Associate Solutions Engineer - ANZ

As an Associate Solutions Engineer at Okta, your primary responsibilities include partnering with the sales team to develop strategic technical plans, conducting live demonstrations to showcase the value of Okta technology, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels within customer organizations. You will act as a technical advisor, guiding clients through the technical solutioning phase, and participate in marketing events to represent Okta as a thought leader in the identity management space.

To be successful as an Associate Solutions Engineer at Okta, candidates should possess a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a customer-facing consulting role. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the ability to convey complex technical ideas effectively. A passion for technology and experience in the Identity & Access Management domain, as well as familiarity with protocols like OAuth 2.0 and SAML, would be advantageous.

While prior experience in sales is not mandatory for the Associate Solutions Engineer position at Okta, candidates should have a customer-focused mindset and the ability to communicate confidently with various stakeholders. Experience in pre-sales consulting or equivalent positions can be beneficial, as this role involves collaborating closely with sales teams and influencing customers’ technological journeys.

At Okta, growth opportunities for an Associate Solutions Engineer are abundant. As you gain experience in technical account management and customer engagement, you may have opportunities to advance into more senior technical roles or specialize further in identity management technologies. Additionally, Okta encourages continuous learning and offers access to training resources, conferences, and networking events in the tech industry to help enhance your career.

Okta offers a comprehensive benefits package for an Associate Solutions Engineer, including competitive salaries, health and wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth. Employees benefit from a dynamic work environment that promotes creativity, diversity, and inclusion, with resources available to support their personal and professional development.

To build relationships with CxO and executive stakeholders, I prioritize understanding their strategic goals and challenges. I aim to provide value by aligning Okta’s solutions to their needs and demonstrating real business outcomes. Engaging in thoughtful discussions and providing insights through data and case studies can significantly strengthen these relationships.

Absolutely! In my previous role, I was tasked with explaining a new security protocol to a team of marketing professionals. I used analogies that related to their everyday experiences, illustrated key points with visual aids, and encouraged questions to ensure they understood how the protocol impacted their work, making the concept more relatable and easier to grasp.

When presenting technical solutions, I tailor my presentation to the client's industry and specific challenges. I emphasize the benefits instead of the technical intricacies, using clear visuals and relevant success stories. Engaging the audience with interactive discussions also helps showcase the solutions’ practicality and addresses their concerns directly.

When faced with technical objections during a demo, I actively listen to the concerns and validate them. I then provide evidence and examples that demonstrate how Okta's solutions can address those concerns. If necessary, I offer to follow up with additional information or involve relevant technical team members to strengthen our response.

To stay informed about the latest trends in identity management, I regularly read industry publications, attend webinars and conferences, and network with professionals in the field. Following influential figures and joining relevant online communities are also great ways to learn about emerging technologies and best practices.

In my last position, I led a Proof of Concept for a major retail client where we needed to demonstrate the efficacy of a new identity solution. I structured the POC to showcase key security features while tailoring it to their operational environment. By aligning our technology with their needs and providing tangible results, we secured a long-term contract afterward.

I prioritize tasks by assessing urgent versus important matters using a priority matrix. I often break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks with deadlines. Using productivity tools and regularly reviewing my progress also helps ensure I stay on track and adjust my priorities as needed.

What I enjoy most about being in a pre-sales consulting role is the opportunity to solve real-world problems for clients by leveraging cutting-edge technology. Meeting diverse individuals and adapting solutions to fit their unique challenges from various industries keeps the work dynamic and fulfilling.

I would explain Zero Trust by emphasizing that it’s based on the principle of 'never trust, always verify.' I would outline how it means validating every user and device trying to access the network regardless of their location, thereby reinforcing security throughout the organization and reducing risks significantly.

Teamwork is critical in the Associate Solutions Engineer position as collaboration with sales, marketing, and technical teams fosters a more effective execution of client strategies. Sharing knowledge and leveraging diverse expertise enables us to deliver comprehensive solutions that meet customer expectations and drive successful outcomes.