Physical AI and Robotics Sales Specialist

Olympus Controls is looking for a technically curious, customer-facing Physical AI and Robotics Sales Specialist to help lead our next phase of growth in the Bay Area's most advanced industries, including physical AI, robotics, high-tech OEM startups, semiconductor, and life sciences automation.

This person will sit at the intersection of robotics, automation, AI-enabled systems, and business development. The ideal candidate can walk into a conversation with an AI robotics startup, semiconductor equipment manufacturer, or advanced OEM and credibly discuss robot integration, machine vision, device communication, motion control, proof-of-concept development, and production automation challenges.

Role Overview

The High-Tech Robotics & Physical AI Specialist will work closely with Sales Engineers, Applications Engineers, supplier partners, and customers to identify, develop, demonstrate, and close advanced robotics opportunities. The role is highly customer-facing and requires a mix of technical credibility, sales drive, hands-on programming ability, and excitement for emerging automation technologies.

This person will focus heavily on Bay Area industries where robotics and AI are reshaping manufacturing and product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and grow strategic robotics and physical AI opportunities across the Bay Area.
• Partner with local Sales Engineers to identify target accounts, develop opportunity plans, and advance complex robotics projects from discovery through close.
• Build credibility with technical customers by understanding their automation challenges, system architecture, communication requirements, and integration constraints.
• Develop and deliver engaging product demonstrations, proof-of-concepts, and application mockups using robotics, vision, end-effectors, sensors, motion, and related automation technologies.
• Work with supplier partners to configure, quote, and position solutions for robotics, machine vision, sensing, motion, safety, and factory automation applications.
• Engage with major players in AI, robotics, semiconductor, electronics, and OEM markets with a consultative, technically intelligent approach.
• Support marketing events, technology days, customer visits, and supplier-led demonstrations.
• Stay current on emerging robotics and automation trends, including ROS-based development, robot programming, AI-enabled automation, machine vision, industrial communication protocols, and flexible manufacturing.

Ideal Technical Background

The strongest candidate does not need to be a deep software engineer but should be technically fluent enough to have credible conversations with advanced robotics and AI companies.

Ideal experience includes:

• Hands-on robotics programming or integration experience.
• Familiarity with ROS or ROS 2.
• Experience with script-based programming such as Python, JavaScript, C++, or similar.
• Understanding of industrial and device-level communication, such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, TCP/IP, IO-Link, serial communication, MQTT, OPC UA, or similar protocols.
• Ability to work with robots, machine vision, sensors, end-effectors, controllers, and peripheral automation devices.
• Understanding of how hardware and software come together in robotic systems.
• Ability to build demos, troubleshoot systems, and support proof-of-concept development.
• Experience working with electronics, semiconductor, OEM, robotics, or advanced manufacturing customers is highly valuable.

Sales and Customer Skills

This role requires someone who enjoys being in front of customers and can make complex technology exciting, understandable, and commercially relevant.

The ideal candidate will be able to:

• Ask strong discovery questions and uncover high-value automation opportunities.
• Translate technical customer needs into practical automation solutions.
• Present and demonstrate technology in an engaging, confident way.
• Coordinate across Sales Engineers, Applications Engineers, suppliers, and customers.
• Build trust with engineering, operations, manufacturing, and executive stakeholders.
• Balance hands-on technical work with disciplined sales follow-up.
• Prospect into emerging high-tech accounts and develop new business.
• Represent Olympus Controls as a credible automation partner for the Factory of the Future.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent hands-on robotics, automation, or technical sales experience will also be considered.
• 2–5+ years of experience in robotics, automation, technical sales, applications engineering, systems integration, OEM equipment, semiconductor, electronics manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• Experience with collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots, machine vision, sensing, motion control, or industrial automation platforms preferred.
• Comfortable with customer-facing work, demonstrations, proof-of-concepts, and technical presentations.
• Strong motivation to build something new, including ownership of a customer-facing robotics and AI lab.

The Right Fit

This is a great role for someone who gets excited about where robotics, AI, and automation are headed, but also understands how to turn that excitement into real customer projects. We are looking for someone who can be both technical and commercial. Someone who can build a demo in the morning, meet with a robotics startup in the afternoon, and help shape a strategic account plan the next day. The right person will help Olympus Controls become a stronger partner to the Bay Area's most innovative companies in physical AI, robotics, electronics, semiconductor, and high-tech manufacturing.

In accordance with applicable wage transparency law requirements, the typical estimated total compensation for this position is $95,000 - $145,000 annually depending on experience, including potential bonus opportunities. Bonus amounts can be tied to company, location and/or individual performance, but no specific amount is guaranteed. All full-time associates are eligible for typical employment benefits expected from an industry leader (including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, life insurance, time off, employee assistance, etc.).

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.