[Hiring] Presales Configuration Engineer @Sterling Computers Corporation

Role Description

Configuration Engineers play a key role in consistently delivering high-quality customer experience by combining technical expertise, communication skills, and sales insight. This role requires a broad understanding of vendor technologies, solution architectures, and partner programs. By maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and emerging technologies, the Presales Technical Support professional collaborates with internal Sterling experts to develop, position, and support the sale of innovative solutions, services, and programs.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 1 to 3 years of office experience is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience/education is a plus.
• Sales or marketing experience is a plus.
• Detail-oriented and ability to multitask is a must.
• Time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.

Requirements

• Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) - Networking.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (in progress or completed).
• CompTIA Network+.
• In-depth knowledge of network architecture, including software-defined networking (SDN) and network virtualization.
• Strong understanding of security principles, including authentication, authorization, and encryption.
• Familiarity with cloud computing technologies, including public, private, and hybrid clouds.
• Good understanding of cost optimization techniques.
• Understanding the role of services to customers and sales organizations.

Other

• 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.

Primary Responsibilities

• 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.