A good introduction into the automation industry - Senior Sales Engineer Keyence Employee Review

3.0
Oct 9, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The product and sales training prepares you well for any career in sales. I did have a solid manager who did care about my development and helped me become a better salesman. The product is always an industry leader and almost sells itself in some cases

Cons

It is widely known that Keyence has a very aggressive approach to sales which is evident by their market position in many areas like machine vision and safety. However, this is a double edged sword as it turns many customers off to wanting to work with Keyence and makes it tough to work with customers and break into new customers. It is hard to shake the reputation even with well established customers. You are simply a number and you are expected to and graded on your output of volume of emails, phone calls, sales calls etc. It really is quantity over quality. Being a Japanese company, they are very strict to their many (many) KPIs. You must be in the sales office 2x per week, no exceptions. You are not treated like an adult who can manage their own time and be trusted to do their job without having someone looking over your shoulder. This is understandable to a degree as most salespeople are fresh out of college and this being their first full time role out of school. Overall, the company is fine with hiring 100+ people yearly and having less than a 50% retention rate after 2-3 years. You will notice that Keyence is a launch pad for many people into other sales roles at other organizations in the industry. It is never the other way around, you will never see someone in the industry come to Keyence and it is due to their approach to sales here in the US and only promoting from within Overall, Keyence is a great introduction into the world of automation and sales with market leading products and great sales training. It is by no means a place to stay for long as the average tenure is 2-3 years. It does help on a resume for transitioning to another sales role in the industry.

Explore other reviews about Keyence

5.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great company, good career progression, no outside hiring besides entry roles

Cons

Car travel heavy, they want you to be open for relocations accross the country

3.0
May 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Fast paced work environment. CRM is the best I have ever had access to. Data tracking and sales insight is top notch. The regional director for TSS in Michigan/Indiana is great to work under. Leads are easily available, the product is great and it’s easy to get in the door places.

Cons

Metrics are more focused on quantity over quality. Frequently working 50+ hour weeks. Too many reps per territory and it can create a negative perception. Bonus structure vs straight commission is frusterating. Clear advancement structure however being ranked against peers with different sales targets in frusterating. Feels like a turn and burn type of mentality towards sales reps.

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