At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build AI-powered proof of concepts that wow clients.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days holiday, health perks, remote work, and team socials.
- Other info: Dynamic role with high visibility and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI while working directly with the CTO.
- Qualifications: Senior engineering experience with strong client-facing communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
A forward-deployed pre-sales engineer who partners with the strategy and sales teams to design, build, and present AI-powered proof of concepts for clients. You will own the full technical arc of each POC — from brief to build to client demo — and establish a reusable, scalable framework that compounds in value with every engagement.
This is a hands-on, client-facing role: you will rapidly design and build proof of concepts that demonstrate what is possible with AI, and you will be the technical voice in the room when clients need to see it to believe it. You will report directly to the CTO and work closely with strategy and sales teams across every stage of the pre-sales journey.
What you’ll deliver:
- Build proof of concepts that win clients: Take a brief from the strategy team and independently design, architect, and build a working POC within a 3–4 week sprint. Translate real client problems into credible, demonstrable AI-powered solutions. Ensure every POC communicates the point of view: what we believe, what we can do, and what the solution could become. Maintain a high output velocity using AI-assisted development tooling.
- Own the client-facing technical narrative: Prepare and support all technical resources for sales calls: demos, slide narratives, technical Q&A docs, and deep-dive presentations. Join first calls, technical discovery sessions, and demo calls to provide credible technical support to the salesperson. Translate complex AI and engineering concepts into clear commercial language for stakeholders.
- Create a scalable, reusable POC framework: After each engagement, produce a clean handover: a client-facing presentation of what was built, what shortcuts were taken, and what hardening would be required for production. Maintain and evolve a library of reusable repo templates, demo environments, and slide narratives.
- Stay at the frontier of AI and shape our offering: Maintain a close watch on the AI landscape: new models, tools, frameworks, and use cases. Proactively suggest new POC formats, tooling improvements, and solution patterns.
- Be a reliable, autonomous operator: Manage your own time and priorities across concurrent POC sprints with minimal overhead. Report clearly and consistently to the CTO on progress, blockers, and decisions throughout the week.
What we’re looking for:
- Must have: Senior or lead-level engineering experience, with a proven track record of shipping production-quality work independently. Full-stack capability: strong React / TypeScript frontend fundamentals with solid backend experience. Practical, hands-on knowledge of AI application development.
- Nice to have: Previous founder experience, or a background operating as a one-person engineering function. Experience in a product studio, agency, or consultancy working across multiple clients and problem domains.
Why join them?
This is a rare role for someone who wants to operate at the intersection of deep technical craft and commercial impact. As Pre-Sales Engineer, you will have direct influence over how the company wins new business and demonstrates what AI can do.
This is a permanent role with benefits, including:
- 32 days’ holiday (including bank holidays).
- 8-weeks working-away allowance each year.
- Birthday off.
- Health and wellbeing budget including private healthcare and unlimited gym access.
- Cycle-to-work scheme and quarterly team socials.
- Quarterly OKRs and bonus opportunities.
- A genuinely supportive culture in an innovative and inspiring workspace.
Senior Pre-Sales Engineer employer: Zebra People
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and technical excellence, where as a Senior Pre-Sales Engineer, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of AI solutions while working closely with the CTO and sales teams. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, offers generous benefits like 32 days of holiday, and fosters professional growth through quarterly OKRs and bonus opportunities. With a focus on autonomy and collaboration, this role allows you to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment, tackling diverse challenges across various industries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Pre-Sales Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their products, culture, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your technical storytelling. You’ll need to explain complex AI concepts in a way that resonates with clients. Use real-world examples to illustrate your points and make them relatable.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give you insider insights and potentially a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and engaged.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Pre-Sales Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Pre-Sales Engineer role. Highlight your experience with AI, client-facing communication, and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to build proof of concepts. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Include specific examples of your full-stack capabilities and any hands-on experience with AI application development. We’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between technical depth and commercial clarity.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the role. Remember, we appreciate a 50/50 builder-communicator profile, so make sure your presentation quality shines through!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our innovative team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zebra People
✨Know Your POCs Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the proof of concepts (POCs) you've worked on. Be ready to discuss the technical details, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of knowledge and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
When presenting your POCs, think of it as telling a story. Start with the client's problem, explain your approach, and highlight the impact of your solution. This narrative style will engage your interviewers and demonstrate your client-facing communication skills.
✨Stay Updated on AI Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in AI and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios. Bring up recent advancements during your interview to showcase your proactive approach and passion for the field. This will also help you align your insights with the company's vision.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions that assess your full-stack capabilities and AI application knowledge. Brush up on your React, TypeScript, and backend experience. Practising common technical interview questions will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making under pressure.