At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify new business opportunities and deliver technical presentations to clients.
- Company: Join ZF, a leader in mobility solutions with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, company car, and 27 days holiday.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mobility while building strong client relationships.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree or relevant apprenticeship with sales experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you ready to make an impact? ZF is looking for talented individuals to join our team. As a FutureStarter, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of mobility. Join us and be part of something extraordinary!
About the Team: The Technical Sales Engineer – Rail is part of the Global Center of Competence Rail, a highly specialized team consisting of seven colleagues in total—two working in Sales and five in Technical Engineering Support. This role sits at the intersection of engineering and commercial strategy, helping customers improve the performance and reliability of both ZF and third‑party drivetrain and bogie systems. You will be the face of ZF Services UK—building relationships, identifying opportunities, solving technical challenges, and supporting the delivery of high‑value engineering services. This role suits someone with a strong mechanical background who is keen to progress and move confidently into the next stage of their career.
What you can look forward to as Technical Sales Engineer - Rail:
- Identify and develop new business opportunities for ZF products, with a focus split of 60% new business development and 40% account management.
- Prepare and deliver technical presentations, product demonstrations, and solution proposals to customers and stakeholders.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, product, and project teams to ensure customer requirements are clearly understood and fully supported.
- Build and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and procurement teams across the rail industry.
- Provide market intelligence, including competitor analysis and customer feedback, to inform internal strategy and product development.
- Travel across the UK to meet customers, visit project sites, and engage with partners and suppliers as required.
- Attend industry events, exhibitions, conferences, and networking forums to promote ZF products and gather wider market insights.
Your profile as Technical Sales Engineer - Rail:
- Engineering degree or relevant technical apprenticeship (Mechanical, Automotive, Mechatronics, Rail).
- Experience with drivetrains, gearboxes, rotating equipment or bogie systems.
- Proven track record in technical sales, business development, or customer‑facing engineering.
- Ability to explain complex mechanical and digital systems to varied stakeholders.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage customer accounts, technical projects, and sales pipelines.
- Strong problem solving skills with a consultative, solutions‑focused mindset.
- Ability to work independently and travel to customer sites nationwide when required (Full UK driving licence).
- Experience within the rail industry (rolling stock maintenance, depot support, component overhaul) desirable.
Why you should choose ZF:
- Competitive salary + performance bonus.
- Company car, laptop and phone.
- Pension (up to 6% contribution from company with 3% contribution from employee).
- 27 days holiday.
- 2x Life Assurance cover.
- Health Cashplan.
Be part of our ZF team as Technical Sales Engineer - Rail and apply now!
What does DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) mean for ZF as a company? At ZF, we continuously strive to build and maintain a culture where inclusiveness is lived and diversity is valued. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that all our employees can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this vision in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape the future of mobility.
Technical Sales Engineer - Rail in Nottingham employer: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Contact Detail:
ZF Friedrichshafen AG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Sales Engineer - Rail in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research ZF's products, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with professionals in the rail sector. Building relationships can open doors and give you insights into what ZF is looking for in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the Technical Sales Engineer role. Highlight your mechanical background and any relevant sales experience to make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ZF team and making an impact in the rail industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Sales Engineer - Rail in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Sales Engineer role. Highlight your engineering background and any relevant experience in sales or customer-facing roles. We want to see how your skills align with what ZF is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the rail industry and how you can contribute to ZF's mission. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've tackled technical challenges or developed solutions. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and creatively, especially in a technical sales context!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join the ZF team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ZF Friedrichshafen AG
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to drivetrains, gearboxes, and bogie systems. Be prepared to discuss how these components work and their relevance in the rail industry. This will show that you’re not just a sales person, but someone who understands the engineering behind the products.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves explaining complex systems to various stakeholders, practice articulating technical concepts in simple terms. You might want to prepare a few examples of how you've successfully communicated with clients or resolved technical challenges in the past.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask them about their experiences at ZF and share your enthusiasm for the company’s mission. This can help demonstrate your relationship-building skills, which are crucial for the Technical Sales Engineer role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle customer accounts. Think of specific situations where you identified business opportunities or overcame technical challenges, and be ready to discuss the outcomes. This will highlight your consultative, solutions-focused mindset.