Technical Sales Engineer – Navy & Shipyard Aftermarket — Hampton Roads, VA

Technical Sales Engineer – Navy & Shipyard Aftermarket

Location : Hampton Roads, VA (Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton, or surrounding areas)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Work Arrangement: Remote/Home-Based with Local Customer Visits

Travel: Approximately 20–30%

Base Salary: $125,000–$150,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications

Bonus: Potential quarterly performance-based bonus eligibility following the initial training period

Overview

KORE1, a nationwide provider of staffing and recruiting solutions, is seeking a Technical Sales Engineer to support U.S. Navy and commercial shipyard customers throughout the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.

This position combines technical expertise in shipboard engineering systems, valves, actuators, pumps, strainers, and flow-control equipment with customer relationship management, aftermarket sales, and project coordination.

The primary focus will be supporting Navy ship maintenance, repair, overhaul, and ship-availability programs, rather than new ship construction. The successful candidate will work closely with shipyards, maintenance contractors, procurement teams, and Navy-related organizations to identify equipment requirements, respond to requests for quotation, and coordinate the supply of critical flow-control products.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of shipboard mechanical systems and engineering spaces, preferably gained through prior U.S. Navy service or direct experience supporting Navy shipyards. Individuals with backgrounds in shipboard auxiliaries, engineering operations, propulsion support systems, or ship maintenance are particularly well suited for this opportunity.

Prior technical sales experience is valuable, but candidates with strong Navy or shipyard technical backgrounds who are interested in transitioning into a customer-facing commercial role are encouraged to apply.

This opportunity offers a structured onboarding and mentorship process, allowing the new hire to develop product knowledge, build customer relationships, and progressively assume responsibility for established regional accounts.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a technical resource for Navy-approved valves, actuators, strainers, pumps, isolation equipment, and related flow-control products used in shipboard mechanical systems.

Develop and maintain relationships with Navy shipyards, maintenance contractors, procurement personnel, engineering teams, and aftermarket customers throughout Hampton Roads.

Support aftermarket sales opportunities associated with ship maintenance, repair, overhaul, dry dockings, and scheduled ship availabilities.

Respond to customer requests for quotation (RFQs), evaluate technical requirements, identify appropriate products, and coordinate pricing, availability, and order fulfillment.

Work with shipyard personnel and regional maintenance organizations to understand upcoming ship schedules, equipment requirements, and anticipated replacement-part demand.

Coordinate with internal engineering, project management, procurement, and OEM partners to support product selection, technical documentation, testing requirements, and project execution.

Manage sales and order-related documentation, including SDRLs, testing records, delivery schedules, and applicable military specifications, in collaboration with internal project engineering resources.

Provide post-sale technical support, including product integration assistance, troubleshooting coordination, and resolution of customer equipment or application concerns.

Utilize SAP Business One to prepare quotations, process orders, manage customer transactions, and maintain accurate sales and account information.

Develop technical product knowledge and progressively assume ownership of regional customer accounts, supporting long-term relationships and aftermarket business growth.

Required Qualifications

U.S. Citizenship required.

Strong working knowledge of shipboard mechanical systems, fluid-handling equipment, valves, actuators, pumps, strainers, or related flow-control products.

Experience supporting U.S. Navy vessels, commercial shipyards, ship maintenance operations, marine engineering, or closely related industrial applications.

Understanding of shipboard engineering spaces, mechanical equipment operation, maintenance requirements, and equipment troubleshooting.

Ability to interpret technical product specifications, engineering documentation, and customer equipment requirements.

Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineering, procurement, maintenance, and program personnel.

Ability to evaluate customer requirements, coordinate technical solutions, and manage multiple quotations, orders, and customer priorities.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a remote, customer-facing environment.

Willingness to learn and use SAP Business One for quotations, order processing, and related sales activities.

Must reside in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton, or nearby communities.

Ability to travel to local shipyards, customer facilities, and occasional company meetings or industry events.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior U.S. Navy service, particularly in engineering, auxiliaries, propulsion, or shipboard mechanical systems. Senior enlisted engineering personnel, Chief Petty Officers, and junior officers with relevant technical experience are especially encouraged to apply.

Experience as a shipboard engineering specialist, auxiliaries officer, engine-room specialist, maintenance supervisor, or similar technical professional.

Familiarity with quarter-turn and multi-turn valves, electric and hydraulic actuators, remotely operated valves, and shipboard isolation systems.

Experience supporting Navy ship maintenance, dry dockings, post-deployment availabilities, repair programs, or overhaul activities.

Experience working with major Navy shipyards, regional maintenance centers, ship repair contractors, or marine equipment suppliers.

Background in technical sales, account management, aftermarket equipment support, or marine industrial product distribution.

Familiarity with Navy procurement practices, requests for quotation, military specifications, testing requirements, and program documentation.

Experience coordinating equipment requirements and replacement-part demand based on vessel maintenance schedules or ship classes.

Experience using SAP Business One or a comparable ERP/CRM platform.

Established professional relationships within the Hampton Roads Navy and shipyard community.

Training & Professional Development

The position includes a structured onboarding and account transition process designed to help the new hire develop technical product knowledge and establish relationships with regional customers.

During approximately the first six months, the Technical Sales Engineer will work closely with an experienced regional sales leader, participating in customer introductions, joint visits, product training, and hands-on sales activities.

Responsibilities will expand progressively as the individual becomes familiar with the company's products, internal systems, customer requirements, and established accounts.

The organization values self-motivated professionals who are eager to learn, collaborate with experienced colleagues, and build long-term customer relationships.

Work Environment & Travel

This is a remote/home-based position requiring residency in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.

Most customer accounts are located throughout the surrounding Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Hampton areas.

The role offers flexibility to work from home while regularly visiting shipyards, maintenance contractors, and customer facilities. Local office and meeting space may also be available for customer discussions and team collaboration.

Travel is estimated at approximately 20–30%, primarily consisting of regional customer visits. Occasional travel to company headquarters in Pennsylvania and approximately one or two out-of-area industry trade shows may also be required.

The successful candidate should be comfortable working independently while maintaining frequent communication with internal sales, engineering, procurement, and project management teams.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $125,000–$150,000 annually, depending on experience, technical background, and qualifications.

Quarterly Performance Bonus: Potential eligibility following approximately six months of onboarding and successful completion of the initial development period.

Estimated Bonus Opportunity: Approximately $10,000–$20,000 annually, subject to performance, eligibility, and company bonus plan terms. Bonus payments are not guaranteed.

Comprehensive employee benefits package.

Structured technical and sales training.

Mentorship from experienced marine industry professionals.

Established regional customer relationships and opportunities for long-term account development.

Supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven team environment.