Principal Technologist – VMware

CDW LLC.; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

CDW is seeking a Principal Solution Architect to drive complex Hybrid Infrastructure solutions in a field-based, pre-sales capacity. You will lead engagements, develop architecture, and craft SOWs and proposals while guiding customers toward strategic outcomes.

You will collaborate with sales and delivery teams, nurture executive relationships, and mentor architects. Expect travel as needed and a focus on scalable, business-aligned technology offerings within CDW’s AI-forward culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of experience in a technical, pre-sales, or post-sale delivery role OR 14+ years of experience in a technical, pre-sales, or post-sale delivery role.
• Motivated, self-starting, and able to independently perform high-quality work with minimal guidance.
• Strong industry knowledge and domain expertise across Hybrid Infrastructure, architecture, products, and solutions.
• Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams and lead technical discussions.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive Hybrid Infrastructure solutions, including architecture, optimization, assessments, and advisory services.
• Lead complex sales engagements, including authoring Statements of Work (SOWs), proposals, and technical responses for RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs.
• Analyze technical and competitive considerations to design scalable solutions that meet customer requirements.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers, internal sales teams, and delivery leadership.
• Act as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert across Hybrid Infrastructure technologies and solutions.
• Lead architectural visioning sessions and executive-level discussions with customers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and enhance solution offerings and services.
• Drive technical enablement, knowledge sharing, and mentoring for Solution Architects and technical teams.

Skills

Hybrid Infrastructure knowledge

Executive-level presentation

Pre-sales experience

Partnership development

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Tools

SOW/RFP tools

Job description

Description

Job Summary

The Principal Solution Architect is a field-based technical pre-sales role responsible for developing complex Hybrid Infrastructure solutions for CDW customers. This role drives strategic engagements, provides consultative guidance, and aligns technology solutions to business objectives. The Principal Solution Architect partners with customers, sales, and delivery teams to enable growth, innovation, and long-term success.

What you will do

• Develop comprehensive Hybrid Infrastructure solutions, including architecture, optimization, assessments, and advisory services.
• Provide consultative guidance to customers, aligning technical solutions with business objectives and strategic direction.
• Lead complex sales engagements, including authoring Statements of Work (SOWs), proposals, and technical responses for RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs.
• Analyze technical and competitive considerations to design scalable solutions that meet customer requirements.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers, internal sales teams, and delivery leadership.
• Act as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert across Hybrid Infrastructure technologies and solutions.
• Lead architectural visioning sessions and executive-level discussions with customers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and enhance solution offerings and services.
• Drive technical enablement, knowledge sharing, and mentoring for Solution Architects and technical teams.
• Support business development initiatives and contribute to go-to-market strategies.
• Acquire and maintain relevant technology and industry certifications.

What we expect of you

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of experience in a technical, pre-sales, or post-sale delivery role OR 14+ years of experience in a technical, pre-sales, or post-sale delivery role.
• Motivated, self-starting, and able to independently perform high-quality work with minimal guidance.
• Strong industry knowledge and domain expertise across Hybrid Infrastructure, architecture, products, and solutions.
• Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams and lead technical discussions.
• Strong customer-focused mindset with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to design and communicate complex solutions aligned to business outcomes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in complex technical environments.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and influence technical teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to operate effectively at executive levels and influence decisions.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization

We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner’s mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever-evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances—not replaces—human creativity and decision-making. You don’t need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work.

Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that’s curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what’s possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice.

About Us

CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what’s possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At CDW we act as one—building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win—focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward—staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That’s why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees—working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities.

As a full‑stack, full‑lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what’s next.

Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do. Together, we Make Amazing Happen.

CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.