Sales Engineer (AEC Software)
Bridges technical product expertise with sales strategy to demonstrate software value to architecture and engineering firms.
Overview
This career involves a high-frequency cycle of technical discovery and product demonstration tailored to the built environment industry. Daily activity centers on understanding the specific design and data bottlenecks of a prospective client and configuring software environments to prove the product can solve those issues. It requires a deep understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows and the ability to pivot between high-level value propositions and granular technical troubleshooting.
The environment is characterized by the need for rapid adaptation and clear communication under pressure during live demonstrations. Professionals who excel in this field typically possess a background in professional practice, such as architecture or structural engineering, which grants them the industry credibility needed to influence decision-makers. The role demands a balance of technical rigor and commercial awareness, as success is measured by both technical accuracy and the eventual conversion of leads into customers.
Responsibilities
- Deliver customized technical demonstrations of software suites to stakeholders in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.
- Conduct thorough technical discovery sessions to identify prospective clients' existing workflows and pain points.
- Manage the technical response for requests for proposals and requests for information documents.
- Configure and maintain proof-of-concept environments to showcase specific software integrations and features.
- Collaborate with product management teams to provide feedback on market requirements and feature gaps.
- Provide technical training and support to the account management team during the late stages of the sales cycle.
- Attend industry trade shows and conferences to present technical workshops and represent the product line.
Qualifications
- Professional degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
- Extensive experience using industry-standard BIM software such as Revit, AutoCAD, or Navisworks.
- Proven experience in a customer-facing technical role or professional practice within the AEC sector.
- Strong understanding of the construction lifecycle and common project delivery methods.
- Demonstrated ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical executive audiences.
Nice to have
- Professional licensure such as a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer status.
- Experience with computational design tools or programming languages like Python and Grasshopper.
- Prior experience working specifically for a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider.
Work environment
- Work is typically conducted in a hybrid model involving home office tasks and client site visits.
- Regular travel to client offices and industry events is often required, sometimes exceeding thirty percent of the time.
- Professional collaboration occurs primarily with account executives, product managers, and client-side IT directors.
- Standard business hours apply, though project deadlines and global client time zones may require occasional flexibility.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation typically includes a base salary plus a commission or bonus structure tied to sales performance.
- Career progression often leads to roles in senior sales leadership, product management, or solutions architecture.
- Professional development is supported through ongoing technical certifications and sales methodology training.
- Equity grants or stock options are common in established technology firms and late-stage startups.
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