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# Solutions Engineer

- **Company:** Cisco Systems, Inc.
- **Location:** Chicago, IL, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $155,500.0 - $203,500.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Systems Engineering, Microsoft Azure, Catalyst (Software), Routing, OpenAI, Wide Area Networks, Information Technology, Claude, Data Pipelines, Cisco
- **Published:** October 28, 2026
- **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/36F87F00EE6E45ECA598746D82D9F535/job/

## About the Role

* 4+ years of experience working directly with or within Tier-1 National Partners, System Integrators, or Value-Added Resellers (VARs).
 * You can articulate technical value across CDW engineering practices, effectively negotiating and influencing technical practice leads and executives to align with Cisco technical priorities and Go-to-Market/Route-to-Market.
 * Practical experience with Cisco-specific platforms, including Catalyst 9000 series, Catalyst Center (DNA Center), Meraki full-stack, and Cisco Security/SASE solutions.
 * Exceptional communication skills; ability to simplify complex architectures for C-suite discussions and lead high-stakes technical negotiations.
 * Experience designing and delivering technical workshops, hands-on labs, or enablement programs for technical specialists., * Experience: 2+ years of professional experience in IT as a Systems Engineer, Solutions Architect, or Technical Consultant.
 * Technical Domain: Demonstrated foundational knowledge in Enterprise Networking (e.g., Switching, Routing, SD-WAN) and cloud or cybersecurity principles.
 * Collaboration: Experience working in a team-based sales or engineering environment, with a track record of driving cross-functional success.
 * Education: Bachelor's degree in a technical field (Computer Science, Electrical Engineering) or equivalent practical experience.
 * Certifications: Active CCNA (Enterprise Infrastructure/Wireless) or higher-level industry certifications (e.g., CCNP, PCNSE, AWS/Azure certifications).
 * AI Literacy: Demonstrated use of AI tools or automation to streamline technical workflows and scale engineering productivity.

## Description

Join the Americas Partner Organization (APO) team, dedicated to the success of one of our most critical national partners: CDW. You will work within a top-tier group of engineers who possess a phenomenal depth of Cisco expertise. As a Partner Solution Engineer (PSE), you are the primary technical bridge between Cisco and CDW's presales organization. You will collaborate with Partner Leaders, Account Managers, and CDW's own Solution Architects to drive a $2B+ joint business, focusing on building technical capability and accelerating joint pipeline.

 * Partner Technical Enablement: Design and deliver impactful technical enablement programs, hands-on labs, demos, and technical workshops for CDW's Solution Architects and technical specialists.
 * Practice Scaling: Accelerate partner adoption of key Cisco platforms (Catalyst, Meraki, ThousandEyes, Security/SASE, and AI-ready infrastructure) to help CDW reach practice maturity.
 * Strategic Co-Architecting: Serve as the escalation lead on high-value, complex opportunities. Conduct joint architectural design sessions (ADS) and proof-of-value (POV) strategies to differentiate Cisco solutions.
 * Joint Pipeline Development: Partner with Cisco Partner Account Executives (PAEs) and CDW leadership on territory mapping, demand-generation campaigns, and architectural business plans driving initiatives aligning to partner profitability and Cisco's growth priorities.
 * Voice of the Partner: Act as a critical feedback loop, advocating for CDW-specific needs to Cisco Business Units and Product Management to remove technical roadblocks and influence product roadmaps.
 * Trusted advisor: Actively support the Cisco culture by sharing technical, professional, and sales skills, providing consultative support to enable CDW's engineering teams and drive partner loyalty.
 * Innovate: Leverage AI tools (ex: Cisco's MyAgent, Claude, OpenAI, etc) and capabilities to scale the CDW growth engine for Cisco products and solutions