Job Description:

Solutions Architect - Infrastructure

Req Location

midwest/ central or west coast

Overview

The Solutions Architect - 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 SA 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 center 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 center infrastructure, telecommunications distribution systems, structured cabling, outside plant, space and power planning & datacenter infrastructure management (DCIM), managed services and connectivity solutions.

Black Box is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with Federal, State and Local laws, Black Box does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, 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.

What's in it for You at Black Box Network Services?

Black Box Network Services is a leading technology solutions provider dedicated to helping customers design, deploy and manage their IT infrastructure. We deliver high-value products and services through our global presence and 3,000 team members.

Black Box Network Services offers a competitive total rewards benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, in addition to a wide variety of additional benefits like a 401K, life insurance, employee assistance programs, fitness reimbursements, identity theft protection, education/scholarship programs and more!

We understand attracting great talent requires going beyond just competitive compensation and benefits. Black Box provides challenging work that creates advancement opportunities within the organization for those demonstrating desire and aptitude through their achievements. We have no shortage of opportunities. If you are looking for a business that allows for individual reward and growth, we are the place for you!

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical design and architectural expert across the organization's Data Center 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 Center 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 datacenter designs, statements of work (SOWs) and technical project plans incorporating service and program management activities.


• Understand the competitive landscape and have the ability to clearly articulate the technical differentiation and value proposition associated with the organization's Data Center 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 center 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.

Qualifications

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 datacenter deployments.

• Experience in the development and implementation of Data Center infrastructure, distributed telecommunications systems, data center 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:
  
  
  • Datacenter & 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
  
  
  • Commscope
  
  
  
  


• Building Management System & Security


• Datacenter transformation - Cloud, on-prem, hybrid

Other Qualifications, Skills & Certifications:

(One or more of the following preferred)

• BICSI (RCDD)


• Certified Data Center Design Professional (CDCDPTM)


• Certified Data Center Audit Professional (CDCAPTM)


• Cisco (Datacenter & Infrastructure certifications)


• CompTIA


• CNET


• 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.

This job description is designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required of the employee; it is not meant to be all-inclusive for any one position. Job responsibilities and requirements are subject to change at any time due to business conditions or any other reason.