Presales Configuration Engineer

Sterling Computers Corporation•North Sioux City, SD

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

Configuration Engineers are crucial for delivering high-quality customer experiences by blending technical expertise, communication skills, and sales insight. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of vendor technologies, solution architectures, and partner programs. The Presales Technical Support professional will stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies, collaborating with internal Sterling experts to develop, position, and support the sale of innovative solutions, services, and programs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Computer literate with a strong desire to learn more about new technology solutions relevant to our customers
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Outlook, Internet Explorer).
Foundational knowledge of Cisco networking technologies (e.g., IOS, routing protocols, VLANs, ACLs).
Familiarity with Cisco product lines (e.g., Catalyst, Meraki, ISR routers, ASA/Firepower firewalls).
Strong communication and documentation skills.
Ability to collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Professional written communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Detailed oriented and ability to multitask is a must
Time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
In-depth knowledge of network architecture, including software-defined networking (SDN) and network virtualization such as: Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto, Juniper, Extreme, Ruckus, VMware and HPE/Aruba
Strong understanding of security principles, including authentication, authorization, and encryption to ensure that infrastructure is secure
Familiarity with cloud computing technologies, including public, private, and hybrid clouds, and be able to recommend the best cloud solution based on customer requirements. Must be familiar with: AWS, Azure, Google, Oracle, Gov Clouds
Good understanding of cost optimization techniques, including using open-source solutions and scaling infrastructure based on demand, to provide cost-effective solutions to customers.
Understand the role of services to customers and sales organizations and be able to position appropriately.
Entrepreneurial motor to remain productive and maximize day and downtime to ensure teams overachieve sales goals while building deeper relationships and trust with customers.
Ability to work well with peers, vendors and other segments within the business.
Ability to learn from the experience of the extended engineering group and leadership.
Have a winning mindset and to celebrate all successful events.
Constantly evolve knowledge, process and influences within the company and customers.
Ability to communicate, coordinate, and work effectively with sales, engineering, leadership and services delivery teams.
Understand financial benefits of solutions and can speak to TCO/ROI of comparable offers.
Ability to comprehend, understand, and confidently articulate technology solutions and how they best apply to customers.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to apply critical thinking and empirical evidence to solve problems.
Able to clarify and assimilate information from different sources into a unified communication.

Nice To Haves

1 to 3 years of office experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience/education
Sales or marketing experience
Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) - Networking
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (in progress or completed)
CompTIA Network+

Responsibilities

Manage the Configuration Queue, answering all tier one technical questions and solution requests and sending tier two/three requests to the appropriate Presales engineer teams
Continuously educate yourself on the latest technology and vendor products we use to support our customers
Assist the Presales Engineer staff in tracking customers’ requests, reviewing and learning from advanced technology solutions
Ability to think and act from a global/organizational perspective with a focus on sales
Support technical training of sales specialists, reps and customers
Support the sales team directly in addressing pre-sales and deal with specific technical questions.
Attend specific training with Sterling and OEM personnel, in person and online, as needed or required
Confidently articulate features and value of technology solutions to customers.
Configure products according to specifications
Assist in basic Cisco networking solutions, including LAN/WAN, routing, switching, and wireless.
Support presales engineers with technical documentation such as proposals and BOMs (Bill of Materials).
Respond to basic technical inquiries from sales reps and customers regarding Cisco product capabilities and compatibility.
Assist with RFP/RFI responses by providing technical input and product specs.
Stay current on Cisco product offerings, promotions, and updates via Cisco Partner tools.
Use Cisco tools (e.g., CCW - Cisco Commerce Workspace) to generate quotes and validate solutions.
Participate regularly in industry training and seek and maintain certifications to keep up to date on relevant competitive solutions, products and services.
Provide technical guidance to the business on forward looking technologies.
Build partner relationships with key technology vendors and OEMs.