Specialist Solutions Engineer

About the Role

The AHEAD Network Specialist Solutions Engineer (SSE) is a technical expert responsible for collaborating with AHEAD account teams to identify, qualify, and build solutions supporting customer Digital Business transformation. This role focuses on Networking technologies, with a core requirement of mastery in Cisco Route/Switch and/or Datacenter technologies. The position also requires a willingness to learn and demonstrate skills in emerging technologies like multiple SDN solutions, network security, load balancing, edge / acceleration, and cloud technologies. Understanding the impact of Cloud computing and incorporating it into solutions is key. Experience or eagerness to learn about and with network and system/access design with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, or other cloud services is a key requirement. The SSE acts as a subject matter expert, responsible for selling and designing complex solutions, and is considered an organizational thought leader for their specialty.

Key Responsibilities

• Active participation in the AHEAD Network SSE team, advisory and delivery teams.
• Working with the AHEAD partner management team and directly with selected strategic vendors to maintain technical and sales relationships.
• Designing, architecting, and consulting for AHEAD clients as a thought leader.
• Building skills, relationships, and industry credibility to drive product, services, and consulting sales.
• Supporting sales teams by providing advice and solutions optimized to meet customer technical and business requirements.
• Developing relationships with other Network SSE team members, leaders, and partners.
• Strategizing and executing technical sales calls.
• Completing required pre-sales documentation (configurations, pricing, services, presentations, justifications, etc.) quickly and accurately.
• Qualifying sales opportunities based on customer technical requirements, decision-making process, and funding.
• Presenting and marketing the design and value of proposed AHEAD solutions and business justification to customers, prospects, and AHEAD management.
• Participating in the mentorship of entry-level team members.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Cisco certifications are required (Examples: CCIE, CCNP)
• Cisco Nexus 9K, ACI, 7K, 5K, 2K, 1K
• Converged Network Fabrics / Converged Infrastructure Systems
• IP Routing Protocols
• Layer 2 protocols and technologies
• Cisco Core Datacenter Technologies
• ACI
• Network Management
• MPLS, DMVPN, Multicast
• Firewalls, VPN, IPSec / L2TP etc.
• Network Security
• Cloud technologies (experience or eagerness to learn with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, or other cloud services)
• SDN solutions
• Load balancing
• Edge / acceleration

Other Skills

• Innovation Mindset: Ability to identify and leverage emerging Datacenter technologies.
• Automation Expertise: Advanced understanding of automation frameworks and scripting.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills for troubleshooting complex Datacenter environments.
• Consultative Approach: Ability to engage with clients as a trusted advisor.
• Collaboration Skills: Proven track record of working effectively across teams.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying updated on industry trends and best practices.
• Security Awareness: Knowledge of Network security best practices.
• Network Infrastructure Experience
• Knowledge of job-associated software and applications