Richardson, TX - Salary Range 110-140k

The Senior Sales Engineer is a recognized expert in optical networking, advanced software solutions, and managed services. This senior-level role requires deep technical leadership, the ability to architect complex multi-vendor networks, and the experience to guide customers at an executive and engineering level throughout the full sales lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical authority for optical networking, software solutions, and managed services.
• Lead technical strategy and solution development for high-value customer opportunities.
• Own the technical direction and architecture of complex optical and software-driven network designs.
• Collaborate with sales teams to position LightRiver’s solutions effectively, including professional and managed services
• Assess customer requirements and design network architectures that meet technical and business objectives.
• Size and configure solutions, including optical networks, Network Management Systems, and Prism® automation platform and associated services.
• Provide senior-level guidance on incorporating managed services into customer solutions.
• Deliver compelling product demonstrations for both hardware and software platforms.
• Provide remote and onsite technical support during sales engagements.
• Act as a trusted advisor to customers, ensuring proposed solutions – including align with their operational needs.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience
• Preferred candidates to have direct experience supporting or selling OEM optical/networking products.
• Proven ability to operate as a senior technical advisor for optical networking, software systems, and managed service offerings.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing end-to-end architectures integrating optical transport, automation software, and service-based operational models.
• Expert-level knowledge of Optical Fiber Principles, including optical fiber transmission, modes, attenuation, dispersion, and signal integrity
• Expert-level knowledge of Optical Network Design
  a. System Architecture: Ability to design and architect optical communication systems, considering factors such as network topology, bandwidth requirements, and scalability
  b. Link Budget Analysis: Capability to utilize vendor tools to perform link budget analysis to optimize signal strength and ensure reliable communication over optical links
• Expert-level knowledge of Optical Components
  a. Familiarity with optical components such as lasers, photodetectors, modulators, and wavelength division multiplexers (WDM)
  b. Component Selection and Integration: Ability to select appropriate optical components and integrate them into the network design
• Expert-level knowledge of Layer 1 Network Protocols and Standards
  a. Understanding of Optical Networking Protocols: Knowledge of protocols specific to optical networks, such as SONET/SDH, DWDM, and ROADM
  b. Compliance with Standards: Ensure adherence to industry standards and specifications related to optical communication
  c. Optical Testing Equipment: Proficiency in using optical testing equipment, including optical time-domain reflectometers (OTDRs) and optical power meters
• Strong knowledge of Layer 2/3 networking, including protocols such as OSPF, BGP, MPLS, and EVPN.
• Basic understanding of Network Management Systems (LightRiver netFlex, Ciena Navigator, Cisco Prime, Nokia NSP, etc).
• Familiarity with network technologies, including IP/MPLS, SNMP, NetConf/YANG, and REST APIs, is preferred.
• Troubleshooting Skills: Ability to identify and resolve issues in optical networks, including troubleshooting signal loss, dispersion, and other optical impairments.
• Optical Networking: Expert-level knowledge of optical products and design principles; fundamental understanding of L2/L3 packet network services.
• Extensive experience designing and presenting complex network architectures to both technical and executive stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in optical networking or advanced network architecture roles.
• History of serving as a senior technical lead, principal engineer, or subject-matter expert (SME).
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Optical vendor certifications (e.g., Ciena, Nokia).
• Experience with network automation platforms and SDN/NFV concepts
• Familiarity with multi-vendor optical environments and network lifecycle management.