Sr Solutions Architect (req #1408)

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 s ecurity engineering expertise , preferably 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. #LI-BM1 #IND1 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. Wor