Presales Engineer
CAI · United States
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- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $152,500 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Lead client discovery and solution design for technology/AI.
- Scope, price, and propose complex client engagements.
- Develop and author Statements of Work.
- Deliver technical demos and presentations to clients.
- Stay current on AI and cloud technologies.
About the role
Job Summary
CAI is seeking a motivated Pre-Sales Engineer to lead discovery, solution design, and proposal development for complex technology and AI-driven client engagements. This full-time, remote position requires strong discovery skills, experience in scoping and pricing technology solutions, and technical fluency across cloud and AI platforms.What You’ll Do
- Lead discovery sessions with business stakeholders to identify needs and outcomes.
- Translate business requirements into technical solution designs.
- Collaborate with solution architects and solution engineers to validate proposed solutions.
- Partner with AI Enablement leadership to align proposals with active enablement initiatives.
- Scope, estimate, and price technology and AI engagements.
- Develop pricing models and cost projections aligned with margin expectations.
- Author Statements of Work defining scope, deliverables, milestones, and acceptance criteria.
- Create execution plans, project plans, and transition documentation.
- Deliver technical demos and presentations to stakeholders from end users to executives.
- Support RFP and RFI responses with technical and pricing content.
- Serve as the technical liaison throughout the sales cycle.
- Support sales-to-delivery handoffs and early post-sale execution.
- Maintain accurate CRM documentation and opportunity tracking.
- Stay current on AI technologies, trends, and competitive landscape.
What You’ll Need
- 5+ years of experience in sales engineering, pre-sales, or solutions consulting roles.
- Strong understanding of enterprise technology environments and cloud platforms.
- Working knowledge of AI concepts, LLMs, and AI enablement approaches.
- Experience scoping, estimating, and pricing technology engagements.
- Proven ability to write SoWs, proposals, and client-facing documentation.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to lead discovery and translate business needs into technical solutions.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Consulting or professional services background.
- Experience responding to large-scale RFPs or RFIs.
- Financial modeling and margin management experience.
- Familiarity with Agile and Waterfall delivery methodologies.
- Experience positioning AI solutions in client-facing proposals.
Key skills/competency
- Pre-Sales Engineering
- Solution Design
- Proposal Development
- Technology Solutions
- AI Platforms
- Cloud Platforms
- Client Engagements
- RFP/RFI Response
- Pricing and Estimation
- Stakeholder Management
Skills & topics
- Pre-Sales Engineer
- Sales Engineering
- Solutions Consulting
- Technology Solutions
- AI
- Cloud
- RFP
- RFI
- Proposal Development
- Client Engagements
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 5+ years in sales engineering, pre-sales, or solutions consulting, emphasizing AI and cloud expertise.
- Showcase your skills: Quantify achievements in scoping, pricing, and proposal writing, referencing SoWs and client presentations.
- Prepare for discovery: Practice translating business needs into technical solutions and leading stakeholder discussions.
- Understand CAI: Research CAI's global services, AI enablement, and client success stories to align your application with their mission.
- Engage confidently: Be ready to discuss your experience with enterprise technology, AI concepts, and competitive landscapes in interviews.
Technical preparation
Master cloud and AI platform knowledge.,Practice solution design from business requirements.,Prepare to scope, estimate, and price engagements.,Develop compelling technical presentations and demos.
Behavioral questions
How do you lead discovery sessions?,Describe translating business needs to technical solutions.,How do you collaborate with solution architects?,How do you handle RFP/RFI responses?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary responsibility of a Pre-Sales Engineer at CAI?
- As a Pre-Sales Engineer at CAI, your primary responsibility is to lead the discovery, solution design, and proposal development for complex technology and AI-driven client engagements, acting as the key technical liaison throughout the sales cycle.
- What technical skills are essential for this Pre-Sales Engineer role at CAI?
- Essential technical skills include a strong understanding of enterprise technology environments and cloud platforms, along with working knowledge of AI concepts, LLMs, and AI enablement approaches. Experience in scoping, estimating, and pricing technology engagements is also critical.
- What kind of client interactions can I expect as a Pre-Sales Engineer at CAI?
- You can expect to lead discovery sessions with business stakeholders, deliver technical demos and presentations to various levels of client personnel, and serve as the technical liaison throughout the sales cycle. This involves translating business needs into technical solutions.
- How does CAI approach AI and cloud solutions in their client engagements?
- CAI focuses on AI-driven client engagements and leverages expertise in cloud platforms. The Pre-Sales Engineer plays a key role in aligning proposals with active AI enablement initiatives and staying current on AI technologies and trends.
- What is the expected experience level for the Pre-Sales Engineer position at CAI?
- CAI requires at least 5 years of experience in sales engineering, pre-sales, or solutions consulting roles. A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is also necessary.
- Is this a remote position, and what are the work arrangement details for the Pre-Sales Engineer at CAI?
- Yes, this Pre-Sales Engineer position at CAI is fully remote. The role is designed for individuals who can effectively work from a remote location and manage client interactions digitally.
- What is the salary range for the Pre-Sales Engineer role at CAI?
- The salary range for this Pre-Sales Engineer position at CAI is $145,000 to $160,000 per year, with exact compensation varying based on factors like location, experience, and education.