Technical Sales Engineer - Spring Co-op Sales Program 2027

IBM; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 41,328,000; Full time

Job summary

IBM is seeking a Technical Sales Engineer Co-Op in San Diego to help connect clients with IBM solutions across AI, data, automation, cloud, and infrastructure. You will engage in discovery, design solution approaches, and deliver technical demonstrations while building client relationships during a 16-week program.

This paid co‑op requires active enrollment and availability for full-time work (40 hours per week) during the fall semester 2026, with graduation between December 2027 and August

Qualifications

• Actively enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate university student.
• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree completed by start date in a 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, or C++.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate 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 to apply IBM technology.
• Design and validate technical solution approaches addressing customer challenges across IBM software, AI, cloud, data, automation, and security.
• Build and deliver demonstrations, proofs of concept, workshops, and technical presentations.
• Translate technical concepts into clear business value for stakeholders.
• Support customer adoption and success by defining use cases and deployment considerations.
• Collaborate with sales, technical specialists, and partners to progress opportunities.
• Contribute ideas and best practices to accelerate client readiness and solution adoption.
• Present findings and recommendations to business and technical audiences.

Skills

Cloud computing

Software development

AI

Automation

Data

Cybersecurity

Python

Java

JavaScript

C++

Communication

Presentation

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Introduction

At IBM, technology creates value when it helps organizations solve meaningful business challenges. As a Technical Sales Engineer Co-Op you will create demand, build trusted client relationships, and connect customers with IBM solutions across AI, data, automation, cloud, and infrastructure. This role combines consultative selling, digital engagement, customer success, and ecosystem collaboration while helping you build a foundation for a career in technology sales and client leadership.

Introduction

At IBM, technology creates value when it helps organizations solve meaningful business challenges. As a Technical Sales Engineer Co-Op you will create demand, build trusted client relationships, and connect customers with IBM solutions across AI, data, automation, cloud, and infrastructure. This role combines consultative selling, digital engagement, customer success, and ecosystem collaboration while helping you build a foundation for a career in technology sales and client leadership.

This is a 16-week Co-op position for actively enrolled undergraduate or graduate university students who are graduating between December 2027 – August 2028. Must be eligible and available for full-time work (40 hours a week) during fall semester 2026. Students should not be enrolled in classes while working this Co-op.

IBM’s Sales Co-Op Program culture will set you up for positive impact and success, whilst ongoing development will continually advance your skills. Our sales environment is collaborative and experiential. Part of a team, you'll be surrounded by bright minds - always willing to help- as you apply passion to work that will compel our clients to invest in IBM's products and services.

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.