Sales Engineer I

GCI Communication Corp • Anchorage, AK

1d

About The Position

GCI's Sales Engineer I will provide technical expertise, consulting, and solutions design as an integral part of the complete customer lifecycle, including pre and post sales, project management, support, consultation, and advocacy. Act as the technical liaison between the customer and the organization, ensuring solutions are designed to meet client requirements while aligning with company standards. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS: Solution Design & Technical Support Interpret customer requirements and translate them into technical solutions and basis-of-design documentation. Lead ad-hoc brainstorming sessions with internal teams (Engineering, Operations, Product) to develop innovative, complex solutions tailored to customer needs. Design and validate network and technology solutions aligned with company capabilities, defined products, standards, and regulatory/funding compliance. Design solutions across multiple disciplines (Cloud, Security, RF, Transport, etc.), including supporting literature, diagrams, presentations, demos, and write-ups. Prepare high-level diagrams, accurate cost estimates, and validate technical feasibility. Serve as the primary technical liaison for assigned opportunities; lead executive-level solution discussions and act as an escalation point for design questions. Maintain accountability for success metrics and ensure solutions adhere to the Variable Speed Model (Simple, Routine, Complex), comply with organizational processes, and meet Operational Level Agreements (OLA) timelines. Sales Process Support Support the sales process by translating customer needs into realistic technical designs, creating high-level solution architectures, and providing accurate estimates and documentation. Collaborate with Account Managers, Program Managers, and Sales Managers to support sales initiatives, customer relationship management, and strategic program direction. Participate in proposal development, RFP/RFI/RFQ and other sales responses, and deliver technical presentations. Participate in gate reviews to present design details and ensure timely completion of deliverables per OLA. Maintain accurate records of technical requirements, estimates, and deliverables to support sales and compliance processes. Maintain accurate client records for COGS, capital, pricing data, and scopes of work for estimations, projects, and operational service definitions. Function as a subject matter expert (SME) for client services technical details and coordinate with technical service teams for timely and consistent delivery. Ensure all proposals and designs adhere to company standards and funding guidelines. Customer & Executive Engagement Serve as the primary technical liaison for assigned opportunities, ensuring clear communication of technical requirements and concepts. Provide technical consultation and respond to customer inquiries promptly and accurately. Lead strategic solution discussions with customer executives focused on near-term deployments. Present technical roadmaps that align with customer objectives and GCI capabilities. Support post-sales activities including onboarding, technical handoff, and resolution of design-related issues. Build and maintain strong customer relationships through technical advocacy and solution alignment. Product Support & Continuous Improvement Stay current with emerging technologies, telecommunications industry practices, and company systems, processes, product, and service offerings. Maintain a strong understanding of the competitive landscape and market dynamics, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Provide feedback to Product Management and Program Engineering by capturing customer use cases, identifying opportunities, and assessing new technologies. Contribute technical expertise and market awareness to product development initiatives, including testing new products and validating capabilities. Advocate for enhancements that improve scalability, compliance, and delivery speed. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure product capabilities align with customer expectations. COMPETENCIES: ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve. BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles. COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances. Ability to utilize strong interpersonal skills to guide, direct, and influence others to achieve results. COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally. Excellent communication skills with the ability to accurately articulate complex technical information in both written and verbal form to internal and external audiences. COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics. CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction. Ability to translate ambiguous customer needs into specific executable deliverables. Ability to extract hidden/unrealized customer requirements and synthesize solutions within GCI capabilities. RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations. RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving. In-depth knowledge of transport mediums (fiber/satellite/microwave/copper) with demonstrated ability to design and implement complex IP networks. In-depth knowledge of voice and data communications equipment such as routers, switches, hubs, modems, gateways, network accelerators, firewalls, proxies, and associated interfaces. Knowledge and understanding of typical pre/post sales activities and customer business with the ability to effectively analyze customer needs. Knowledge and understanding of GCI products and services, including core functionality and standard configurations. Exemplary organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to successfully manage conflicting priorities from multiple requestors. SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures. TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively. Additional Job Requirements: This is an entry level position within the discipline demonstrating working knowledge and proficiency in areas of responsibility. Performs moderate tasks and job duties, receiving general instruction on routine work and more detailed instruction on new assignments. Works under close supervision with some latitude for independent judgment. Supports higher level staff in implementing moderate to more complex projects. Learn core processes, assist with proposals, and apply foundational networking knowledge while gaining exposure to GCI’s standards and Variable Speed Model practices Develop technical sales expertise and support solution design under close guidance.

