Why Make the Leap?
At Cognesense, this isn’t just another job – it’s your chance to be part of something bigger. You’ll play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge engineering and real-world customer needs.
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Where Innovation Meets Purpose
Current Opportunities
Reporting To: Contracts Manager, or VP of Operations
Location: USA
About the Role:
We’re looking for a proactive, self-motivated Governments Contracts Specialist. This position will be responsible for managing all aspects of U.S. federal, state, and local government contracts within a commercial business environment. This role ensures compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., FAR, DFARS), reviews and negotiates contract terms, supports proposal development, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to maintain contractual and regulatory integrity while optimizing business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
Contract Management:
- Review, draft, and negotiate government contracts, subcontracts, modifications, and NDAs.
- Monitor contract performance and ensure adherence to contractual requirements, delivery schedules, and compliance obligations.
- Maintain contract files and documentation in accordance with company policies and government regulations.
Compliance and Risk Mitigation:
- Ensure compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other applicable laws.
- Advise leadership on contract risk areas and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Support internal audits, DCMA/DCAA reviews, and other government oversight activities.
Proposal and Pricing Support:
- Partner with business development and finance teams on RFP/RFQ responses, cost/pricing proposals, and contract-specific terms.
- Analyze solicitation documents to identify critical requirements and potential risks.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Serve as a liaison between the company and government contracting officers or prime contractors.
- Work with operations, finance, and legal teams to resolve contract issues and ensure successful execution.
- Provide training or guidance to internal staff on contract compliance requirements.
Continuous Improvement:
- Recommend process improvements for contract management and compliance tracking.
- Stay current with regulatory changes, industry best practices, and company policies.
Performance:
- Accuracy and timeliness of contract review and administration.
- Compliance audit outcomes (e.g., no major findings).
- Effectiveness in risk mitigation and resolution of contract issues.
- Contribution to successful proposal submissions and on-time project delivery.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, Legal Studies, or a related field (Master’s or JD preferred).
- 3–5 years of experience in government contract administration or related field within a commercial setting.
- Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, and other government procurement regulations.
- Experience with Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and small business or subcontracting plans is a plus.
- Ethical judgment and integrity in handling sensitive government and company information.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
- Collaborative mindset for cross-departmental teamwork.
- Adaptability to changing regulations and fast-paced business environments.
Preferred Skills:
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and contract management systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Reporting To: Director of Sales
Location: USA
About the Role:
We’re looking for a proactive, self-motivated Business Development Representative– Government Sector. This position will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, and developing new business opportunities with federal, state, and local government agencies. This role will focus on building relationships, supporting proposal development, and expanding the company’s presence in the government sector. Responsibilities will include working closely with capture management, sales, and proposal teams to position the company for long-term growth in the government marketplace. The ideal candidate has experience in the government business and contracts along with knowledge of logistics of oil and gas, water and wastewater operations within the government. Experience managing enterprise accounts, sales forecasting and excellent interpersonal communication skills are required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify and qualify new government business opportunities through market research, networking, and industry engagement.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key decision-makers, program managers, and contracting officers in government agencies.
- Support the capture and proposal process, including RFP/RFI responses, teaming agreements, and compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align business development strategies with company objectives and capabilities.
- Track opportunities in CRM systems, ensuring pipeline visibility and accurate forecasting.
- Represent the company at government events, trade shows, and industry forums to build brand awareness and market intelligence.
- Monitor policy, regulatory, and budgetary trends that may impact government contracting opportunities.
- Assist in negotiating partnership and teaming agreements with other contractors and vendors.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or 15+ years of relevant experience.
- Relevant experience includes business development, sales, and capture management, preferably in the government sector.
- Candidate must have sales experience in a technical environment.
- Working knowledge of federal, state, and/or local government procurement processes.
- Assist in negotiating partnership and teaming agreements with other contractors and vendors.
