Overview
Business Development Specialist
Excel Engineering | Nationwide focus, Detroit office location
About Excel Engineering
For nearly 25 years, Excel Engineering has been the testing partner of choice for the world's most innovative automotive companies—from startup disruptors to global OEMs. We're powertrain agnostic and future-focused: whether you're developing the next-generation IC engine, pioneering hydrogen technology, or accelerating EV adoption, we deliver the data and expertise that moves your projects forward.
Our capabilities span the complete propulsion spectrum: IC engines from 7hp to 5500hp, complete powertrain systems, electrification testing with over 25 cells capable of 2000V and 1MW, hydrogen ICE and fuel cells, battery abuse and thermal runaway testing, NVH analysis, chassis dynamometer testing, and EPA/CARB certification. With facilities in Detroit, Michigan and Iowa, we're rapidly expanding to meet the industry's transformation.
The Opportunity This isn't a typical sales role. We're looking for someone who can think like an engineer, act like an entrepreneur, and build like a strategist. You'll take ownership of Excel's customer business strategy and drive $3M+ in new annual revenue by building deep, repeatable relationships with major OEMs and suppliers.
You'll start by getting your hands dirty—literally working in our test cells to understand what makes a great quote and a successful project. Then you'll leverage that technical credibility to identify opportunities, expand existing relationships, and position Excel for the next phase of growth. You'll have the autonomy to shape our business development approach, our market presence, and even guide M&A strategy.
What You'll Do Months 1-3: Deep Immersion
Work hands-on in our Detroit test cells performing actual engine testing—because the best BD specialists understand what they're selling
Learn our complete capabilities across all three facilities: Detroit, Diagonal (HQ), and Mount Ayr (Battery Testing Center)
Master our business processes, identify underutilized capacity, and start making quotes using our existing frameworks
Day-to-Day Execution
Own the entire sales cycle from first contact to project handoff: respond to RFQs with speed (critical), develop comprehensive proposals, create detailed project plans, and close deals
Work independently on proposals, pulling in technical experts only when you hit the limits of your knowledge
Focus on high-capacity test types where we can win and scale quickly
Maintain rigorous pipeline tracking and sales activity reporting
Ensure exceptional customer experience through ongoing relationship management
Strategic Leadership
Own customer business unit strategy and performance—you're accountable for growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction
Hunt for new customers while farming existing relationships to expand program scope and contract value
Identify new capabilities, partnerships, and collaborations with long-term profit potential
Lead our marketing presence: build social media visibility, create event strategies, and ensure brand consistency across all materials
Gather customer feedback and market intelligence that drives operational improvements and investment decisions
Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics—translate them into actionable opportunities
Conduct market studies that inform growth strategy, partnerships, and M&A activities
Represent Excel at industry events, building our reputation as the premier independent testing partner
What You Bring
8+ years in automotive testing, powertrain engineering, or technical business development
Deep understanding of propulsion systems: traditional powertrains, electrification architecture, and battery technologies
Proven track record building sustainable, repeatable revenue (not just transactional wins)
Established relationships within automotive OEMs, suppliers, or the testing ecosystem
Intellectual curiosity about technology evolution and industry transformation
Exceptional communication skills—you can talk engines with PhD engineers and ROI with procurement executives
Strong analytical abilities and business process thinking
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field
Comfortable with 30-50% travel
Knowledge of CFR 1065, CFR 1066, EPA, and CARB regulatory testing requirements
Hands-on experience in test operations, calibration, or product development
Marketing and brand-building experience
Exposure to M&A processes or market analysis
What We Offer
Competitive base salary plus performance-based compensation
Autonomy to shape strategy and build systems that scale
Direct impact on company growth during a transformative period in automotive
Work with cutting-edge technology across the entire propulsion landscape
Collaborative team environment that values technical depth and business acumen
Opportunity to influence the future direction of a 25-year industry leader
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in test cell environments during training
Capable of lifting up to 15 pounds
Comfortable with extended periods at a desk/computer
Ready to Build Something? If you're a technically-minded business developer who wants to own real outcomes—not just hit activity metrics—we want to talk. Send your resume and a brief note about why Excel's mission resonates with you to careers@excelengineering.org
Excel Engineering is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.
