Strategic Solutions Engineer (Pre-Sales/Implementation)

At Lightspeed Systems, we’re on a mission to help K–12 schools create safer, more effective digital learning environments. Trusted by thousands of districts across the United States and around the world, our solutions help IT teams protect students, manage devices, and gain meaningful visibility into their digital ecosystems.We’re looking for a Strategic Solutions Engineer to serve as a senior technical partner for our largest and most complex K–12 school district accounts across the US. In this role, you will bridge technical expertise and strategic sales, supporting both the pre- and post-sales journey for high-value district opportunities. You’ll lead executive-level technical engagements, design and deliver proofs of concept, and ensure that Lightspeed’s solutions are implemented and adopted to their fullest potential.About the RoleLead pre-sales technical engagements, including product demonstrations, solution design, and presenting how Lightspeed’s platform addresses the specific needs of large school districts.Design and deliver proofs of concept (POCs) for complex sales cycles, demonstrating solution effectiveness within a district’s existing environment.Lead high-level technical discussions with CIOs, CTOs, and senior IT leaders, building credibility and trust at the executive level.Own product implementation and configuration for strategic accounts, partnering with the sales team to ensure accurate, tailored deployments from pre-sale through go-live.Install, configure, and manage Lightspeed software on end-user devices across Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and iOS/Android platforms, deploying via GPO, SCCM, Intune, Jamf, or equivalent tools.Develop a deep understanding of each district’s goals and challenges through strategic questioning and active listening, aligning solutions to both immediate needs and long-term objectives.Maintain consistent, proactive communication with customers throughout implementation, ensuring clear status updates and no open items fall through the cracks.Deliver comprehensive product training and enablement to district IT staff and administrators to drive adoption and maximize utilization.Serve as the technical escalation point for strategic accounts, coordinating with Support and Engineering as needed to resolve complex issues.Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Support, and Product teams to advocate for customer needs, surface product gaps, and contribute to go-to-market strategy.Maintain accurate records in ChurnZero, including client contacts, implementation journeys, meeting notes, and configurations.About You5+ years of experience in a Solutions Engineering, pre-sales technical, or senior IT role, ideally within SaaS or EdTech.Hands-on experience installing and managing software on end-user devices across multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS/Android). This is a device-level implementation role, not an API or integration engineering position.Deep working knowledge of endpoint management and software deployment tools, including GPO, SCCM, Intune, Jamf, or equivalent.Strong enterprise networking knowledge, including DNS, DHCP, firewalls, VLANs, proxies, and the ability to troubleshoot connectivity and filtering issues independently.Solid understanding of web content filtering concepts, including policy management, SSL inspection, and category-based controls.Extensive experience with user provisioning via Azure Active Directory and/or Google Admin Console.Proven ability to lead technical discussions with executive-level stakeholders, including CIOs and CTOs, with strong consultative and influencing skills.Excellent organizational skills and follow-through, with the ability to manage multiple strategic accounts and open implementations simultaneously.Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts clearly for non-technical audiences.Note: This role requires up to 25% travel for client meetings, industry events, and occasional team gatherings. Sponsorship is not available for this position.At Lightspeed Systems, you’ll be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of education technology. Join us in our mission to create safer and more effective digital learning environments for students worldwide.ABOUT US With more than 25 years of serving education, Lightspeed Systems delivers the most in-depth visibility and control to power exceptional schools where students are safe and engaged; technology is compliant and easily managed; and resources are secure and optimized. Purpose-built for school networks and devices, Lightspeed’s cloud-managed solutions include the most effective web filtering, student safety monitoring, classroom management, device management, and data analytics software available. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with a European office in London, UK, Lightspeed serves over 23 million students across 31,000 schools in 43 countries, utilizing 15 million devices. Learn more at . We love our employees, and we show it. Our benefits and perks are built to support your overall wellbeing—at work and beyond. Offerings vary by country.ABOUT OUR ATX HQ If your role includes spending time onsite, you will LOVE being at the ranch. Our uniquely Lightspeed (and totally Texas) corporate headquarters has everything Lightspeeders need to get the job done – and a whole lot more. 15,000 sq. ft. of open work area, offices, and huddle rooms Snacks galore and a private chef serving up lunch Tuesday through Thursday every week A state-of-the-art fitness center (with outfitted locker rooms)Physical therapist onsite regularly Indoor and outdoor casual collaboration spots Pet-friendly office environment A golf simulator, go-carts, shuffleboard, corn hole, and MORE fun All within 31 sprawling acres of Live Oak trees that foster a natural habitat for local wildlife. It is not uncommon to be greeted daily by whitetail deer. (Maybe it wants to join your meeting?) Lightspeed Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, or other protected characteristic.