- Proven ability to identify, qualify, and develop multi-million-dollar opportunities.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
- Experience working with CRM systems.
- Strong organization, oral and written communication and time management skills.
- Ability to travel as required, up to 50% of the time.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Top Secret Security clearance desired.
- Experience supporting GSA schedules, IDIQ contracts, or other government acquisition vehicles.
- Existing network of contacts within government agencies or prime contractors.
- Familiarity with proposal development best practices and compliance requirements (FAR/DFARS).
- Experience with international business development and capture. Specifically with the UK MOD, Asia, and Middle East, Australia and Europe.
- Field experience related to terminal automation at load rack facilities.
- Experience in fuel and asset management and automation for the commercial aviation business sector.
- Experience with water and wastewater operations for government operations.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Reporting To: EVP Sales & Marketing
Location: Hillside, IL
Scope:
The Regional Sales Director (RSD) will drive revenue growth and expand market presence for our engineered industrial solutions within an assigned geographic territory. As an individual contributor, the RSD will be responsible for managing all aspects of regional sales, including identifying opportunities, developing relationships, and closing deals with key customers, end users, distributors, and engineering firms.
This role requires a strategic thinker with deep technical sales experience, strong customer engagement skills, and a track record of success in solution-based B2B selling within industrial markets such as oil & gas, chemical, water/wastewater, or manufacturing.
Responsibilities:
Territory Sales Management:
- Develop and execute regional sales strategies aligned with company objectives to achieve revenue and growth targets.
- Identify new business opportunities and cultivate relationships with end users, OEMs, engineering firms, reps, and distributors.
Customer Engagement:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers within the region, providing technical product knowledge, proposal support, and application guidance.
- Conduct on-site visits, virtual presentations, and technical discussions to understand customer requirements and propose tailored solutions.
Pipeline Development & Management:
- Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline using CRM tools, consistently updating opportunities, forecasts, and activity tracking.
- Deliver accurate and timely reporting on territory performance and market insights.
Proposal Development:
- Collaborate with internal sales support, engineering, and marketing teams to prepare and present compelling proposals and bids.
- Provide detailed product specifications and ensure alignment with customer needs.
Market Intelligence:
- Monitor competitive activity, pricing trends, and market developments; provide feedback to product and marketing teams.
- Represent Cognesense at industry events, trade shows, and technical seminars as needed.
Experience & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field.
- Minimum 5+ years of successful B2B sales experience, preferably in industrial equipment, instrumentation, automation, or engineered products.
- Proven track record of consistently achieving or exceeding sales targets.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Strong technical aptitude with the ability to explain complex products and applications to diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Willingness to travel within the assigned region (up to 50%).
- Experience working with or selling to sectors such as oil & gas, chemical processing, storage tank systems, water/wastewater, or similar.
- Background in working with rep networks and distributor channels.
- Familiarity with AS400 systems or similar ERP platforms.
Reporting To: Manual Machinist Lead
Location: Hillside, IL
Scope:
The Manual Machinist is responsible for operating a variety of manual machine tools including manual lathes, vertical lathes, drill presses, and saw tables to produce high-quality components to specification. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical aptitude, blueprint reading skills, and hands-on experience in a shop environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manual Lathe Operation: Set up and operate manual lathes to machine precision parts to specifications.
- Vertical Lathe Operation: Operate vertical lathes safely and accurately for production and prototype work.
- Drill Press Operation: Use drill presses to perform drilling and tapping operations as required by work orders.
- Saw Table Operation: Operate saw tables to cut materials to size for further machining or assembly.
- Blueprint Interpretation: Read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, and part drawings to determine specifications, tolerances, and tooling requirements.
- Quality Checks: Use standard shop gauges (calipers, micrometers, indicators, etc.) to inspect and ensure dimensional accuracy of parts.
- Work Area Maintenance: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; follow all safety protocols and company standards.
