Solution Engineer

Position Summary:
The Solution Engineer III (SE III) is a highly skilled and experienced customer-focused technical sales professional who provides in-depth technical information and specific design/implementation guidance to Red River’s customers.   The SE III is an expert in one or more technical specializations.  As a technical leader, they mentor others and share their knowledge within the Red River Solution Engineering and Sales teams.  They provide architectural guidance for customers across the Red River product portfolio, including products and services from OEM partners.  The SE is responsible for pre-sales engineering activities including: 1) identifying customer’s business outcomes and/or mission challenges and proposing technology solutions, 2) engaging as the primary client technical resource on sales engagements and 3) achieving and maintaining OEM certifications in their area of expertise.  SE III’s are very knowledgeable of Red River’s offerings across multiple technologies and architectures.  SE III’s are both technical and business focused, with the ability to articulate technology roadmaps linked to customer business outcomes.  As necessary, the SE III works with Design Architects, and Solution Engineering peers, to validate the best solution to address customer requirements.  The SE III works jointly with the Account Executives to learn the customer business outcomes and create the best technical solution.  The SE III provides technology related input for internal company initiatives, including idea submission for new services and offers based on Red River’s capabilities. They will assist with the technical interview process for Solution Engineering candidates.

Primary Position Tasks:

• Defines technology and product recommendations, as well as, architectural solutions for sales opportunities. 

• Serves as the technical point of contact and technical sales lead for the customer.

• Provides the initial input for proposals and statements of work.  Validates that the completed proposal (SOW, BOM, LOE, etc.) aligns with customer desired outcomes.

• Demonstrates technical knowledge and consultative skills, while working with customers and Red River team members.

• Uses professional level presales engineering skills and in-depth knowledge in at least one specialization, such as, Data Center, Collaboration, Security, Microsoft Modern Workplace, Cloud or Route/Switch/Wireless. Has knowledge of relevant solutions sets, product line specifications, performance criteria and applications.

• Understands Red River offers and solution strengths, and opportunities.

Minimum Education/Certification/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree desired

• 10 years work experience

• 5 - 7 years of presales engineering experience

• For Federal positions, must be a U.S. citizen and qualify to obtain a Secret Clearance

• Active and verified professional level OEM certifications (ex. Cisco CCNP, CCDP)

Preferred Education/Certification/Experience Requirements:

• Data center experience (Cisco, Dell, EMC, HPE)
• Security experience (Zero Trust, etc.)
• Red Hat experience (RHCE or RHCSA preferred)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to learn new technical information quickly. 

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to create a message to share verbally or in written form.

• Understands customer business outcomes, as described by the customer, with strong knowledge of customer industry verticals.

• Understands the sales process and partners with the Account Executive to execute for success.

• Ability to relate technology, or technical solutions, to solving customer business problems.

• Ability to create a detailed implementation plan (SOW) for a customer solution, including expected timelines for project completion.  Validates the SOW, BOM, and LOE prior to delivery to the customer.

• Capable of demonstrating solutions within area of technical strength.

• Excellent skills for building rapport and trust with team members, customers, and partners.

• Maintains current and attains additional OEM and industry certifications, as required.

Essential Elements (Mental; Physical; Equipment used):

This position is an office position that requires remaining in a stationary position for multiple hours throughout the workday.

This position requires the ability to continuously communicate with co-workers throughout the day utilizing Red River approved and/or provided communication tools and equipment.

Special Requirements:
Travel requirement varies and can be up to 50% depending upon work location.