Job Description
SDN Communications is the premier business-to-business broadband service provider in the region. We also provide managed cybersecurity products to build a more secure business network. Our network is made up of more than 50,000 miles of fiber in eight states.
Established in 1989, SDN Communications has more than 30 years of experience and over 100 employees to provide quality service, create new and innovative services and return value to our member companies and customers. That's why we exist!
Summary
The Sales Engineer bridges the gap between our sales and technical teams, serving as a trusted technical advisor throughout the sales cycle. This role works directly with account executives, prospective clients, engineering teams and managed services to design and present customized telecom solutions, primarily fiber-optic, data network and managed services, that meet both business and technical needs.
From pre-sales discovery to solution design and post-sale handoff, the Sales Engineer ensures our customers clearly understand the value, scalability, and reliability of our services.
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Networking, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Certifications:
- Nokia Network Routing Specialist (NRS1), Cisco CCNA, or Juniper JNCIA.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Sales-Driven Technical Expertise
- Partner with account executives to identify customer requirements and create tailor-made solutions that align with SDN’s services
- Participate in client meetings as the technical expert, translating complex networking concepts into clear business benefits, both to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Develop solution proposals, technical drawings, network diagrams, and service scopes.
Customer Engagement
- Lead technical presentations and demos that position our solutions as the preferred choice.
- Help customers evaluate competing solutions and confidently recommend our telecommunications solutions.
- Address technical objections during the sales process to shorten the sales cycle.
Sales Enablement & Collaboration
- Work closely with engineering, network operations, and managed services teams to ensure sales promises align with deliverable capabilities.
- Assist in responding to RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs with accurate technical content.
- Keep the sales team informed of new technical trends and product capabilities.
Job Requirements
Required Skills/Abilities:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to collaborate with a team
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Familiarity with networking protocols and concepts (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs)
• Understanding of last-mile connectivity and data center capabilities
• Ability to stay current with networking technologies
• Basic understanding of network security principles and firewall configurations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient with or able to quickly learn systems and software used by the organization
Performance Metrics:
• Proposal Accuracy: Solution designs meet customer requirements
• Customer Satisfaction: Post-sale feedback scores
Exhibits SDN Core Values:
• Servant Leader
• Positive Can-Do Attitude
• Pride in our Mission
• Innovate, Challenge, Change
Competencies:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
• Analytical - Collects and analyzes data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.
• Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Develops alternative solutions. Adapts to changes in the work environment.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives. Managing multiple projects effectively.
• Continuing Education - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings. Conveys ideas effectively through written communication.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.
• Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Professionalism - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments; Maintains confidentiality.
• Quality - Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery (BCDR):
You may be asked to participate in SDN's Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery program by being knowledgeable about SDN's BCDR Program, actively participate in BCDR drills and exercises, and may be assigned various duties in response to business emergencies (and establishing / executing priorities, responses and recovery activities in the event of a service disruption).
Bids for this position will not guarantee that the applicant will be interviewed or selected, but will be considered as an indication of interest by the applicant. SDN will recruit, hire, assign and promote employees on the basis of their qualifications and without regard to race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, or other legally protected status. It is also our policy to employ and advance disabled veterans and Vietnam Era veterans.