Sr Solution Architect - Enterprise Networking Presales

Accountabilities:: You will lead enterprise networking presales engagements from discovery and solution design through technical validation and sales support, ensuring that proposed architectures meet customer requirements and support long-term business objectives. Act as the technical lead and trusted advisor for enterprise networking, supporting regional sales teams and customer stakeholders throughout the sales process. Conduct technical discovery sessions to understand customer business objectives, infrastructure requirements, and operational challenges, then recommend appropriate hardware, software, and professional services. Develop and maintain customer technology roadmaps that align strategic goals with networking solutions and future infrastructure needs. Design and document solution architectures, detailed configurations, and bills of materials (BOMs). Prepare and deliver customer-facing presentations, technical proposals, and solution reviews that communicate the value and feasibility of recommended architectures. Lead technical scoping sessions and develop Statements of Work (SOWs) for installation, configuration, implementation, and managed services engagements. Build strong working relationships with internal engineering and delivery teams, acting as a liaison between customers, sales, and technical implementation stakeholders. Develop technical content for Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and Requests for Quotes (RFQs). Collaborate with Account Executives on opportunity qualification, account planning, technical strategy, competitive positioning, and deal execution. Advise customer technical teams on network design, configuration, implementation approaches, and testing strategies. Coordinate with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) field sales representatives and systems engineering teams across security, cloud, data center, and other technology practices. Help resolve technical objections and customer satisfaction concerns that could affect deal progression or the recommended solution. Maintain relevant OEM certifications and cultivate strong relationships with key technology partners. Share product updates, architectural patterns, and lessons learned with fellow solution architects and delivery teams. Identify emerging products and services that could strengthen the organization's technical offerings and recommend improvements to presales processes. Maintain accurate pipeline documentation, including revenue forecasts, win probabilities, and expected closing dates, on a weekly basis. Participate in regular presales engineering meetings, complete administrative tasks and expense reporting on time, and support customer-facing lunch-and-learn sessions and regional events. Requirements: The ideal candidate combines advanced enterprise networking expertise with strong presales experience, commercial awareness, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and business audiences. College degree or equivalent relevant professional experience. At least 5 years of experience designing or implementing complex networking, systems, or storage solutions. At least 3 years of experience providing presales engineering support. Demonstrated expertise in enterprise network architecture and design, including routing, switching, WAN, wireless, data center networking, network security, and cloud connectivity. Advanced knowledge of enterprise networking technologies, with substantial experience designing Cisco solutions and integrating multi-vendor architectures. Familiarity with networking platforms such as Arista, Aruba, Fortinet, Juniper, Extreme Networks, HPE, or equivalent technologies. Proven ability to translate customer business and technical requirements into comprehensive solution architectures, bills of materials, proposals, technical documentation, and professional services requirements. Experience supporting enterprise networking sales, qualifying opportunities, developing pipeline, and contributing to revenue growth. Strong understanding of presales methodologies, technical discovery, solution demonstrations, proof-of-concept or proof-of-value engagements, and technical presentations. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with technical teams, business stakeholders, and executive decision-makers. Ability to collaborate across sales, engineering, delivery, and vendor teams while managing multiple opportunities and competing priorities. Relevant industry certifications are preferred, including Cisco CCNP or CCIE Enterprise, HPE, Juniper, Arista, Extreme Networks, or equivalent credentials. A proactive, customer-focused approach and the ability to remain current with enterprise networking trends, products, and architectural best practices. Work arrangement and location requirements: Must be located within approximately one hour of Glen Allen, Roanoke, or Virginia Beach, Virginia. Must be willing to work on-site at an office one to two days per week. Must be comfortable with up to 20% regional travel as business needs require. Benefits: Base salary: Annual range of $120,000–$170,000, depending on location, relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional compensation: Potential eligibility for commissions and discretionary bonuses, depending on the position and applicable compensation plans. Retirement savings: Eligibility for a 401(k) plan. Paid time off: Vacation, sick time, and personal leave, according to the applicable benefits plan. Health and financial benefits: Access to a range of medical, financial, and other benefits, with specific plan details provided during the offer process. Work-life balance: A culture that recognizes employee well-being and supports varying work-life needs. Collaborative environment: Opportunities to work with experienced architects, engineers, consultants, sales professionals, and technology partners. Professional development: Opportunities to maintain technical certifications, share expertise, and expand knowledge across enterprise technology solutions. Inclusive workplace: A commitment to respectful communication, teamwork, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.