Requirements

• A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or relevant technical discipline.
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience within the information technology field at a medium to large business, enterprise, or organization.
• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
• BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
• COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances. Ability to utilize strong interpersonal skills to guide, direct, and influence others to achieve results.
• COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally. Excellent communication skills with the ability to accurately articulate complex technical information in both written and verbal form to internal and external audiences.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction. Ability to translate ambiguous customer needs into specific executable deliverables. Ability to extract hidden/unrealized customer requirements and synthesize solutions within GCI capabilities.
• RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
• RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving. In-depth knowledge of transport mediums (fiber/satellite/microwave/copper) with demonstrated ability to design and implement complex IP networks. In-depth knowledge of voice and data communications equipment such as routers, switches, hubs, modems, gateways, network accelerators, firewalls, proxies, and associated interfaces. Knowledge and understanding of typical pre/post sales activities and customer business with the ability to effectively analyze customer needs. Knowledge and understanding of GCI products and services, including core functionality and standard configurations. Exemplary organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to successfully manage conflicting priorities from multiple requestors.
• SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
• TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Current Associate or Professional-level certification in Cisco and/or Juniper (e.g., CCNP, CCDP, CCIE, JNCIP, CISSP).
• Experience with IP Telephony, videoconferencing, and route/switch technologies.
• Knowledge of cloud computing and hosted applications as a service (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
• Familiarity with higher-layer technologies, back-office functionality, and business applications.
• Proficiency in network documentation and Visio.
• Knowledge of or experience with enterprise, healthcare, or education vertical markets.
• Telecommunications experience.
• Other relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications.

Responsibilities

• Interpret customer requirements and translate them into technical solutions and basis-of-design documentation.
• Lead ad-hoc brainstorming sessions with internal teams (Engineering, Operations, Product) to develop innovative, complex solutions tailored to customer needs.
• Design and validate network and technology solutions aligned with company capabilities, defined products, standards, and regulatory/funding compliance.
• Design solutions across multiple disciplines (Cloud, Security, RF, Transport, etc.), including supporting literature, diagrams, presentations, demos, and write-ups.
• Prepare high-level diagrams, accurate cost estimates, and validate technical feasibility.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison for assigned opportunities; lead executive-level solution discussions and act as an escalation point for design questions.
• Maintain accountability for success metrics and ensure solutions adhere to the Variable Speed Model (Simple, Routine, Complex), comply with organizational processes, and meet Operational Level Agreements (OLA) timelines.
• Support the sales process by translating customer needs into realistic technical designs, creating high-level solution architectures, and providing accurate estimates and documentation.
• Collaborate with Account Managers, Program Managers, and Sales Managers to support sales initiatives, customer relationship management, and strategic program direction.
• Participate in proposal development, RFP/RFI/RFQ and other sales responses, and deliver technical presentations.
• Participate in gate reviews to present design details and ensure timely completion of deliverables per OLA.
• Maintain accurate records of technical requirements, estimates, and deliverables to support sales and compliance processes.
• Maintain accurate client records for COGS, capital, pricing data, and scopes of work for estimations, projects, and operational service definitions.
• Function as a subject matter expert (SME) for client services technical details and coordinate with technical service teams for timely and consistent delivery.
• Ensure all proposals and designs adhere to company standards and funding guidelines.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison for assigned opportunities, ensuring clear communication of technical requirements and concepts.
• Provide technical consultation and respond to customer inquiries promptly and accurately.
• Lead strategic solution discussions with customer executives focused on near-term deployments.
• Present technical roadmaps that align with customer objectives and GCI capabilities.
• Support post-sales activities including onboarding, technical handoff, and resolution of design-related issues.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through technical advocacy and solution alignment.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, telecommunications industry practices, and company systems, processes, product, and service offerings.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the competitive landscape and market dynamics, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Provide feedback to Product Management and Program Engineering by capturing customer use cases, identifying opportunities, and assessing new technologies.
• Contribute technical expertise and market awareness to product development initiatives, including testing new products and validating capabilities.
• Advocate for enhancements that improve scalability, compliance, and delivery speed.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure product capabilities align with customer expectations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level