Sr Solutions Architect (req #1408)

RiseMe; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ePlus is seeking a Senior Solutions Architect in hybrid Chicago, IL area to serve as a trusted technical advisor on networking and security solutions. You will work with customers, sales, and manufacturers to specify and quote solutions, drive opportunities, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of products and services.

The role emphasizes archiving credible SME status, developing architecture, and leading technical scoping with the sales team.

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of experience in the Partner space. Five or more years of experience in providing Presales Engineering support.
• Enterprise and data center networking and security engineering expertise, preferable with one or more of: Cisco, Cisco Meraki, HPE/Juniper/Aruba, Arista, and Palo Alto Networks
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills required
• College technical or engineering degree or applicable work experience

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise to sales teams and customers on networking and security solution focus areas.
• Establish credibility and trusted advisor status with sales teams and customers
• Conduct customer facing presentations on core competencies and technical solution offerings
• Develop and finalize solution architecture/design and BOMs
• Function as SME for customer staff regarding proposed solution and its design, configuration, implementation, and testing specifics

Job description

Overview

Hybrid-remote opportunity for candidates geographically located in the Chicago, IL area.

The Senior Solutions Architect acts as a trusted technical advisor to customers and our ePlus sales and services teams, focusing on networking and security technologies. This role collaborates with customer stakeholders, ePlus sales teams, and manufacturers to specify and quote product and services solutions to solve customer needs. An eye for detail, the ability to drive opportunities, and maintaining up-to-date product and services knowledge are key for this role.

Your Impact

The essential functions of this position include:

• Provide technical expertise to sales teams and customers on networking and security solution focus area(s) (preferably Cisco, Cisco/Meraki, HPE/Juniper/Aruba, Arista, and Palo Alto Networks)
• Establish credibility and trusted advisor status with ePlus’ sales team and customers
• Conduct customer facing presentations on ePlus’ core competencies and technical solution offerings for assigned accounts and focus areas
• Assist sales team with overall account planning as it relates to technical aspects of hardware, software, and services opportunity qualification and development
• Complete and author technical sections for RFP/RFI/RFQ responses
• Assist sales team with identifying and capturing customer business and technical requirements during the sales cycle and determining ePlus’ recommended solution
• Develop and finalize solution architecture/design and detailed line-item configurations and/or bill-of-materials (BOMs)
• Develop and finalize solution proposal and/or presentation of recommended solutions Lead technical scoping/reviews with sales team and customers
• Function as a subject matter expert (SME) for customer technical staff regarding proposed solution and its design, configuration, implementation, and testing specifics
• Function as technical liaison and ePlus ambassador with field OEM channel sales and technical teams Assist sales team with mentoring of associate account managers as it relates to overall opportunity management and technical solution set
• Conduct knowledge transfers with solution architect colleagues and service delivery team regarding solution and OEM product updates/changes, lessons learned from previous engagements/experience, etc., as relevant
• Assist sales team in dealing with customer satisfaction issues surrounding technical aspects or approach of a recommended solution
• Assist in developing customer remediation or improvement plans, as appropriate
• Identify product or services candidates to sales and services management as new solution areas for ePlus to potentially development or investment
• Complete training and maintain OEM certification(s) as requested and approved by management, in accordance with assigned focus area
• Be proactive in highlighting and suggesting areas for improvement in the regional procedures, structure, reporting, etc.
• Propose ideas and solutions to help improve functional areas
• Ensure appropriate coverage for in-process and new solution sales cycle opportunities while out of office for training, vacation, PTO, etc.
• Participate in periodic presales engineering conference calls
• Review current pipeline and forecast potential revenue, win probability, and estimated date of completion, on a weekly basis
• Complete administrative tasks (expenses, time reporting, pipeline) in a timely fashion
• Conduct ePlus branded lunch and learns with customers and identify sales opportunities, as requested by management

Qualifications

• Certifications in applicable technology preferred
• College technical or engineering degree or applicable work experience
• Ten or more years of experience (or equivalent demonstrable expertise) in the Partner space. Five or more years of experience in providing Presales Engineering support
• Enterprise and data center networking and security engineering expertise, preferable with one or more of: Cisco, Cisco Meraki, HPE/Juniper/Aruba, Arista, and Palo Alto Networks
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills required
• Strong attention to detail

Position Specifics

The base salary range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $150,000 and $180,000 annually; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including commissions and discretionary bonuses, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and personal leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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Who We Are

At ePlus, we believe technology is a people business. Our team is passionate, skilled, and driven to deliver solutions that make a real difference. Join us and be part of a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and extraordinary results.

Corporate Values

• Respectful communication and cooperation: We prioritize respectful communication, fostering an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
• Teamwork and employee participation: Collaboration and teamwork thrive through diverse perspectives, both within our teams and in our interactions with our customers.
• Work/life balance that supports our employees’ varying needs: We value the well-being of our employees, recognizing that a healthy work-life balance is pivotal to our collective success.
• Embracing communities: We embrace and support the communities that nurture us. Our employees' dedication to fostering positive change is a source of immense pride for us.

Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

• We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate or allow discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
• ePlus is dedicated to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture that represents diversity, enables inclusion, and makes our employees feel comfortable bringing their full, unique selves to work.

Physical Requirements

• While performing this role, you will engage in both seated and occasional standing or walking activities. We provide reasonable accommodations, in accordance with relevant laws, to support success in this position.
• By embracing our values, you will contribute to our collective mission of making a positive impact within our organization and the broader community. We understand that this job description serves as a guide and is not an employment contract.

ePlus maintains a California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Privacy Notice on our Trust Center, available here: CCPA Privacy Notice.

Notice to Recruiting Agencies: ePlus only accepts unsolicited resumes when presented directly by a candidate. Unsolicited resumes submitted to ePlus from any other source will be considered ePlus property and will not qualify for any placement or referral fees. ePlus will only pay such fees in connection with a valid written agreement between ePlus and the referring agency, and then only after providing advance written approval to the referring agency to submit resumes in connection with a particular opportunity.