Pre-Sales Enablement Engineer

Johnson Controls, Inc.; Arlington Heights, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 89,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonus plan

Benefits package

Cross training opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Zero Harm policy

Employee discount programs (The Loop)

Job summary

Johnson Controls in Arlington Heights, IL is seeking a seasoned Front Desk Engineer to lead GCOE pre-sales activities, partner with Sales, and deliver technically compelling solutions across regional teams. This role requires 10+ years in Building Technology with Fire domain experience and strong leadership abilities.

You will mentor the pre-sales team, manage pipeline analysis, and ensure delivery of high‑quality, cost‑effective designs while aligning with market demands and company standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Building Technology with 10+ years in Fire domain in design/engineering/solutions.
• Proven pre-sales experience in reputable organizations.
• Strong knowledge of building systems and innovative solutions.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and presentation skills for non-technical audiences.
• Proficient PC skills and ability to mentor sales/pre-sales staff.
• Understanding of regulations, certifications and industry standards.
• Experience working in a fast-paced matrixed environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead GCOE Operations in your sub-region as a Technical Advisor to the Sales Team.
• Provide client-facing support to enhance the sales process and guide solution design.
• Collaborate with engineers to drive sales success and strategic planning.
• Own local relationships and be part of the commercial team; analyze pipeline weekly.
• Align presales support to develop winning strategies and KPIs.
• Oversee pre-sales design, cost development, and risk mitigation.

Skills

Building technology experience

Fire domain experience

Leadership & mentoring

Pre-sales / solutions experience

Analytical & presentation skills

Collaboration across sales & eng

Effective communication

PC skills

Job description

Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team!

As a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places, and the planet.Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities.

We strive to provide our employees with an experience focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard – your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!

We Offer

• Competitive base salary and a comprehensive bonus program.

• Three weeks paid vacation in a calendar year/holidays/sick time/three PTO days in a calendar year.

• Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care - Available day one.

• Extensive product and on the job/cross training opportunities

• Encouraging and collaborative team environment

• Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy

• Providing Scheduling and management support.

• JCI Employee discount programs (The Loop by Perk Spot)

Check us Out: A Day in a Life at Johnson Controls | Engineering Roles

What you will do

As the Front Desk Engineer (FDE), you will manage GCOE Operations in your sub-region by Line of Business, serving as a key Technical Advisor to our Sales Team. You will provide client-facing support throughout the sales process to enhance its quality. Collaborating with engineers across regions, you will drive sales success and influence strategic sales planning, ensuring our client engagements are of the highest technical quality and effectiveness.

How you will do it

Manage GCOE Operations and serve as a Technical Advisor to the Sales Team.

Provide client-facing support to enhance the sales process.

Collaborate with engineers to drive sales success and strategic planning.

Partner with local sellers and sales managers to:

Own local relationships and be part of the commercial team.

Analyze and qualify pipeline with the sales team weekly.

Align presales technical support to develop winning strategies.

Drive GCOE delivery of results, quality, and value-add to your territory.

Leverage and utilize a team of GCOE resources.

Own the strategy and achievement of Metrics & KPIs.

Manage capacity utilization across multiple squads.

Develop competency, training, and upskilling programs.

Control KPIs and maintain EMEALA specific cadence around Ops reviews.

Lead engineering and solutions in the pre-sales phase, delivering compelling end-to-end solutions.

Oversee technical procurement for optimal cost solutions.

Identify risks and plan mitigation actions.

Coordinate systems design and inter-trade design with architects and construction managers.

Build artifacts and present/demonstrate to customers in coordination with Sales.

Provide consultation for high value/complex projects.

Interact with customers and consultants.

Support the sales team in product and service qualification, analysis, and presentation.

Identify new business opportunities and provide strategic input on sales strategies.

Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders.

Stay updated with industry trends and emerging technologies.

Mentor the pre-sales team on sales techniques and solution selling.

Develop a deep understanding of the organization’s System Integration portfolio.

Coordinate with Cost Competitive Centers to optimize efficiencies.

Measure and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Mentor employees on performance improvement and succession planning.

Ensure consistent field installation delivery through design plans and documentation.

Collaborate with the Training Manager to align COE team capabilities with sales objectives.

Review solution applications and cost estimates with the sales team.

Assist the sales team in articulating technical value propositions and presenting solutions to clients.

Engage in pre-sales design, cost development, applications engineering, product selection, specification interpretation, subcontractor RFP generation, proposal development, and project risk management.

Provide direction for outside vendors and subcontractors regarding scope, terms, conditions, bid forms, and contract review.

Reinforce methodologies for collecting, analyzing, and presenting solutions, designs, scopes, and cost estimates.

Identify specification issues, interpret discrepancies, and propose resolutions.

Stay updated on market trends and transitions.

Serve as an ‘Ambassador’ in the GCOE Connect Program, providing teaching, coaching, and mentorship from Sales to Engineering.

What we look for

Required

10+ years of experience in the Building Technology industry with 10+ years of Fire domain experience in design, engineering and/or solutions, pre‑sales roles in organizations of repute.

Sound knowledge of systems and equipment with proficiency in solution innovation to create a clear differentiator through solutions.

Strong understanding of Johnson Controls products across Building Industry segments.

Excellent analytical, interpersonal, problem‑solving skills, communication and presentation skills with ability to effectively convey complex technical information to non‑technical audiences.

Proficient in PC skills.

Strong leadership and team management skills, with demonstrated ability to mentor and coach sales and pre‑sales teams.

Understanding of regulations, certifications and industry standards.

Experience working in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Ability to work in a matrixed environment.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $89,000 to $122,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us

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