Presales Systems Engineer - Region Basel / Bern

Perception Point; Schweiz; Hybrid; CHF 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortinet is seeking a Pre-Sales Systems Engineer in the Basel/Bern region of Switzerland. You will work closely with customers to understand requirements and demonstrate how Fortinet’s Security Fabric meets their security needs.

This role emphasizes technical leadership, compelling product demonstrations, and PoC execution. Excellent German and English communication is essential, along with the ability to present in both languages.

Qualifications

• Fluency in German and English; ability to present in both languages.
• Hands-on experience in networking and/or IT security across vendor/SI/service-provider environments.
• Experience in pre-sales is valuable but not mandatory; strong engineers with customer-facing ambition welcome.

Responsibilities

• Deliver product demonstrations showcasing Fortinet’s technology.
• Lead technical enablement sessions for partners—online and on-site.
• Plan, set up, and execute PoCs to prove Fortinet’s value.
• Enable sales teams with up-to-date technical knowledge and competitive insights.
• Engage with customers, partners, and internal teams to build trusted relationships.

Skills

German language

English language

Pre-sales experience

Networking & IT security

Communication skills

Consultative approach

Willingness to travel

Job description

Location: Basel / Bern

We are looking for a passionate IT security professional who enjoys working at the intersection of technology, customers, and business impact. If you thrive on translating complex technical challenges into clear, compelling solutions and enjoy close collaboration with customers and partners, this role is for you.

Fluency in both German and English and confidence presenting in both languages are essential.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Work with one of the industry’s strongest and broadest cybersecurity portfolios
• Be trusted as a technical authority and strategic advisor, not just a demo resource
• Influence customer security architectures and long-term strategy
• Benefit from continuous enablement, certifications, and career development at Fortinet
• Enjoy high autonomy while being supported by a strong regional and global team

Your Role

This position is part of the Swiss Territory Sales Organization at Fortinet. As a trusted technical advisor, you will work closely with prospective and existing customers to understand their business and technical requirements and demonstrate how Fortinet’s Security Fabric addresses their security challenges.

You will design and deliver persuasive technical presentations, product demonstrations, and Proof of Concepts (PoCs) that clearly articulate Fortinet’s value and differentiation.

You will collaborate closely with sales teams, partners, and fellow systems engineers, as well as with solution architects, consulting systems engineers, and other internal stakeholders, building long-term relationships based on trust, expertise, and shared success.

You will play a key role in winning strategic customers, accelerating deal cycles through technical leadership, and helping organizations build secure, scalable architectures with Fortinet solutions.

What You Will Do

Product Demonstrations:

Deliver engaging, informative, and customer-focused demonstrations that showcase Fortinet’s market-leading technology and innovation.

Training & Workshops:

Conduct technical enablement sessions—online and on-site—for Fortinet partners, helping them deepen their technical expertise and successfully position Fortinet solutions.

Proof of Concepts (PoCs):

Support the planning, setup, and execution of PoCs using Fortinet solutions, ensuring technical success and strengthening customer confidence in Fortinet as the best security platform on the market.

Technical Sales Enablement:

Ensure that sales teams are equipped with the latest technical knowledge, best practices, and competitive insights to succeed in customer engagements.

Enjoying What You Do:

Pre-Sales Systems Engineering at Fortinet is a highly respected and rewarding role. You will work with cutting-edge technology, solve meaningful security challenges, and be part of a high-performing, collaborative team.

What We Offer

Flexibility & Hybrid Work:

This role is home-office based ideally in region Basel or Bern, with access to Fortinet offices in Zurich and Lausanne. You will typically support customers and partners within your region. Fortinet supports flexible working models and trusts employees to manage their time responsibly, enabling a healthy work-life balance.

Structured Onboarding & Continuous Learning:

Fortinet invests heavily in your success. You will benefit from a comprehensive onboarding program, structured enablement sessions, mentorship, and continuous access to industry-leading technical training and Fortinet certification programs throughout your career.

Your Profile

Technical Curiosity & Security Mindset:

Strong interest in IT security and a desire to continuously grow in a dynamic, fast-evolving industry.

Relevant Experience:

Hands-on experience in networking and/or IT security gained at a vendor, system integrator, service provider, consulting firm, or within an enterprise IT environment. Experience in pre-sales is valuable, but technically strong engineers with customer-facing ambition are also encouraged to apply.

Strong Communication Skills:

Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and convincingly. Approximately 80% of customer interactions will be conducted in German and 20% in English; fluency in both languages is required.

Consultative Approach:

You act as a trusted advisor, combining deep technical expertise with a strong customer focus and the ability to position Fortinet’s differentiation against competing solutions.

Willingness to Travel:

You enjoy engaging directly with customers, partners, and the wider security community—whether at customer sites, partner events, or industry conferences.

Innovation & Growth Mindset:

You thrive in an innovative environment and want to actively contribute to Fortinet’s continued success

Key Skills

• Networking: LAN, Wi-Fi, WAN, SDN
• Security: Next-Generation Firewalls
• Additional experience or interest in areas such as SASE, Zero Trust, cloud security, or data center architectures, AI Security is a plus.

If you enjoy solving complex security challenges, working with cutting-edge technology, and being trusted as a technical leader, Fortinet offers you the platform, scale, and support to thrive. We look forward to getting to know you.

At Fortinet, we embrace diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and identities. Explore our welcoming work environment designed for a rewarding career journey with an attractive Total Rewards package to support you with your overall health and financial well-being. Join us in bringing solutions that make a meaningful and lasting impact to our 830,000+ customers around the globe.

At Fortinet, we are shaping the future of cybersecurity and networking. As a global leader in cybersecurity, we help organizations protect their digital environments and securely accelerate their digital transformation.