Title : Presales Engineer, Configuration (Federal) Reports to :  Manager of Presales Engineering Location : Remote - United States, Sterling Locations Job Description : Configuration Engineers play a key role in consistently delivering high-quality customer experience by combining technical expertise, communication skills, and sales insight. This role requires a broad understanding of vendor technologies, solution architectures, and partner programs. By maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and emerging technologies, the Presales Technical Support professional collaborates with internal Sterling experts to develop, position, and support the sale of innovative solutions, services, and programs. Responsibilities Manage the Configuration Queue, answering all tier one technical questions and solution requests and sending tier two/three requests to the appropriate Presales engineer teams Continuously educate yourself on the latest technology and vendor products we use to support our customers Assist the Presales Engineer staff in tracking customers’ requests, reviewing and learning from advanced technology solutions Ability to think and act from a global/organizational perspective with a focus on sales Support technical training of sales specialists, reps and customers Support the sales team directly in addressing pre-sales and deal with specific technical questions. Attend specific training with Sterling and OEM personnel, in person and online, as needed or required Job Experience Requirements : High school diploma or equivalent Computer literate with a strong desire to learn more about new technology solutions relevant to our customers Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Outlook, Internet Explorer). Foundational knowledge of Cisco networking technologies (e.g., IOS, routing protocols, VLANs, ACLs). Familiarity with Cisco product lines (e.g., Catalyst, Meraki, ISR routers, ASA/Firepower firewalls). Strong communication and documentation skills. Ability to collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Professional written communication skills Strong organizational skills 1 to 3 years of office experience is a plus Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience/education is a plus Sales or marketing experience is a plus. Detailed oriented and ability to multitask is a must Time management skills and ability to meet deadlines Preferred Certifications : Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) - Networking Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (in progress or completed) CompTIA Network+ Additional Technical Fundamentals (high level familiarity with each group) Network Architecture: should have in-depth knowledge of network architecture, including software-defined networking (SDN) and network virtualization such as: Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto, Juniper, Extreme, Ruckus, VMware and HPE/Aruba Security : should have a strong understanding of security principles, including authentication, authorization, and encryption to ensure that infrastructure is secure Cloud : should be familiar with cloud computing technologies, including public, private, and hybrid clouds, and be able to recommend the best cloud solution based on customer requirements. Must be familiar with: AWS, Azure, Google, Oracle, Gov Clouds Cost Optimization : must have a good understanding of cost optimization techniques, including using open-source solutions and scaling infrastructure based on demand, to provide cost-effective solutions to customers. Services : must understand the role of services to customers and sales organizations and be able to position appropriately. The minimum requirements for this SE role are outlined in the five categories below: Productive : Sterling is a large small business that requires our employees to have an entrepreneurial motor to remain productive. Our SEs maximize their day and downtime to ensure their teams overachieve their sales goals while building deeper relationships and trust with our customers. Teamwork : Sterling’s selling motions are built on utilizing cross-functional teams to maximize success. Our SEs must work well with peers, vendors and other segments within our business. Coaching : Technology is always changing, and we would never expect our SEs to know everything. We do however expect our SEs to learn from the experience of our extended engineering group and leadership. We try to minimize our mistakes and losses however learning from them is vital. Winning : Sterling has large ambitions and the only way we can achieve them is by winning together as a team. We want our SEs to have a winning mindset and to celebrate all successful events. When they win, we want them to enjoy the limelight, to grow in their influence, and to increase their earnings. Development : We expect our SEs to constantly evolve their knowledge, process and influences within the company and customers. What works today may not work tomorrow and we need SEs to prepare for the future of Sterling. Other : Ability to communicate, coordinate, and work effectively with sales, engineering, leadership and services delivery teams.Understand financial benefits of solutions and can speak to TCO/ROI of comparable offers.Ability to comprehend, understand, and confidently articulate technology solutions and how they best apply to customers.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to apply critical thinking and empirical evidence to solve problems.Able to clarify and assimilate information from different sources into a unified communication. Primary Responsibilities: Confidently articulate features and value of technology solutions to customers. Configure products according to specifications Assist in basic Cisco networking solutions, including LAN/WAN, routing, switching, and wireless. Support presales engineers with technical documentation such as proposals and BOMs (Bill of Materials). Respond to basic technical inquiries from sales reps and customers regarding Cisco product capabilities and compatibility. Assist with RFP/RFI responses by providing technical input and product specs. Stay current on Cisco product offerings, promotions, and updates via Cisco Partner tools. Use Cisco tools (e.g., CCW - Cisco Commerce Workspace) to generate quotes and validate solutions. Participate regularly in industry training and seek and maintain certifications to keep up to date on relevant competitive solutions, products and services. Provide technical guidance to the business on forward looking technologies. Build partner relationships with key technology vendors and OEMs. Sterling Computers Corporation (“Sterling”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, medical condition, economic status or status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status, national or social or ethnic origin, past or present membership in the uniformed services, protected veteran status, sex, pregnancy, marital or civil union or domestic partnership status, family or parental status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, family medical history or genetic information, HIV status, political belief, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law.