Network - Specialist Solutions Engineer

Ahead

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About The Position

AHEAD’s Network Specialist Solutions Engineer (SSE) is a technical subject matter expert who collaborates with AHEAD account teams to identify, qualify, and develop solutions supporting customers’ digital business transformation. The role focuses on networking technologies, with mastery of Cisco Route/Switch and/or datacenter technologies as a core requirement. The SSE designs and sells complex solutions, contributes as an organizational thought leader, and supports customers with both traditional on-premises Cisco solutions and evolving technologies such as SDN, network security, load balancing, edge and acceleration, and cloud technologies. Understanding and incorporating cloud computing into proposed solutions is important, as is experience with or eagerness to learn network and system/access design involving AWS, Microsoft Azure, or other cloud services.

The position works with AHEAD account teams, partner management, strategic vendors, advisory and delivery teams, and customers. It supports technical sales engagements and may involve designing, architecting, and consulting on client solutions. The SSE develops technical skills, relationships, and industry credibility to support product, services, and consulting sales, and participates in mentoring entry-level team members.

Requirements

• Mastery of Cisco Route/Switch and/or datacenter technologies.
• Cisco certifications are required; examples include CCIE and CCNP.
• Network infrastructure experience.
• Knowledge of Cisco Nexus 9K, ACI, 7K, 5K, 2K, and 1K.
• Experience with converged network fabrics or converged infrastructure systems.
• Knowledge of IP routing protocols and Layer 2 protocols and technologies.
• Knowledge of Cisco core datacenter technologies, ACI, and network management.
• Knowledge of MPLS, DMVPN, multicast, firewalls, VPN, IPSec, and L2TP.
• Knowledge of network security.
• Knowledge of job-associated software and applications.
• Ability to identify and leverage emerging datacenter technologies to develop innovative solutions for evolving client needs.
• Advanced understanding of automation frameworks and scripting to optimize datacenter operations and reduce manual effort.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for complex datacenter environments, including storage, compute, and networking issues.
• Ability to engage clients as a trusted advisor and guide decision-making with clear, strategic recommendations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across sales, engineering, and vendor teams.
• Commitment to staying current with industry trends, certifications, and datacenter technology best practices.
• Knowledge of network security best practices and attention to compliance and regulatory standards.

Nice To Haves

• Willingness to learn new technologies, including multiple SDN solutions, network security, load balancing, edge and acceleration, and cloud technologies.
• Experience with or eagerness to learn network and system/access design using Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, or other cloud services.

Responsibilities

• Actively participate in the AHEAD Network SSE team and advisory and delivery teams.
• Work with AHEAD partner management and selected strategic vendors to maintain technical and sales relationships.
• Serve as a thought leader within Solutions Engineering by designing, architecting, and sometimes consulting for AHEAD clients.
• Build skills, relationships, and industry credibility across segments to drive product, services, and consulting sales.
• Support sales teams during engagements by providing advice and solutions or proposals tailored to customer technical and business requirements.
• Develop relationships with Network SSE team members, leaders, and partners in support of sales objectives.
• Strategize and execute technical sales calls.
• Complete required presales documentation, including configurations, pricing, services, presentations, and justifications, quickly and accurately.
• Qualify sales opportunities based on customer technical requirements, decision-making process, and funding.
• Present and market proposed AHEAD solutions and their value and business justification to customers, prospects, and AHEAD management.
• Participate in mentoring entry-level team members.
• Maintain strong, detailed product, technology, and industry knowledge.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed