Principal Presales Engineer

Principal Presales Engineer at Twilio

At Twilio, we are revolutionizing communications globally. We empower businesses and developers to create personalized customer experiences through innovative solutions. Our remote-first culture fosters connection, global inclusion, and continuous learning, making every day rewarding.

We leverage Artificial Intelligence in our hiring process, but every final decision is made by our dedicated Twilions.

About the Role

As a Principal Presales Engineer on Twilio's Strategic Communications team, you will be pivotal in enabling customers to build the future of communications. This role focuses on securing the technical win for customer accounts by leading technical pre-sales relationships, proposing robust architectures, demonstrating product capabilities, addressing concerns, and offering creative solutions. You will build and maintain customer trust in Twilio solutions.

You should be adept at engaging with C-level executives as well as collaborating on API flows with software engineers.

You will be recognized as a presales expert and technical influencer, capable of independently managing complex opportunities. This involves effectively communicating across departments, owning the strategic technical vision for your organization, and mentoring peers. You will operate autonomously while actively fostering collaboration and sharing customer insights with other Twilio teams.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Account Executives to execute pre-sales activities including opportunity qualification, demonstrations, Proof-of-Concept, RFP, design documentation, technical presentations, and enablement sessions.
• Lead technical discovery sessions with customers to uncover their needs and challenges, demonstrating how Twilio’s capabilities ensure their success.
• Build and present powerful and complex presentations and product demonstrations to showcase the features of Twilio Communications Products.
• Establish yourself as a trusted advisor to customers, introducing innovative solutions and architectures that drive innovation.
• Contribute to the broader Solutions Engineering community through knowledge sharing, developing demonstration materials, and creating reusable presentations.
• Be proactive, energetic, deeply passionate, and a resourceful thinker, equipped to accomplish tasks and lead others to success.

Qualifications

Twilio values diverse experiences and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of traditional career paths.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors and/or Masters degree in a technical discipline (Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science) or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 8 years in a solutions engineering (presales) role, specializing in the sale of complex technical products, or 10+ years of professional experience supporting technical products with customer-facing experience (delivery or consulting).
• Previous experience with customer engagement, supporting products and technologies, and communicating ROI across various use cases.
• Demonstrated exceptional technical proficiency and thought leadership, actively contributing to team strategy.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, effectively conveying strategic vision and influencing internal and external stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Customer-focused problem solver, skilled at balancing innovative technical solutions with customer best interests.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills, capable of handling competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous software development experience in one or more of the following: Backend (Java, C#, Node.js, Python, PHP), Web development (JavaScript, HTML/CSS, frontend frameworks - React, Vue.js, Angular).
• Experience building with REST APIs.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience managing strategic accounts and evangelizing new use cases and technology in regulated verticals.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure) and cloud application architecture.
• Previous experience in Telecom, SIP, Contact Center, or Security.

Location & Travel

This role is remote but is not eligible to be hired in CA, CT, IL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, TX, VA, WA, or Washington DC.

Approximately 25% travel is anticipated for in-person connections with customers and team members.

What We Offer

Twilio provides competitive pay, generous time off, parental and wellness leave, healthcare, and a retirement savings program. Benefits vary by location.

Compensation

For candidates hired in Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Vermont, Washington D.C., Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, California (outside Bay Area), New York, New Jersey, Washington State, or San Francisco Bay Area, the estimated pay ranges from $138,872 to $192,880, depending on location and experience. This role may be eligible for Twilio’s equity plan and commissions, along with standard benefits.

Key skills/competency

• Presales Engineering
• Technical Sales
• Solution Architecture
• Customer Engagement
• API Integration
• Cloud Platforms
• Software Development
• Communication Skills
• Strategic Planning
• Product Demonstrations