- Team Collaboration: Communicate and coordinate with team members and supervisors to ensure production schedules are met.
Experience & Qualifications:
- Minimum 1 year of experience operating manual machining equipment in a manufacturing or job shop setting.
- Ability to read blueprints and use standard shop measuring tools and gauges.
- Strong attention to detail and mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Reliable work habits and a self-motivated attitude.
- Good housekeeping skills and a safety-first mindset.
- Ability to work well both independently and within a team.
- Experience working with different metals and materials in an industrial manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with basic preventive maintenance on manual machines.
- Exposure to lean manufacturing principles or continuous improvement initiatives.
Reporting To: CNC Team Leader
Location: Hillside, IL
Scope:
The CNC Machinist will be responsible for machine setup, first piece inspection, production monitoring, and adjustments on CNC mills, ensuring all parts meet precise specifications and quality standards.This role requires strong technical ability in CNC machine operations, blueprint reading, and quality control procedures. Experience with HAAS and MITSUBISHI CNC machines, Fanuc controls, and a solid understanding of G & M codes is essential for success in this position.
Responsibilities:
- Machine Setup: Set up CNC machines, including tool registers, offsets, fixtures, and machine control settings for production and prototype parts.
- Programming Adjustments: Modify CNC programs at the machine as necessary for optimization or to meet print specifications.
- First Piece Approval: Run and inspect first piece sample parts to ensure accuracy of setup and program before beginning production runs.
- Quality Checks: Inspect finished parts for dimensional accuracy and proper surface finish using calipers, micrometers, and other measurement gauges.
- Process Monitoring: Monitor the machine during production, detect malfunctions, and make real-time adjustments to maintain process stability and quality.
- Preventive Maintenance: Perform routine cleaning, inspection, and preventive maintenance on machines and tools.
- Blueprint Reading: Interpret and work from blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T specifications.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other machinists, quality inspectors, and engineering staff to meet production goals and resolve issues.
Experience & Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC machines.
- Ability to read and interpret G-code and M-code.
- Familiarity with GD&T, blueprint reading, and quality inspection techniques.
- Experience with production setups and first piece validation.
- Ability to read blueprints and use standard shop gauges (e.g., calipers, micrometers).
- Basic understanding of quality control practices and inspection methods.
- CNC programming experience is strongly preferred.
- Experience operating CNC machines with Fanuc and Haas controls preferred.
- Background in working with horizontal and vertical CNC mills, rotating tables, and multi-axis machines.
- Experience with the following equipment is preferred:
-
HAAS VF-8 (3–4 axis VMC)
-
MITSUBISHI MV70-E (3–4 axis VMC
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
- Strong housekeeping skills and adherence to safety protocols.
Reporting To: Sales Manager
Location: Hillside, IL
About the Role
We’re seeking an experienced, results-driven Sales & Marketing Coordinator to lead strategic marketing initiatives and drive sales growth across digital, print, and in-person channels. This dynamic, high-impact role is ideal for a seasoned professional who excels in a fast-paced B2B environment, demonstrates strong leadership in project management, and brings innovative strategies to high-tech marketing. The coordinator will collaborate with the company’s graphic design/creative team, using their pre-designed assets to create and execute effective marketing campaigns.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage outbound marketing content, including newsletters, press releases, brochures, and product sheets, by partnering with the graphic design team to ensure impactful placement and distribution.
- Strategize and execute marketing campaigns using pre-designed assets from the graphics team to maximize reach and engagement.
- Manage and grow our presence across social media platforms (LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube), focusing on strategic content scheduling, audience engagement, and performance optimization.
- Coordinate media relationships, ad placements, and press coverage to enhance brand visibility and ROI.
- Plan and execute trade shows and events, overseeing logistics, booth setup/tear-down (some heavy lifting required), shipping, signage, and event staffing.
- Support the sales team with branded presentations, customer-facing content, and proactive lead follow-up.
