Senior Pre-Sales Systems Engineer, Enterprise - San Diego

At Pure Storage, the Senior Pre-Sales Systems Engineer is responsible for understanding customer challenges and tailoring our innovative solutions to meet their needs. This role involves collaborating with sales teams, delivering technical product presentations, capturing customer requirements, contributing to RFPs, and actively promoting Pure Storage advantages. Overall, you will play a vital role in ensuring a seamless customer experience and driving business growth.

To apply for the Senior Pre-Sales Systems Engineer position at Pure Storage, candidates should have a BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent technical degree. Additionally, having at least 5 years of relevant pre-sales experience in areas like enterprise storage, networking, and systems is essential. A deep understanding of multi-tiered architectures and current storage technologies is also critical for success in this role.

Successful candidates for the Senior Pre-Sales Systems Engineer role at Pure Storage should possess strong technical knowledge of current and emerging storage architectures, including FC, iSCSI, NAS, and SAN. Familiarity with Linux, cloud technologies, and modern web architectures is a plus. Additionally, strong communication skills and prior experience with targeting and converting new clients will be invaluable in this position.

The salary range for the Senior Pre-Sales Systems Engineer role at Pure Storage varies from $151,900 to $228,200, depending on factors such as experience, job level, and location. This role may also be eligible for incentives and equity, making it a highly competitive package in the tech industry.

At Pure Storage, you can expect an engaging and collaborative work environment. We celebrate innovation and creativity while prioritizing growth and teamwork. The company is recognized as a great place to work, providing flexible time off, wellness resources, and diverse employee benefit programs to support work-life balance.

In your response, highlight specific experiences that relate to enterprise storage solutions. Discuss any projects where you delivered storage systems that improved performance or solved a client’s problem. Focus on your role in these projects, the challenges you faced, and how your efforts contributed to the success of the implementation.

When preparing technical presentations, I start by understanding the client's needs and how Pure Storage solutions can address them. I outline the key features and benefits applicable to their problems, using visuals to enhance comprehension. Practicing the presentation ensures clarity and confidence, allowing me to engage with clients effectively.

Choose a specific sales cycle where you faced significant hurdles. Discuss the challenges, such as competition or client objections, and detail your strategic actions to address these issues. Explain the outcome, emphasizing collaboration with the sales team and your contribution toward closing the deal.

I utilize a variety of strategies to understand customer requirements, including conducting in-depth discussions and interviews with stakeholders. I also analyze usage patterns to better grasp their needs and pain points. This helps me in tailoring Pure Storage solutions that align closely with their business objectives.

I regularly read industry publications, attend webinars, and participate in professional forums to stay informed about the latest advancements. Networking with colleagues and experts also provides insights into current trends and emerging technologies, which helps me maintain a competitive edge.

To assess competition in the data storage industry, I start by identifying key players and analyzing their products, pricing, and marketing tactics. I also monitor customer feedback and case studies to gauge their strengths and weaknesses, allowing me to position Pure Storage effectively and highlight our differentiators.

Share a specific example of a challenging customer objection. Explain how you addressed their concerns through active listening and tailored responses. Highlight how you turned the objection into an opportunity to showcase the value of Pure Storage solutions, leading to a successful resolution.

Collaboration is paramount in the Senior Pre-Sales Systems Engineer position at Pure Storage. Working closely with account managers and product teams ensures that we align our technical solutions with customer demands effectively. Collaborative brainstorming with the sales team fosters innovative approaches that ultimately lead to successful outcomes.

In crafting RFP responses, I first analyze the requirements and align them with our product offerings. Collaboration with technical and marketing teams ensures that our responses are both accurate and compelling. I focus on articulating how Pure Storage stands out in the market, tying features back to customer needs.

For me, 'customer-first' means prioritizing the needs and satisfaction of our clients in every aspect of my work. It involves actively listening, understanding their challenges, and providing tailored solutions. This approach not only builds trust but also strengthens long-term partnerships, which are essential for our success at Pure Storage.