Solution Architect

Job Description

Solutions Architect – Digital Infrastructure (Remote)

The Digital Infrastructure Solutions Architect (SA) - Infrastructure role is one of a pre and post sales resource utilizing their technology background to lead the consultative discovery of the client/prospect’s business goals, objectives and challenges and translate them into effective technology solutions before, during and after project deployment. The SA plays a leadership role by analyzing business requirements, presenting related solutions, and driving the business case and financial justifications.

The Solutions Architect will be the head technical leader for the project team working closely with the site engineers, technicians, and other project management resources for both internal and external team members. Qualified candidates will possess deep experience in the Data Centre and/or Telecommunications and network industry in a sales-oriented, technical solution design and architecture role, with an emphasis on various network architectures including Data Centre infrastructure, Telecommunications distribution systems, Structured cabling, Outside Plant (OSP), space and power planning & Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM), managed services and connectivity solutions. **

Essential Functions**

• Serve as the technical design and architectural expert across the organization’s Data Centre Solutions’ portfolio
• Build and maintain relationships in assigned accounts as appropriate to identify and cultivate additional opportunities
• Focus on solution development and architectural design for assigned customer base with specific emphasis on the organization’s Data Centre Solutions’ global managed services and infrastructure solutions portfolio.
• Develop solutions/strategies using technology to resolve customer issues and achieve business goals/objectives
• Serve as a deal architect for multi-faceted, multi-technology solutions
• Partner with other subject matter experts and solution architects/engineers within the company to build the customer solution
• Develop and deliver technical presentations with customers and tailor content to audience as appropriate
• Author and deliver Data Centre designs, statements of work (SOWs) and technical project plans incorporating service and program management activities.
• Understand the competitive landscape and can clearly articulate the technical differentiation and value proposition associated with the organization’s Data Centre Solutions versus its competitors.
• Achieve sales and profit goals through joint account planning, partner teaming (internal & external), on-site client interface/visits, engagement/solution development and implementation support/follow-up.
• Provide technical leadership and design guides/updates for the project team at site based upon the SOW contracts for the services offered and/or as requested by the program team.
• Training and mentoring for other engineering and technical resources associated with the project and/or as needed for the Global Data Centre Program.
• Develop and/ or maintain relationships with equipment / product venders / suppliers to ensure solutions provided are current and have the warranties and support that position the company as a “Preferred” vendor of any solution proposed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science preferred or equivalent work experience.

Experience Requirements

• 10+ years in a customer/client facing technical role (Pre/Post Sales, Sales Engineering, Consulting, Solutions Architecture, Service Delivery, etc.) with a strong knowledge of various infrastructure architectures related to hyper-scale and large-scale Data Centre deployments.
• Experience in the development and implementation of Data Centre infrastructure, distributed telecommunications systems, Data Centre connectivity and/or managed network solutions with accountability for end-to-end delivery.
• Demonstrated and verifiable track record of prior successful customer engagements. Examples of solution designs, statements of work and/or technical project plans are required
• Proven experience with one or more of the following Network Communications and Architectures solutions:
  • Data Centre & Building Infrastructure
  • Structured Cabling (copper, fiber - installation and testing)
  • Outside & inside plant
  • Telecommunications distribution systems
  • Wireless Access Points
  • Space Planning & DCIM
  • Cabinets & Raceways
  • Rack/Stack
  • Power Requirements
  • Network Assessment Tools
  • Managed Services
  • Managed Network Services (LAN, WAN, Connectivity and Build out, Operations, DCIM)

Additional Desired Technology Experience

• LAN/WAN
  • Cisco
  • Juniper
  • Arista
• Building Management System & Security
• Data Centre transformation – Cloud, on-prem, hybrid

Other Qualifications, Skills & Certifications

(O _ne or more of the following preferred)

_ - BICSI – Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) - Certified Data Center Design Professional (CDCDP™) - Certified Network Infrastructure Design Professional (CNIDP™) - Cisco (Data Centre & Infrastructure certifications) - CompTIA - PMP, ITIL

Competencies

• Strong business acumen and understanding of clients’ data center and infrastructure related business goals and challenges to ensure proper translation of the client’s needs into technology solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively work in a team environment and explain complex system solutions to customers.
• Ability to work in a team environment and motivate others.
• Ability to influence and manage change effectively.
• Ability to meet project timelines and budgets.
• Ability to present both technical and non-technical information to broad audiences.
• Exceptional written communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Outlook, SharePoint, MS Project, PPM tools, ERP, Salesforce.com, workforce management, and cloud-based technology systems.
• Self-motivated with a strong ability to plan/organize workloads.

About Us

What's in it for You?

Joining Black Box means you’ll have the opportunity to work on exciting, highly visible projects with our customers. You’ll get to know large and small organizations across the world and work to deliver best in class IT solutions. You’ll be rewarded with a variety of experiences, development opportunities and exposure to some of the world's most admired companies. In addition to these rewarding experiences, you’ll have access to our comprehensive Total Rewards Program. Our program continues to evolve to meet the needs of our dynamic workforce by providing a variety of benefits which are applicable and competitive for each country & region. **

About Black Box**

Black Box is the trusted global solutions integrator and digital technology partner. With nearly 45 years of experience connecting people and devices, we are an organization of top technical professionals dedicated to delivering solutions and services that help organizations design, build, manage, and secure their communications and IT infrastructure and networks. Technologies include 5G/OnGo, connected buildings, digital workplace, multisite deployments, data centers, and IoT.

We also design and manufacture award-winning products for Pro AV, KVM, cabling, and networking known for their advanced functionality, flawless performance, outstanding reliability and fail-safe security. We deliver high-value technology services and products through our values, such as innovation, ownership, transparency, respect and open-mindedness combined with our global presence and 2,500+ team members in 24 countries and growing. Black Box is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGC Networks.

Black Box is an equal opportunity employer. Black Box does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status, and endorses those policies and practices which seek to recruit, hire, train and promote the most qualified persons into available jobs.