Presales Solutions Architect - Modern Data Center

Modern Datacenter Specialist Solutions Engineer (SSE) Datacenter Technologies

The AHEAD Modern Datacenter Specialist Solutions Engineer (SSE) will be focused on Datacenter technologies, including storage (block & file), compute, virtualization, and data protection. The SSE is considered a subject matter expert in these areas with responsibility for selling and designing complex solutions. The SSE is also considered an organizational thought leader for their specialty area.

Responsibilities

• Active participation in the AHEAD Modern Datacenter 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
• Be a thought leader within the Solutions Engineering organization, responsible for designing, architecting, and at times consulting for AHEAD clients
• Build skills, relationships, and industry credibility across many segments to drive product, services, and consulting sales
• Support the sales teams during engagements by providing advice and solutions or proposals optimized to meet customer technical and business requirements
• Develop relationships with other Modern Datacenter SSE team members, leaders, and partners in support of sales objectives
• Strategize and execute technical sales calls
• Complete required pre-sales documentation (configurations, pricing, services, presentations, justifications, etc.) quickly and accurately
• Qualify sales opportunities in terms of customer technical requirements, decision-making process, and funding
• Present and market the design and value of proposed AHEAD solutions and business justification to customers, prospects, and AHEAD management
• Participate in the mentorship of entry-level team members
• Possess strong, detailed product/technology/industry knowledge
• Knowledge of job-associated software and applications

Qualifications

• Expertise in Storage (Block & File), Compute, and Virtualization/VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF)
• Data Protection experience with Dell, Rubrik, Commvault, etc.
• Familiarity with Cisco UCS, Dell MX, PowerScale, PowerFlex and hyperconverged compute platforms (VxRail, Nutanix, Azure Stack HCI, OpenShift-V)
• Understanding of Datacenter automation tools like Ansible
• Basic knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS and Azure
• VMware and Virtualization technology expertise
• Vendor experience with Dell, NetApp, Vast Data, Cisco, etc.
• Professional communication, presentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Experience working as a technical lead in a pre-sales or sales campaign
• Ability to work under critical conditions and influence others to achieve results
• Strong interpersonal skills with excellent presentation skills
• Must be independent, self-motivated, a self-starter, and possess a good working attitude
• Able to work well within a team and partner environment
• Customer-focused and results-driven

Other Skills

• Innovation Mindset: Ability to identify and leverage emerging Datacenter technologies to drive innovative solutions that meet evolving client needs
• Automation Expertise: Advanced understanding of automation frameworks and scripting to optimize Datacenter operations and reduce manual effort
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills with a focus on troubleshooting complex Datacenter environments, including storage, compute, and networking issues
• Consultative Approach: Ability to engage with clients as a trusted advisor, guiding them through the decision-making process with clear, strategic recommendations

Collaboration Skills

• Proven track record of working effectively across teams, including sales, engineering, and vendor partners, to deliver cohesive solutions
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying updated on the latest industry trends, certifications, and best practices related to Datacenter technologies
• Security Awareness: Knowledge of Datacenter security best practices, ensuring that proposed solutions adhere to compliance and regulatory standards