Senior Sales Engineer

The Light River 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. This includes positioning Light River’s industry-leading capabilities in multi-vendor optical networking, network automation, lifecycle management, and managed services as outlined on
This role is critical in positioning Light River’s capabilities, evaluating customer requirements, designing complex network architectures, sizing software solutions, performing product demonstrations, and building customer confidence throughout the sales cycle. Responsibilities also include positioning and supporting Light River’s professional services and managed services offerings as part of comprehensive solution proposals.

• 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 Light River’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.

• Required responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Lead technical discussions with customers, translating business needs into technical solutions and guiding them through design decisions with clarity and confidence.
• Act as a trusted advisor, offering unbiased consultation across multiple vendor solutions to ensure the best technical and business fit.
• Take ownership of the planning, design, and operation of customer transport networks.
• Work with sales teams to design and develop winning and profitable solutions
• Validate customer requests and requirements for network hardware, software, and functionality
• Participate in sales discussions over audio/web conference or in live meetings
• Lead and architect complex, multi-vendor optical network designs, ensuring alignment with customer technical, operational, and business strategies.
• Develop compelling demonstrations or POC’s and deliver over web conference or live meetings
• Drive solution strategy across optical transport, software automation platforms, and managed services to deliver end-to-end value.
• Win the confidence of colleagues and client prospects as an expert technical resource
• Support sales in pricing, proposing, and SOW creation
• Interface with product, engineering, and implementation teams to ensure solution alignment.
• Provide timely project updates to internal engineering and project managers
• Communicate with vendors as may be required for installation, configuration, technical support, and purchasing issues
• Provide product, systems, and technical training to new and existing employees on an as-needed basis.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to provide strategic guidance and innovative recommendations.
• 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-le…