Sift Science
At Sift, we're redefining how modern machines are built, tested, and operated. Our platform gives engineers real-time observability over high-frequency telemetry-eliminating bottlenecks and enabling faster, more reliable development.Sift was born from our work at SpaceX on Dragon, Falcon, Starlink, and Starship-where scaling telemetry, debugging flight systems, and ensuring mission reliability demanded new infrastructure. Founded by a team from SpaceX, Google, and Palantir, Sift is built for mission-critical systems where precision and scalability are non-negotiable.About the RoleAs a Solutions Engineer, you'll be the pre-sales technical bridge between Sift's cutting-edge telemetry platform and our customers' complex engineering challenges. In this role, you'll partner with our sales team to articulate the overall value proposition, vision, and strategy to customers throughout the sales lifecycle. You'll deliver compelling product demonstrations, support technical evaluations, and help close complex opportunities through your advanced technical expertise and credibility.We're looking for an engineer who thrives in customer-facing environments and is passionate about deep technical solutions in industries like aerospace, autonomous systems, and renewable energy. This is a rare opportunity to join an early-stage startup and directly impact the success of next-generation machines. You will be just our second Solutions Engineer, report to our Forward Deployed Engineering Lead, and play a critical role in driving the technical aspects of the sales process.In This Role, You'll:Partner with the Sales team to articulate the overall Sift value proposition, vision, and strategy to customersOwn pre-sales technical engagements with customers during the pilot evaluation phase, communicating our value based on customer needsDeliver compelling technical presentations and product demonstrations to potential clientsHelp close complex opportunities through advanced competitive knowledge, technical skill, and credibilityDevelop technical content and documentation that showcases the value of Sift's platformBuild and present reference architectures and demo applications to help prospects understand how Sift can meet their specific requirementsProvide feedback to Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing to continuously improve Sift's offerings based on customer inputStay current on competitive and complementary technologies in the observability spaceThe Skillset You'll Bring:4+ years of experience in technical pre-sales, solutions engineering, or similar customer-facing technical sales rolesProven track record in closing complex technical sales opportunities and navigating enterprise sales cyclesStrong storytelling ability with outstanding presentation skills to articulate technical value to both executives and engineering teamsExperience translating customer business needs into technical solutions and establishing buy-in with stakeholders at all levelsAbility to quickly understand and demonstrate complex technical products in customer-relevant contextsExperience designing, architecting, and presenting technical systems for customersProficiency with technical demonstrations, POCs, and handling technical objections during sales cyclesFamiliarity with one or more programming languages (Python, Java, etc.) and REST APIsBachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related fieldInterest in aerospace, autonomous systems, or advanced engineering applicationsBonus Points:Experience in any of the following:Aerospace systems, satellite operations, or autonomous vehicle development.Data streaming technologies or time-series databases (e.g., Kafka, InfluxDB).SQL and database concepts.Cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure).Software integration challenges in complex systems.Machine learning or AI applications in engineering.Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies.Experience with sales methodologies and CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce)Knowledge of data visualization, time-series databases, or data streaming technologiesFamiliarity with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and modern software development practicesExperience mentoring other team members in technical sales approachesDemonstrated success in building and maintaining technical partnershipsBackground in competitive technical positioning against similar solutionsWhat We're Looking For:A technical seller who leads with value and can build trusted advisor relationships with customersSomeone who excels at identifying customer pain points and mapping them to product capabilitiesA balanced communicator who can engage effectively with both technical teams and executive stakeholdersA strategic thinker who can navigate complex sales cycles and drive technical consensusA team player who collaborates smoothly with sales, product, and engineering to advance opportunitiesSomeone with a consultative approach who can provide tailored solutions rather than generic pitchesLocation & Travel:You must be willing and able to work from the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area and be onsite Monday through Thursday due to the nature and business needs of the role.Ability to travel 50%+ required. Varies by location and customer needs.Sift headquarters is located in Los Angeles (El Segundo), and we work in a hybrid environment. We work closely with hardware companies building everything from autonomous vehicles to spacecraft, and it's essential to be nearby for site visits and collaboration.Salary range: $125,000 - $175,000 per year. Plus equity and benefits.Eligibility:US Person Required: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder due to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) / EAR (Export Administration Regulations) compliance requirements.