- Track and analyze marketing campaigns and performance metrics in collaboration with sales leadership, using advanced CRM tools for data-driven insights.
- Maintain and organize materials in our marketing library and digital asset systems for seamless team access.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in sales and marketing coordination roles, preferably in high-tech B2B environments.
- Extensive expertise in CRM systems (e.g., Zoho CRM, Salesforce, or equivalent), including advanced modules for campaigns, lead management, automation, and reporting—intense, proven CRM proficiency is a must.
- Proven track record in social media strategy, content management, and audience growth.
- Substantial experience coordinating and executing trade shows or industry events from start to finish.
- Exceptional communication, organizational, and multitasking skills with a focus on strategic planning and execution.
- Ability to lift and transport marketing/event materials up to 40 lbs.
- Highly self-directed, accountable, and capable of independently driving complex projects to completion.
- Basic proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite for minor adjustments and collaboration with the graphic design team, while adhering to pre-designed assets from the graphic Designers.
Preferred Skills
- Proficiency with marketing automation tools (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot) for integrated campaigns.
- Strong interest or background in high-tech, industrial, or engineering-driven products.
- Familiarity with video editing or photography is a plus, but not required.
Reporting To: Inside Sales Manager
Location: Hillside, IL
Scope:
The Technical Inside Sales Representative (TSR) directly contacts external and internal customers in selling tank equipment, instrumentation and controls, or specialty products. This position manages and responds to incoming Requests for Quotes (RFQs) and collaborates with the engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure that customer specifications for products and services are met. Additionally, it focuses on developing tailored solutions and coordinating with the Regional Sales Director to support the overall sales strategy.
This role is ideal for someone with strong technical comprehension, excellent communication skills, and a proactive, team-oriented mindset. You will play a key part in interfacing with customers, engineering firms, contractors, and internal departments to help drive sales and ensure an exceptional customer experience.
Responsibilities:
RFQ & Quotation Management
- Manage and respond to incoming Requests for Quotes (RFQs) from phone, email, and website channels.
- Review customer specifications and drawings; prepare accurate and competitive quotations tailored to each application.
- Coordinate with engineering, operations, and procurement for technical validation and pricing of specialty items.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, end users, contractors, and engineering firms throughout the quotation and approval process.
- Facilitate communication to ensure timely resolution of questions, technical clarifications, and delivery expectations.
- Assist with expediting the drawing and approval process by coordinating with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Sales Support & Strategy Alignment
- Collaborate with Regional Sales Managers to develop and support territory-specific strategies and tactics.
- Assist in implementing sales plans and support large account or project pursuits with timely documentation and proposal materials.
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Work with Engineering, Customer Support, and Production to ensure quotes and sales orders reflect accurate lead times, configurations, and technical requirements.
- Support smooth handoffs between quoting, order processing, and fulfillment stages.
CRM Management & Sales Operations
- Maintain up-to-date and accurate records in the company’s CRM system, including customer interactions, quote statuses, and project pipelines.
- Generate reports as needed to support forecasting, sales performance analysis, and executive visibility.
Experience Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work; 4-year technical degree in a mechanical, electrical, construction or science-oriented curriculum preferred
- Strong knowledge of tank, instrumentation and/or PVF products; experience in the oil and gas or electrical/automation industries is a plus
- Any combination of five or more years in customer service, inside sales in a position with increasing responsibility, to include demonstrated sales experience;
- Demonstrated competence in the use of computers and software applications;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and promote ideas and transfer detailed knowledge to others;
- Willingness and ability to travel within and outside the main office if needed
- Exceptional analytical skills and experience with data-driven performance management.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Sees the big picture and promotes consideration of multiple perspectives
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- High level of self-motivation and professionalism.
- Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Gmail) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Experience using CRM software systems and data entry tools.
- Experience interpreting technical drawings and specifications is highly desirable.
- Experience working in industrial, manufacturing, or technical sales environments preferred.