Solutions Engineer
Job Description: US-Based Pre-Sales Solution Engineer - Enterprise Networking
Job Title:
Pre-Sales Solution Engineer - Enterprise Networking (US-Based)
Location:
Remote
Reports To:
Director of Solution Engineering - Enterprise Networking Practice
Role Summary:
The Mexico-based Pre-Sales Solution Engineer is a highly experienced, customer-facing technical leader within the Enterprise Networking (EN) practice at Black Box. This role is responsible for owning the pre-sales technical strategy for high-value and complex opportunities across Core EN technologies including LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, SD-Branch, and Network Security.
This seasoned engineer works closely with Vertical Sales teams, Offering Managers, Partner Alliance Managers, and customers to design scalable, competitive, and differentiated solutions. The engineer not only supports strategic pursuits but also contributes to the evolution of our go-to-market offerings and field readiness.
Core Responsibilities:
Client-Facing Pre-Sales Support:
- Lead discovery sessions, technical workshops, and strategic client briefings.
- Translate customer business outcomes into technical architectures.
- Influence and shape customer roadmaps and architecture standards.
Solution Architecture & Innovation:
- Architect robust enterprise network solutions using vendor best practices.
- Design repeatable solution templates and vertical-specific architectures.
- Participate in cross-domain solutioning, integrating network with cloud, security, or collaboration stacks.
Proposal Development & Deal Shaping:
- Create high-impact technical proposals, diagrams, and cost models.
- Respond to complex RFPs/RFIs with accurate and compelling content.
- Collaborate with pricing and delivery to validate technical and operational scope.
Technical Presentations & Demonstrations:
- Deliver compelling solution presentations to technical and executive audiences.
- Lead or support technical demonstrations, whiteboarding sessions, and proof-of-concepts.
- Represent Black Box as a trusted advisor in customer briefings and strategy sessions.
Strategic Alignment & Advisory:
- Work with Offerings Managers to co-develop new offerings and enhance existing ones based on field feedback.
- Coordinate with Alliance Managers to understand OEM roadmap and incorporate innovation into proposals.
- Act as a technical advisor to Sales Leaders and Business Unit VPs.
Internal Enablement & Evangelism:
- Mentor junior SEs and support onboarding efforts.
- Conduct solution walkthroughs, internal webinars, and SE playbook development.
- Drive internal adoption of tools, templates, and best practices.
Market Intelligence:
- Track competitive trends and help refine win themes and technical differentiators.
- Represent Black Box in customer advisory councils and vendor working groups.
Relationships & Dependencies:
StakeholderRole & EngagementProduct/Offerings ManagerAlign on solution components, pricing tools, documentation kitsPartner Alliance ManagerSync on OEM design rules, roadmap support, enablement sessionsAccount Manager/BDMSupport opportunity strategy, customer technical needs, proposal presentationProject ManagerScope validation, post-sale handoff planningVertical Sales LeaderCollaborate on pursuit strategies and vertical value propositionsRequired Skills & Experience:
- 7-10+ years of experience in enterprise networking pre-sales or solution consulting
- Proven experience leading $1M+ enterprise solution pursuits
- Strong understanding of multi-vendor architectures including Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, Aruba, Palo Alto
- Expertise in LAN/Wi-Fi/SD-WAN, NAC, segmentation, and hybrid cloud networking
- Mastery of Visio, proposal writing, and pricing coordination
- Executive presence with ability to present to CIO/CTO levels
- Demonstrated ability to lead solution presentations and conduct live or virtual technical demos
Preferred Certifications:
- CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, NSE 4/5/7, or equivalent
- ITIL Foundation or PMP (for cross-functional coordination)
This role is mission-critical for scaling Black Box’s Enterprise Networking business. It requires both deep technical skills and high business acumen to align cross-functional teams and deliver compelling solutions that win strategic business and drive innovation in the field.
- Lead pre-sales technical strategy for high-value, complex opportunities in Enterprise Networking.
- Translate customer business goals into technical architectures, ensuring alignment.
- Architect robust, vendor-best-practice-based enterprise network solutions.
- Design repeatable solution templates and vertical-specific architectures.
- Create high-impact technical proposals, diagrams, and cost models for RFPs/RFIs.
- Deliver compelling solution presentations to technical and executive audiences.
- Represent Black Box in customer briefings, strategy sessions, and advisory councils.
- Mentor junior SEs, support onboarding, and drive internal adoption of best practices.
- Track competitive trends and refine win themes and technical differentiators.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance existing offerings and develop new ones.
- 7-10+ years of experience in enterprise networking pre-sales or solution consulting.
- Proven track record of leading 1M+ enterprise solution pursuits.
- Strong understanding of multi-vendor architectures, including Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, Aruba, and Palo Alto.
- Expertise in LAN/Wi-Fi/SD-WAN, NAC, segmentation, and hybrid cloud networking.
- Proficiency in Visio, proposal writing, and pricing coordination.
- Executive presence with the ability to present to CIO/CTO levels.
- Demonstrated ability to lead solution presentations and conduct technical demos.
- Relevant certifications: CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, NSE 4/5/7, or equivalent.
- ITIL Foundation or PMP certification is preferred for cross-functional coordination.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.