Sales Engineers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 4 (16%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 18 (72%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 3 (12%)

• Create sales or service contracts for products or services.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Document account activities, generate reports, and keep records of business transactions with customers and suppliers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Attend company training seminars to become familiar with product lines.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Write technical documentation for products.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Develop, present, or respond to proposals for specific customer requirements, including request for proposal responses and industry-specific solutions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Collaborate with sales teams to understand customer requirements, to promote the sale of company products, and to provide sales support.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Keep informed on industry news and trends, products, services, competitors, relevant information about legacy, existing, and emerging technologies, and the latest product-line developments.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Identify resale opportunities and support them to achieve sales plans.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Confer with customers and engineers to assess equipment needs and to determine system requirements.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Plan and modify product configurations to meet customer needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations that explain products or services to customers and prospective customers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Recommend improved materials or machinery to customers, documenting how such changes will lower costs or increase production.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Maintain sales forecasting reports.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Research and identify potential customers for products or services.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Secure and renew orders and arrange delivery.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Develop sales plans to introduce products in new markets.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Train team members in the customer applications of technologies.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Sell products requiring extensive technical expertise and support for installation and use, such as material handling equipment, numerical-control machinery, or computer systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Provide information needed for the development of custom-made machinery.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Provide technical and non-technical support and services to clients or other staff members regarding the use, operation, and maintenance of equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Diagnose problems with installed equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Report to supervisors about prospective firms' credit ratings.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Visit prospective buyers at commercial, industrial, or other establishments to show samples or catalogs, and to inform them about product pricing, availability, and advantages.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Attend trade shows and seminars to promote products or to learn about industry developments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Arrange for demonstrations or trial installations of equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task