Application Engineer

EXFO; Southampton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A global communications solutions provider is seeking an Optical Application Engineer in Southampton. This role involves providing technical leadership and sales support, requiring strong knowledge of fibre optics and the ability to communicate complex solutions. Candidates should have a relevant degree and be comfortable with potential travel within the UK and EU. Excellent communication skills and self-motivation are essential for success in this dynamic sales environment.

Qualifications

• Education in a relevant technical field.
• Fluent in English; other languages are a plus.
• Ability to articulate complex solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in the sales process.
• Aid sales opportunities with pre-sales technical expertise.
• Maintain knowledge of EXFO's Fiber-Optic Test & Measurement Portfolio.

Skills

Fibre Optic domain knowledge

Strong communication skills

Self-starter

Attention to detail

Technical expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science

Tools

Python

OTDR

Job description

Overview

EXFO develops smarter test, monitoring and analytics solutions for the global communications industry. We are trusted advisers to fixed and mobile network operators, hyper-scalers and leaders in the manufacturing, development and research sector. They count on us to deliver superior visibility and insights into network performance, service reliability and user experience. Building on over 35 years of innovation, EXFO’s unique blend of equipment, software and services enable faster, more confident transformations related to 5G, cloud-native and fiber optic networks.

Since our beginnings in 1985, diversity has been one of EXFO's core values, fostering an inclusive corporate culture. We welcome people with a wide range of skills and experience into a culture that values innovative ideas, teamwork, and a customer- and market-focused approach. We seek the active contribution of everyone, with respect for the individual, the environment and the community. This is how we fulfill our purpose: to ensure the connected world meets the highest expectations, to bring together people, communities and businesses.

What you’ll do

As an Optical Application Engineer, you will be an integral part of the Sales Organization and will be responsible for providing technical leadership, market intelligence and competitive analysis to enhance the Sales Organization’s ability to compete in existing and emerging markets. You will assist driving the sales process on the technical side in conjunction with the Regional or Channels Sales Managers, as well as actively identifying Sales opportunities. You will work along colleagues throughout the sales process providing best in class expertise to EXFO customers and within EXFO. You will share the business goals of the Sales Organization and play a critical role in liaising and channel technology and industry intelligence to the Product Marketing team.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking a technically strong, customer-focused individual who thrives in a dynamic sales environment. You should be able to articulate complex solutions clearly and confidently, build credibility with customers, and maintain a keen understanding of the competitive landscape.

You’ll develop and leverage your expertise to become a product champion, supporting sales initiatives and identifying growth opportunities in your assigned region. Your insights and leadership will be critical in ensuring the Sales Organization is well-equipped to compete and succeed in both existing and emerging markets.

Role responsibilities

• Have Fibre Optic domain knowledge - background in Fibre Optical area is highly desirable
• Develop deep knowledge of EXFO Fiber-Optic Test & Measurement Portfolio, and technology, including, but not limited to:
• Light Source – Power Meter Fibre link loss budget testing
• OTDR Theory and Usage
• ORL testing
• Experience in Ethernet testing beneficial
• Have Programming skills such as Python for Tools Automation and Integration – advantageous, but not mandatory.
• Develop skills to provide pre-sales technical expertise by creating and delivering compelling pre-sales presentations
• Provide Sales Support by learning the products, identifying product applications and by studying and disseminating market trend information.
• Assess potentially new and existing applications of EXFO products to meet customer needs, ensuring sales and sales management teams are kept up to date on the progress of sales opportunities and product applications.
• Provide follow-up sales support by disseminating technical information on specific applications within EXFO sales team and with customers.
• Implement product evaluation support, customer training sessions as well as post sale support when high level expertise is required.
• Support trade shows, conferences, seminars and other marketing events.
• Take the lead with the technical requirements for RFQ, RFP and RFIs.
• Prepare reports, as required by the management team

Required Skills and Aptitudes

• Articulated, able to communicate and interact with team members and customer at different levels
• Self starter, autonomous and well organized
• Possess drive, motivation and acute attention to detail ensuring Technical aspects of sales opportunities are captured and explored
• Highly self-motivated and results-oriented

Academic and Professional Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, or other related technical major preferred.

Alternatively, track record and experience in the industry will also be considered

Language requirements: Fluent in English. German, French, Italian would be beneficial but not mandatory.

Other: Willing and able to travel extensively in UK and sometimes in EU (50% - 70% of the time)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Diversity is an asset that has made EXFO strong since its inception because it enriches us. For more information about diversity and inclusion at EXFO, read our DEI Statement.

For positions located in Quebec, the language requirement is French. However, in the context where the incumbent evolves in an international work environment and where the activities take place mainly outside Quebec, we favor bilingualism as a linguistic requirement.