Technical Sales Engineer Co-op - Entry Level Sales Program 2027

IBM; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

IBM Global Sales is seeking a Spring/Summer 2027 Co-op to work onsite at an IBM office, with a transition to part-time remote work later. The program emphasizes discovering client objectives, designing technical solutions, and delivering demonstrations and impact-focused presentations.

You will collaborate with sales, specialists, and customer success teams to drive value and adoption. Actively enrolled students pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related technical field are encouraged

Qualifications

• Actively Enrolled: Registered undergraduate or graduate university student.
• Seeking a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree completed by start date in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Foundational knowledge of cloud computing, software development, AI, automation, data, or cybersecurity.
• Experience with at least one programming language such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, or similar.
• Experience using AI-assisted development tools to prototype, build, or troubleshoot applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and communicate with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for technology and client success.

Responsibilities

• Participate in client discovery sessions to understand objectives, requirements, and opportunities.
• Design and validate technical solution approaches addressing challenges and business goals.
• Build and deliver demonstrations, proofs of concept, workshops, and technical presentations.
• Translate technical concepts into clear business value for stakeholders.
• Support customer adoption, expansion, and success by defining use cases and deployment considerations.
• Collaborate with sales and technical teams to progress opportunities and engage clients.
• Contribute innovative ideas and best practices to accelerate client success.

Skills

Programming languages

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Introduction

At IBM Global Sales, we bring together innovation, collaboration, and expertise to help clients solve their most complex business challenges. Working across industries and geographies, you'll partner with colleagues, clients, and partners to co-create solutions that drive digital transformation and lasting impact. Success in Global Sales is built on curiosity, empathy, and collaboration. You'll connect technical understanding with strong people skills, building trusted relationships and shaping solutions that improve business and society. With world-class onboarding, continuous learning, and a supportive culture, IBM offers the tools and opportunities to grow your career. Join us and be part of a global team that's passionate about driving innovation and making a difference.

Introduction

At IBM Global Sales, we bring together innovation, collaboration, and expertise to help clients solve their most complex business challenges. Working across industries and geographies, you'll partner with colleagues, clients, and partners to co-create solutions that drive digital transformation and lasting impact. Success in Global Sales is built on curiosity, empathy, and collaboration. You'll connect technical understanding with strong people skills, building trusted relationships and shaping solutions that improve business and society. With world-class onboarding, continuous learning, and a supportive culture, IBM offers the tools and opportunities to grow your career. Join us and be part of a global team that's passionate about driving innovation and making a difference.

Our Co-op program will begin onsite at an IBM office from May 24, 2027 through August 13, 2027.

During this period, you will be expected work 40 hours per week, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office and up to 5 days at your manager discretion.

Beginning August 16, 2028, you will transition to a part-time, remote schedule of 15–20 hours per week to work for the duration of the program while attending school.

To support productivity and focus, we ask that you schedule your IBM work time in blocks of at least 4 consecutive hours.

During this time, you will also have access to IBM’s on-campus office space located in the Westgate building.

Your Role And Responsibilities

• Participate in client discovery sessions to understand business objectives, technical requirements, success criteria, current environments, and opportunities to apply IBM technology.
• Design and validate technical solution approaches that address customer challenges, align with business goals, and demonstrate practical value across IBM software, AI, cloud, data, automation, and security capabilities.
• Build and deliver demonstrations, proofs of concept, workshops, and technical presentations that showcase solution functionality, technical feasibility, integration requirements, and business value.
• Translate technical concepts into clear business value for technical and non-technical stakeholders through effective storytelling, documentation, and recommendations.
• Support customer adoption, expansion, and success by helping clients define use cases, remove technical barriers, identify deployment considerations, and realize measurable value from IBM solutions.
• Collaborate with sales, technical specialists, customer success teams, and partners to progress opportunities, identify growth areas, and support client engagement activities.
• Contribute innovative ideas, reusable assets, technical best practices, and emerging technology perspectives that help accelerate client success, technical readiness, and solution adoption.
• Present technical findings, solution recommendations, and next steps to both business and technical stakeholders.

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• Actively Enrolled: Registered undergraduate or graduate university student.
• Seeking a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree completed by start date in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Foundational knowledge of cloud computing, software development, AI, automation, data, or cybersecurity.
• Experience with at least one programming language such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, or similar.
• Experience using AI-assisted development tools to prototype, build, or troubleshoot applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and communicate with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for technology and client success.

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Leadership experience through student organizations, athletics, volunteer work, competitions, or community involvement.