At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive revenue by delivering technical presales support and shaping best-fit solutions for public sector clients.
- Company: Leading digital transformation firm supporting essential organisations with complex challenges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, and extensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Be a trusted advisor and make a real impact in the public sector.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in IT, with 10+ years in presales and strong Government background.
- Other info: Remote role with regular travel; excellent opportunity for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 125000 - 155000 £ per year.
Principal Sales Engineer
Location: Remote (UK-based) – with travel to customer sites
Salary: £125-£155 +20% bonus + car allowance + extensive benefits package
Clearance Requirement: DV (Developed Vetting) – required
Please note: Candidates with only current SC clearance will be considered only in exceptional cases and must be eligible and willing to undergo full DV clearance.
Our client is at the forefront of digital transformation, supporting the world’s most essential organisations through their most complex digital challenges. By providing visibility and insight at an unparalleled scale they help clients solve problems faster, secure what matters, and drive continuous innovation across their digital ecosystems.
We are now seeking a Principal Sales Engineer to support the growth of UK public sector accounts. This is a remote, client-facing role for a highly technical and experienced presales professional with a strong Government/Public Sector background and current DV clearance.
Key Requirements
We are looking for a client-facing technical expert with deep presales experience, capable of operating in complex and secure environments.
Essential skills and experience:
- 15+ years’ experience in IT, with at least 10 years in presales, network engineering, or technical support
- Demonstrable success supporting UK Government or public sector clients
- Ability to translate technical challenges into clear commercial value
- Strong expertise in:
- Cisco routing, switching, gateways, and applications
- TCP/IP, SNMP, Netflow, VoIP
- LAN/WAN topologies (MPLS, Frame Relay, ATM)
- Security concepts and network infrastructure design
- Network performance and fault/alert management
- Solid understanding of:
- Operating systems – Linux, Windows
- Cloud and virtualisation technologies – SDN/NFV, Public/Private Cloud
- Performance tools – HP/OV, Tivoli, EMC SMARTS, ArcSight
- Relevant certifications – CCNA, CCNP, CCIE
- Formal presales training (e.g. Sandler, Siebel, Afterburner)
- Excellent communication and presentation skills – verbal, written, and visual
- Comfortable with 60-70% UK travel
Desirable qualifications:
- Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent technical military training
- MBA or relevant business/leadership qualification
- Knowledge of products such as Arbor, Radwhere, Riverbed, A10, ExtraHop
- Experience authoring whitepapers, contributing to product strategy
- Familiarity with security audits, RFP/RFI responses
- Track record of mentoring technical presales teams
Role & Responsibilities
As Principal Sales Engineer, you will play a vital role in driving revenue by delivering technical presales support, demonstrating product value, and shaping best-fit solutions. Reporting to the Regional Sales Director, you will act as a trusted advisor for public sector clients and internal stakeholders.
Responsibilities include:
- Leading technical discovery and supporting the full sales cycle
- Creating and delivering high-impact demos and presentations
- Differentiating solutions from competitors using compelling value stories
- Acting as a technical expert across integrators, service providers, and Government
- Partnering with product and engineering to influence roadmaps and relay market feedback
- Contributing to technical documentation, RFPs, and whitepapers
- Mentoring Sales Engineers, attending client meetings alongside them
- Building strong customer relationships and identifying upsell opportunities
- Representing customer needs internally and advocating for technical alignment
- Participating in industry events, speaking engagements, and strategic initiatives
Additional Details
Remote Working:
- Officially home-based
- Must be comfortable with regular travel for:
- Client meetings 3-4 days per week
- Annual conference
- Quarterly convention for Sales Engineers
Location Preference:
- Preference for candidates based in Central or Southern UK
- Northern England considered for exceptional talent
- Scotland is not preferred
Presales Network Engineer employer: Walsh Employment
Contact Detail:
Walsh Employment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Presales Network Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in public sector roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals that could give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising your pitch. You want to showcase not just your technical skills but also how you can translate complex challenges into clear commercial value. Remember, it’s all about making an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your interest in our company culture right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Presales Network Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Sales Engineer. Highlight your presales experience and any relevant technical skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role, focusing on your experience with UK Government clients and your technical expertise. Let us know what excites you about working with us!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, make sure your written application reflects your excellent communication skills. Be clear, concise, and professional in your writing – we want to see your ability to convey complex ideas simply!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsh Employment
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Presales Network Engineer, you need to be a technical whiz. Brush up on your knowledge of Cisco routing, switching, and security concepts. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex network challenges in the past and how you can translate those into commercial value for clients.
✨Showcase Your Public Sector Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience with UK Government or public sector clients. Prepare examples of how you've successfully supported these clients and the specific outcomes you've achieved. This will demonstrate your understanding of their unique needs and challenges.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Be prepared to deliver high-impact presentations and demos that clearly convey the value of your solutions. Remember, it's not just about what you know, but how you share it!
✨Prepare for Client-Facing Scenarios
Since this is a client-facing role, think about how you would handle various client interactions. Prepare for questions about building relationships, identifying upsell opportunities, and acting as a trusted advisor. Role-playing these scenarios can help you feel more confident during the interview.