Staff Solutions Engineer - Southwest
WFA Digital Insight
As the API and AI connectivity revolution gains momentum, demand for experts who can navigate the transition to cloud-native ecosystems is skyrocketing. With a 25% increase in cloud computing adoption in 2025, companies like Kong are at the forefront, seeking talented professionals to drive innovation. This role stands out for its emphasis on technical expertise and customer satisfaction, making it an attractive opportunity for those with a passion for digital transformation. Before applying, candidates should be aware that a strong understanding of cloud computing trends, open-source business models, and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced startup culture are essential.
Job Description
About the Role
The Staff Solutions Engineer role at Kong is a unique opportunity to be at the epicenter of the API and AI connectivity revolution. As a master architect, you will help the world's most innovative enterprises navigate the transition from monolithic relics to high-performance, cloud-native ecosystems. This role is critical in supporting field sales, understanding customer requirements, and growing trusted client relationships throughout the entire sales lifecycle.Day-to-day, you will work closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, support, product, and engineering, to ensure 100% customer satisfaction across assigned accounts. Your expertise will be crucial in creating technical documentation for DevOps, implementations, and services engagements, as well as supporting top-of-funnel marketing efforts through blogs, webinars, and trade shows.
Kong's unified API and AI platform, Kong Konnect, enables organizations to secure, manage, accelerate, govern, and monetize the flow of intelligence across APIs and AI models. As a Staff Solutions Engineer, you will be instrumental in showcasing the value of this platform to customers and helping them unlock its full potential.
What You Will Do
- Support field sales in helping customers understand the value of the Kong API/Connectivity Management platform
- Understand customer requirements and how the Kong platform can help
- Grow trusted client relationships throughout the entire sales lifecycle, from initial product reviews to production
- Support PoCs throughout the entire evaluation process
- Ensure 100% customer satisfaction across assigned set of accounts
- Prioritize customer needs and coordinate with support, product, and engineering teams to help support customer needs
- Create technical documentation for DevOps, implementations, and services engagements
- Support top-of-funnel marketing by creating blogs, webinars, and participating in trade shows and field events
- Collaborate with the sales team to identify new business opportunities and develop strategic account plans
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies, applying this knowledge to improve the sales process and customer satisfaction
What We Are Looking For
- 7+ years of software engineer and/or sales engineer management experience at a SaaS, Open Source, or Enterprise Software company
- Solid understanding of cloud computing trends and open-source business models
- Strong listening and communication skills, with the ability to confidently lead discussions with Product Managers, Engineers, and Executives
- Enthusiasm for working in a high-profile, fast-paced startup culture
- Experience with Docker/Kubernetes and other cloud-native platforms
- Experience with APIs, CI/CD automation frameworks, and AI and LLM technologies
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and creatively
- Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team
Nice to Have
- Experience with Kong's API and AI connectivity technologies
- Knowledge of DevOps practices and tools such as Jenkins, GitLab, or CircleCI
- Familiarity with cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Certification in cloud computing or a related field
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary range of $220K - $260K
- Opportunity to work with a leading developer of API and AI connectivity technologies
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals
- Flexible remote work arrangements and a stipend for home office setup
- Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan
- Generous PTO policy and paid holidays
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and training opportunities
- Equity options and performance-based bonuses
- Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance
- Professional development and career growth opportunities
How to Stand Out
- Develop a strong understanding of cloud computing trends, open-source business models, and API technologies to stand out as a candidate.
- Showcase your ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Highlight your experience with Docker/Kubernetes, APIs, and CI/CD automation frameworks in your resume and cover letter.
- Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you have driven customer satisfaction and grown trusted client relationships in previous roles.
- Research Kong's products and services, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the company's mission and goals.
- Practice your problem-solving skills and be prepared to think critically and creatively during the interview process.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions during the interview, such as what a typical day looks like in the role or what opportunities there are for professional development and growth.
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