruce@SouthernToolInc.com
Phone: 205-504-0747
Learn more: www.southerntoolinc.com
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Southern Tool Specialist, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
