Principal Sales Engineer (AI Focus)

Data Direct Networks - Remote, OR

Full-time - Senior

Remote, OR

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Principal Sales Engineer at DataDirect Networks (DDN) is a pivotal role focused on driving customer success through AI solutions. This position requires a deep understanding of AI technologies and data infrastructure, enabling the candidate to engage strategically with clients and collaborate with internal teams to deliver tailored solutions. The role emphasizes technical leadership, client engagement, and the ability to articulate DDN's value proposition in AI storage and data management.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical engagements with prospective and current clients, articulating the value proposition of DDN's AI storage and data management solutions.
• Develop and deliver compelling technical presentations, demonstrations, and proof-of-concepts that showcase DDN's capabilities in AI.
• Drive solution design, architecture discussions, and technical validation processes for AI-centric data solutions.
• Collaborate with sales teams to identify opportunities, strategize on pursuits, and respond to technical RFPs and proposals.
• Act as the subject matter expert on AI technologies, trends, and use cases, providing thought leadership to clients and internal teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients to understand their evolving business challenges and align DDN's solutions accordingly.
• Partner with product management and engineering teams to feedback client requirements and market trends for product roadmap enhancement.
• Mentor and guide junior sales engineers and provide technical leadership within the sales engineering team.
• Represent DDN at industry conferences, webinars, and client workshops as an expert in AI-driven data solutions.
• Create high-quality content such as whitepapers, case studies, and technical guides to support marketing and sales initiatives.
• Stay up-to-date with market trends and emerging technologies to provide insights and recommendations that inform DDN's strategy and client engagements.
• Engage in customer-facing activities, including meetings, workshops, and solution deep dives to build trust and drive technical success.
• Maintain flexibility in responsibilities, contributing to other related tasks as needed.
• Deliver outcome-driven solutions and selling strategies, ensuring alignment with customer goals and demonstrating business value.
• Apply business value approaches that highlight the ROI and strategic benefits of DDN's AI solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years of experience in a Sales Engineering or Technical Pre-Sales role with a focus on AI, data management, or HPC (High-Performance Computing).
• Strong technical acumen in AI frameworks, data solutions, machine learning pipelines, and performance optimization.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing AI infrastructure solutions that support diverse use cases.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong content creation skills for both technical and executive audiences.
• Field-ready with senior-level sales engineering experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
• Track record of working with cross-functional teams and driving successful client engagements.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support client engagements and industry events.