Pre-Sales Systems Engineer - Federal - Data Direct Networks

Overview

DataDirect Networks (DDN.com) is a leading global provider of data storage and data management solutions at scale. We accelerate AI and High Performance Computing workflows and applications in data centers, private and public clouds, and at the edge. Thanks to our technology, over 11,000 customers realize significant efficiencies in their GPU and CPU compute farms, substantially reducing their data center power consumption and footprint. Utilizing highly optimized flash technology and AI-enabled software, our products power some of the largest and most demanding customers in the world in fields such as autonomous driving, AI chatbots, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, energy, government, public sector, and research institutions, as well as generative AI and data analytics applications.

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer (SE) to perform pre-sales activities for the DDN Federal team.  The ideal candidate will have great presentation skills, knowledge of the storage industry and the overall HCP/AI ecosystem. This position provides technical support to Sales Reps. And will build and maintain relationships with our Federal customers.  The candidate will design solutions and proposals to meet customer-defined specifications, help customers define solution specifications, provide POC and Benchmark support.  The candidate will provide written reports to management on status and issues within the Federal sector. The role includes providing installation and training to customers on DDN solutions when required.  The candidate should have the ability to travel approximately 20-30%.  Additional responsibilities include mentoring junior SEs, designing services and product offerings to support the building DDN's Services.  This hire performs Pre-Sales work supporting team as well as Professional Service work when required.

Responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to:

• Pre-sales activity supporting high performance and AI storage sales in the government sector.
• Assist in closing new business opportunities by gaining a thorough technical and business understanding of clients' needs and helping sales qualify, identify, and close new opportunities.
• Understand the sales process and how to utilize company resources to close accounts.
• Participate in customer-focused seminars, tradeshows, events, and training.
• Provide RFP responses, technical drawings, presentations, and recommendations.
• Acquire and maintain a thorough technical and procedural understanding of DDN Sales cycles, products/services and a thorough technical understanding of like industries.
• Develop a substantial knowledge of the company's appliance and software product lines.
• Develop innovative solutions to customers' business needs.
• Assist DataDirect sales representatives in qualifying potential customer deals.
• Create of Bill of Materials (BOMS) of proposed customer solution’s for submission to Inside Sales for quoting.
• Weekly status report of activities to manager.
• Ability to manage customer relationship post-sale, including strategy to close repeat business.
• Build and implement professional services solutions around DDN product offerings.
• Expand professional services offerings outside of DDN product offerings, helping to develop products, process and procedures to facilitate engagements.
• Create blue print solutions for implementation within the DDN sales offerings. Mentoring of junior SE's.

Qualifications for this role are:

• Great people skills and be a great presenter.
• Must be motivated and a self starter
• Knowledge of the storage industry and solutions is a must.
• 3-5 Years’ experience in Operating systems debugging or administering Linux and Windows Environments.
• Knowledge of Red Hat, SUSE, CENTOS, Ubuntu. Scripting (Shell), C++, Java, Perl.
• Knowledge of parallel filesystems, Lustre, GPFS or Exascaler
• Knowledge of block storage SAN and RAID systems. 
• BS or work equivalent in Computer Information Systems.
• Knowledge of networking concepts is required; NAS protocol levels (CIFS, NFS, SMB, etc
• Knowledge of Infiniband and Ethernet networks
• Ability to Multitask and develop innovative solutions for client needs.
• Requires the ability to listen, understand and articulate the customer's needs and how to solve it.
• Must be able to think on your feet and quickly convert requirements into discussion points for customers
• The ability to form and lead teams is a requirement.
• Relationship building and people skills are very important.

Active Security clearance (TS/SCI), or ability to obtain one is required.

DDN Core Characteristics

DDN has a very strong orientation towards these 4 characteristics and any successful employee will demonstrate these capabilities: 

Self-Starter - Takes independent action to identify and solve problems. Seeks out relevant information needed to make decisions. Gets involved with new initiatives. 

Success/Achievement Orientation - Delivers quality results consistently. Targets, achieves (or exceeds) measurable results. Sets challenging goals, focuses on critical priorities, and is accountable. 

Problem Solving - Recognizes problems and responds with a systematic assessment that identifies and addresses cause of issue. Practical, realistic, and resourceful. 

Innovative - Builds and improves key business processes that enhance the effectiveness of DDN. Generates new ideas, challenges the status quo, and solves problems creatively.

DataDirect Networks, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, sex stereotyping, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.