Sales Engineer (UK / Netherlands)
Metaswitch Networks (previously Data Connection Ltd) is one of the world's leading
communications technology companies. Our leading-edge software and hardware products are used
by some of the biggest names in the telecommunications and IT industry, such as BT, Microsoft
and Cisco.
Metaswitch was founded with a vision to simplify the delivery of next generation voice services,
building seamlessly on existing networks. We are now one of the leading providers of next generation
telephone switching systems and applications to North American service providers, with more than
500 customers.
As well as providing our customers with world-class products and services, we pride ourselves on
providing our employees with an excellent work environment and outstanding benefits. Our success is
based on our ability (and dedication) to recruit outstandingly talented individuals, and train and
develop them into world-class business men and women. As a company, developing the skills and
talents of our people is at the heart of what we do.
Started in 1981, we have grown from the seven founders to more than 500 people, retaining the
flexibility and vibrancy of a small organization. Our head office is in Enfield (on the edge of
North London, UK), and we also have offices in Chester and Edinburgh in the UK, and San Francisco
Bay area (CA), Reston (VA), Dallas (TX), Boston (MA) and Tampa (FL) in the US.
We are a remarkably stable and profitable organisation, with both revenue and profit increasing
in every year since the company was formed. In our last financial year we achieved a profit of
£9.2M on revenue of £62M. North America is our most important market, representing more
than 80% of our total revenue.
The Sales Engineer (SE) is accountable for developing, designing, and assisting in the sale of
our complex telecom solutions.
The key responsibilities are as follows.
- Providing pre-sales support to the Sales Executive team; contributing to sales goals to meet
divisional sales revenue goals.
- Presenting products and staffing booths at customer meetings, trade shows and trade conferences.
- Delivering technical and architectural responses to RFx documents.
- Participating in customer network design processes.
- Assisting/participating in bid/RFP/RFQ processes, and uncovering opportunities.
We are ideally looking for someone who has approximately 5 (or more) years experience in
Telecoms Sales Engineering.
A thorough understanding of voice and data networking technologies is essential and the following
technical expertise is required.
- SS7 / Intelligent Networks (INAP/CAMEL/WIN) architecture and protocols.
- NGN and IMS architecture and protocols, particularly surrounding SIP-AS interaction with CSCF
and subscriber data and billing interfaces.
- Media Gateway and Media Server protocol interfaces in the NGN and IMS.
- Understanding of Web 2.0 technologies (XML, SOAP, REST, etc).
- IP Networking Protocols such as TCP, DHCP, ARP, SMTP, SNMP, DNS, HTTP, FTP, etc.
- Network Management: SNMP & network management platforms such as OpenView, etc.
- Working knowledge of client-server architectures, database servers and communication servers,
especially as it relates to network configurations, optimisations, troubleshooting and diagnostics.
Previous experience in Telecom OSS / BSS systems and architectures would also be an advantage.
The successful candidate will have the following personal attributes.
- solid communication skills
- sales ability
- the ability to work well in a team, or independently
- sales experience
- the ability to interact with all levels of customer management
- a degree or equivalent qualification
- ability to travel (moderate to extensive)
- ability to coordinate multiple and simultaneous projects effectively
- expert PC skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio and have the ability to effectively
access and utilise internal and external websites.
The successful candidate will preferably be based in Enfield (London, UK) or at a home office
within the UK or the Netherlands, and must be willing to travel regularly.
Our packages are above the normal range to ensure that we attract candidates of exceptional quality.
We will offer a very competitive starting package depending on the qualifications and experience of the
person appointed.
Salaries are reviewed regularly on the basis of performance; we believe that we are one of the few
companies who really do pay employees in accordance with their contribution.
This claim is strengthened by our policy of profit distribution. Metaswitch is privately owned by
top-tier investment firms Francisco Partners and Sequoia Capital, together with the Metaswitch Employee
Benefit Trust (EBT), which distributes a share of profit to all employees, equitably rewarding them for
their contribution. In addition, the company operates an employee share scheme which further provides
ownership incentives to our people. This means that all employees have a stake in the future wealth
that the company creates, and there is exceptional potential for the right candidate to increase
remuneration over time.
In addition, all employees benefit from the following 'package', which is a combination of what you
would expect from a modern, well-managed organisation - along with one or two specials of our own.
- We provide excellent non-contributory pension, life assurance and private medical schemes.
- Within a very flexible framework, employees receive four weeks' paid holiday each year,
rising to five weeks after one year's service, as well as statutory holidays. You are also
entitled to an additional two weeks' unpaid leave if you need extra time.
- There are various out-of-hours activities including an active squash league and other sports
and social events. We have corporate membership of the local tennis/squash/health and golf clubs.
- For those interested in cultural events, tickets for theatre and concert trips are
frequently organised.
- There are also regular company outings (in 2008 this was four days skiing in Courchevel and
this summer we will be going to Portugal for four days).
In terms of personal development, we offer the opportunity to do an interesting and demanding job
in a well-managed and very successful company. Despite being established for over 28 years, we are
a dynamic organisation with an outstanding record of getting the best out of people – which is why
our staff retention is exceptionally high.
Our recruitment is designed to be thorough and tough, yet informative and friendly. If we decide to
proceed with your application, we will usually contact you to go through a short telephone interview
initially. This gives you (and us) an opportunity to find out more. If successful thereafter, you will
normally be asked to come for two visits.
The first will be a half-day interview at one Enfield Head Office. You will be asked to meet with
our VP, Sales Engineering (Service Broker Division). If you are successful, we will invite you back
for a full day session to meet more people, including our Chairman or CEO, and to complete a number
of further exercises to assess your suitability for the role.
Please send a comprehensive CV (including all academic grades) along with a covering letter/email to
our email address
. If you have any
further questions or queries please contact Kay Crosbie at the same email address.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Metaswitch is an equal opportunities employer.