Sales Engineer

About the Role We are seeking a Sales Engineer with strong data center experience to support pre-sales engineering and solution development for next-generation, high-density and AI-driven environments. This role combines mechanical design expertise with customer-facing responsibilities, acting as a technical bridge between clients, sales, and engineering teams. You will lead early-stage design efforts, develop advanced cooling strategies, and drive technically sound, cost-effective solutions from concept through proposal and handoff.This role is onsite in Hayward, CA with up to 50% travel required.Key ResponsibilitiesLead mechanical system design for AI-optimized and high-density data centers during the pre-sales phaseConduct technical discovery sessions to gather customer requirements, constraints, and performance goalsTranslate customer needs into scalable, efficient infrastructure solutions with a focus on cooling and thermal managementDevelop Basis of Design (BoD), conceptual designs, and system architecturesDesign and integrate advanced cooling systems, including liquid-to-liquid and liquid-to-air solutionsCreate layouts, schematics, flow diagrams, and system-level designsDevelop and validate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and equipment selectionsPartner with sales teams to position solutions and articulate technical value to customersDeliver technical presentations, design reviews, and solution walkthroughsSupport proofs-of-concept (POCs) and customer evaluationsPrepare detailed technical proposals, including cost estimates and solution narrativesSupport RFP/RFI responses, compliance matrices, and Statements of Work (SoW)Serve as the primary technical interface between clients, internal teams, and external vendorsCollaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to specify mechanical equipment and componentsCoordinate with internal engineering and delivery teams to ensure smooth transition from design to implementationSupport commissioning planning and implementation strategiesQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (or equivalent practical experience) required3–5+ years of experience in data center engineering, applications engineering, or technical pre-sales rolesStrong knowledge of data center cooling systems (air-cooled and liquid-cooled), HVAC, and thermal management principlesExperience supporting high-density or AI-driven compute environments preferredProficiency in CAD or similar design toolsFamiliarity with CRM tools and Microsoft Office SuiteStrong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex technical concepts clearlyAbility to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, client-facing environmentWillingness to travel up to 50%Preferred QualificationsExperience working with colocation providers, EPC firms (Engineering, Procurement, Construction), or OEMsFamiliarity with building codes, permitting, utility interconnection, and safety/compliance standardsExposure to commissioning processes and full data center project lifecycle