System Analyst (Presales)
First seen by Alion on Oct 29, 2026.
SATO is a global leader in Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) solutions, leveraging barcode, RFID, and digital technologies to optimize business operations across industries. We provide integrated hardware, software, consumables, and maintenance services that help organizations improve accuracy, increase productivity, reduce waste, and support sustainability initiatives.
At SATO, we believe our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and equal-opportunity workplace where innovation and continuous learning thrive.
Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced and customer-focused System Analyst (Presales) to join our growing team. This role combines business analysis, solution consulting, and technical presales responsibilities to support the sales cycle for enterprise software solutions within manufacturing, production, warehouse, and industrial automation environments.
The ideal candidate will work closely with customers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders to understand business challenges, translate requirements into scalable solutions, and demonstrate the value of SATO's software and automation offerings.
Key Responsibilities:Presales & Solution Consulting:
- Partner with Account Executives and Sales teams throughout the sales lifecycle to qualify opportunities and support successful deal closure.
- Conduct customer discovery sessions, workshops, and stakeholder interviews to identify business requirements, operational challenges, and project objectives.
- Deliver engaging product presentations, technical demonstrations, Proof of Concepts (POCs), and pilot projects tailored to customer environments.
- Act as a trusted advisor by recommending solutions that address business needs while aligning with industry best practices.
Requirements Analysis & Documentation:
Gather, analyze, and document functional, non-functional, integration, performance, security, and compliance requirements.
Develop comprehensive project documentation, including:
- Software Requirement Specifications (SRS)
- Functional Requirement Specifications (FRS)
- Use Cases and User Stories
- Acceptance Criteria
- Process Flow Diagrams
- Functional Designs
- Solution Architecture Documents
- Facilitate requirement validation sessions and ensure alignment among stakeholders.
Solution Design & Architecture:
- Design high-level solution architectures and integration approaches for enterprise software deployments.
- Prepare customized solution proposals, including project scope, timelines, effort estimates, implementation approaches, and technical recommendations.
- Ensure proposed solutions are scalable, secure, maintainable, and aligned with customer business goals.
Industrial Automation & Systems Integration:
Provide technical expertise on integrating software platforms with industrial automation systems and shop-floor equipment.
Work with industrial devices and technologies including:
- PLCs (Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric, Omron, etc.)HMIs and SCADA systems
- Manufacturing equipment and edge devices
- ERP and MES platforms
- Support integration using industrial communication protocols such as OPC UA, Modbus, and EtherNet/IP.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate closely with Product Management, Software Engineering, QA, Implementation, and Customer Support teams to ensure solution feasibility and successful delivery.
- Provide customer and market feedback to product teams to influence product enhancements and roadmap planning.
- Support project handover to implementation teams, ensuring clear understanding of customer requirements and proposed solutions.
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical/ Electronics Engineering, Industrial/Mechatronics Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 4 years of experience in Presales Engineering, Solution Consulting, Business Analysis, Systems Analysis, or a related customer-facing technical role.
- Experience supporting enterprise software solutions within manufacturing, industrial automation, logistics, warehouse management, or related industries.
- Proven track record of working with customers to identify requirements, propose solutions, and support successful project delivery.
Technical Competencies:
Strong expertise in requirements elicitation and analysis techniques, including workshops, interviews, observation, prototyping, and stakeholder engagement.
Solid understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Agile methodologies, and requirements management best practices.
Experience in:
- Solution architecture and system integration design
- Requirements modeling and process mapping
- API and database integration concepts
- Software implementation and deployment considerations
- Basic programming or scripting knowledge in Python, SQL, C#, or similar technologies is an advantage.
- Familiarity with industrial software solutions such as:
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Platforms
- ERP-Shop Floor Integrations
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
Industrial Automation Knowledge:
- Hands-on exposure to PLC programming, Ladder Logic, or Structured Text programming.
- Understanding of industrial communication protocols, including OPC UA, Modbus, and EtherNet/IP.
- Knowledge of Industry 4.0 concepts, edge computing, manufacturing automation, and industrial cybersecurity standards (e.g., IEC 62443) is highly desirable.
Tools & Platforms:
- CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred)
- Microsoft 365 Suite
- Microsoft Visio or equivalent diagramming tools
- Requirements management and collaboration platforms
Why Join SATO?
- Be part of a global technology leader in Auto-ID and digital transformation solutions.
- Work on innovative projects involving manufacturing, automation, RFID, IIoT, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Collaborate with diverse teams and customers across multiple industries.
- Enjoy a culture that promotes innovation, inclusion, professional growth, and continuous learning.
Skills
Technical Demonstrations, PLC Control Systems, Security, Functional Requirement Specification, Acceptance Criteria, Presales Consulting, User Stories, Functional Design, Developing Documentation, PLC, requirements from stakeholders, Process Flow Diagrams, SR, Interpret Business Needs, PLC Ladder Logic, Customer Development, Sales Closure, Functional Documentation, Workshops, PLC Programming