#AutomotiveTesting #PowertrainEngineering #BusinessDevelopment #EVTesting #BatteryTesting #HydrogenTesting #AutomotiveEngineering #TestingServices #EmissionsTesting #AutomotiveJobs #TechnicalSales #CleanTech #Electrification
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Excel Engineering | Nationwide focus, Detroit office location
About Excel Engineering
For nearly 25 years, Excel Engineering has been the testing partner of choice for the world's most innovative automotive companies—from startup disruptors to global OEMs. We're powertrain agnostic and future-focused: whether you're developing the next-generation IC engine, pioneering hydrogen technology, or accelerating EV adoption, we deliver the data and expertise that moves your projects forward.
Our capabilities span the complete propulsion spectrum: IC engines from 7hp to 5500hp, complete powertrain systems, electrification testing with over 25 cells capable of 2000V and 1MW, hydrogen ICE and fuel cells, battery abuse and thermal runaway testing, NVH analysis, chassis dynamometer testing, and EPA/CARB certification. With facilities in Detroit, Michigan and Iowa, we're rapidly expanding to meet the industry's transformation.
The Opportunity This isn't a typical sales role. We're looking for someone who can think like an engineer, act like an entrepreneur, and build like a strategist. You'll take ownership of Excel's customer business strategy and drive $3M+ in new annual revenue by building deep, repeatable relationships with major OEMs and suppliers.
You'll start by getting your hands dirty—literally working in our test cells to understand what makes a great quote and a successful project. Then you'll leverage that technical credibility to identify opportunities, expand existing relationships, and position Excel for the next phase of growth. You'll have the autonomy to shape our business development approach, our market presence, and even guide M&A strategy.
What You'll Do Months 1-3: Deep Immersion
Work hands-on in our Detroit test cells performing actual engine testing—because the best BD specialists understand what they're selling
Learn our complete capabilities across all three facilities: Detroit, Diagonal (HQ), and Mount Ayr (Battery Testing Center)
Master our business processes, identify underutilized capacity, and start making quotes using our existing frameworks
Day-to-Day Execution
Own the entire sales cycle from first contact to project handoff: respond to RFQs with speed (critical), develop comprehensive proposals, create detailed project plans, and close deals
Work independently on proposals, pulling in technical experts only when you hit the limits of your knowledge
Focus on high-capacity test types where we can win and scale quickly
Maintain rigorous pipeline tracking and sales activity reporting
Ensure exceptional customer experience through ongoing relationship management
Strategic Leadership
Own customer business unit strategy and performance—you're accountable for growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction
Hunt for new customers while farming existing relationships to expand program scope and contract value
Identify new capabilities, partnerships, and collaborations with long-term profit potential
Lead our marketing presence: build social media visibility, create event strategies, and ensure brand consistency across all materials
Gather customer feedback and market intelligence that drives operational improvements and investment decisions
Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics—translate them into actionable opportunities
Conduct market studies that inform growth strategy, partnerships, and M&A activities
Represent Excel at industry events, building our reputation as the premier independent testing partner
What You Bring
8+ years in automotive testing, powertrain engineering, or technical business development
Deep understanding of propulsion systems: traditional powertrains, electrification architecture, and battery technologies
Proven track record building sustainable, repeatable revenue (not just transactional wins)
Established relationships within automotive OEMs, suppliers, or the testing ecosystem
Intellectual curiosity about technology evolution and industry transformation
Exceptional communication skills—you can talk engines with PhD engineers and ROI with procurement executives
Strong analytical abilities and business process thinking
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field
Comfortable with 30-50% travel
Knowledge of CFR 1065, CFR 1066, EPA, and CARB regulatory testing requirements
Hands-on experience in test operations, calibration, or product development
Marketing and brand-building experience
Exposure to M&A processes or market analysis
What We Offer
Competitive base salary plus performance-based compensation
Autonomy to shape strategy and build systems that scale
Direct impact on company growth during a transformative period in automotive
Work with cutting-edge technology across the entire propulsion landscape
Collaborative team environment that values technical depth and business acumen
Opportunity to influence the future direction of a 25-year industry leader
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in test cell environments during training
Capable of lifting up to 15 pounds
Comfortable with extended periods at a desk/computer
Ready to Build Something? If you're a technically-minded business developer who wants to own real outcomes—not just hit activity metrics—we want to talk. Send your resume and a brief note about why Excel's mission resonates with you to careers@excelengineering.org
Excel Engineering is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.
#AutomotiveTesting #PowertrainEngineering #BusinessDevelopment #EVTesting #BatteryTesting #HydrogenTesting #AutomotiveEngineering #TestingServices #EmissionsTesting #AutomotiveJobs #TechnicalSales #CleanTech #Electrification
#J-18808-Ljbffr