Sales Engineer, Building Systems

3 days ago
Full time role
Hybrid · United States... more

About Sparkfund

Sparkfund is an energy transition partner built to accelerate the energy transition by transforming the built environment into a productive, resilient, climate-adapted extension of the grid. We do this by partnering with utilities and building owners to provide program management, project implementation, and financing services and capabilities to our partners' customers. Together, we are creating a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable energy future. 

Position Summary 

Sparkfund is seeking a motivated and collaborative Building Systems Sales Engineer within our Sales Engineering team to provide technical expertise to drive sales for project(s) around our building systems solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding and deep technical expertise in building systems including HVAC, lighting, controls and efficiency, to identify customer needs in order to effectively communicate technical solutions and provide tailored solutions.

Operating cross-functionally within the organization, this role collaborates across Programs, Commercial Solutions, and Value Chain Management to support various client-driven initiatives and promote Sparkfund’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. This individual will act as a liaison between the Customer Solutions team and the Project Development team, ensuring that technical solutions align with customer needs and expectations. 

 

Location 

This is a hybrid role that will require around 25-50% travel, depending on proximity to customer sites located in both Colorado (CO), Minnesota (MN) and other locations. Additionally, we may expect you to travel to Washington, DC and / or other US cities for organized team and / or company gatherings to collaborate with other members of the team / company, learn the ins and outs of our business, and contribute to our company culture. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Leverage proactive acquisition techniques to identify and pursue new business opportunities in the building systems market while developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including vendors, contractors and channel partners to drive engagement.
  • Conduct site audits with the fulfillment team, providing recommendations for site improvements to both existing and new customers with an active installation base.
  • Collect and validate preliminary information through facility walk-throughs to identify energy-saving opportunities.
  • Maintain comprehensive records of all opportunities, tasks and site visits.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, acting as a trusted technical advisor throughout the sales process by providing technical guidance and support around building systems solutions.
  • Identify and position a unique value proposition with an owner 
  • Articulate and present the value of energy and operational savings, with a foundational understanding of sales principles.
  • Work closely with Commercial Solutions and Project Development teams to ensure alignment between customer requirements and technical solutions.
  • Collaborate with Engineering teams to provide necessary technical expertise to prepare and present detailed proposals.
  • Act as the primary point of contact between the Customer Solutions, Engineering, and Vendor Management teams ensuring the successful handoff and implementation of solutions.
  • Facilitate seamless handover of won projects to installation, maintenance, and/or Engineering teams, ensuring complete and accurate information.
  • Work with the Engineering and Vendor Management teams to fully develop the timeline, costs, and any constraints of the solution, and communicate to sales lead and customer
  • Manage workload to meet customer timelines, prioritizing tasks efficiently using available tools and cross team collaboration to streamline workflows

 

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • 5-8 years of sales engineering experience within the energy or utilities industry. 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field; or a 2-year technical school degree with relevant experience.
  • Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, lighting, controls and building management systems as well as proficiency in safety integration and building certifications.
  • Familiarity with conducting ASHRAE Level 2 Audits
  • General understanding of contract terms and/or language.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts and topics effectively for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proven track record of building and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully navigate a fast-paced and rapidly growing company
  • Willingness to travel between 25-50% depending on location
  • Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.
  • Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting in utility and energy systems.
  • Eligible to work in the United States; this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

  • Proficient in commercial HVAC and lighting systems, or experience with mechanical, electrical, or control systems schematics.
  • HVAC design, engineering, or modeling capabilities.
  • Background in technical sales or commercial real estate.
  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or LEED AP 
  • Demonstrable experience in solving complex engineering problems and improving existing processes
  • Competency in software and cloud-based information management tools – especially with Salesforce, Google Workspace, Slack, Asana, Excel, PowerPoint, and/or project management tools.
  • Dedication to what we’re building at Sparkfund and a passion for combating climate change.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation and stock option plans - we believe in shared ownership.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance as well as disability and life insurance.
  • Flexible vacation policy and observance of all federal holidays.
  • 8 weeks gender-neutral paid leave for caregivers when they have a new addition to their families and an additional 4 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents.
  • A one-time, work-from-home stipend to help cover any equipment, hardware, etc. you need to set up your remote office.
  • A monthly allowance of $100 to help cover phone and WiFi expenses.

We Want You To Know

You can be a great candidate even if you don't fit everything we've described above. You can also have important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. We are dedicated to environmental stewardship, and recognize we need diverse perspectives to successfully tackle this massive challenge. To change the world, we must first change ourselves, which is why Sparkfund has created a space that sources viewpoints from people who look and think differently.
 
We are committed to diversity and building an equitable and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and experiences, and we're taking steps to meet that commitment. Sparkfund is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Sparkfund will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records consistent with federal, state, and local legal requirements.