We’re a global team of over 400 people, working together to push the boundaries of open-source technology and multi-cloud solutions. Our vision is to become the trusted Data & AI Platform for everyone, leveraging the most popular open-source technologies like Apache Kafka®, Aiven for PostgreSQL®, Aiven for Clickhouse®, and Aiven for OpenSearch®. to help companies accelerate time-to-market, drive efficiency, and build innovative solutions across any cloud.    About this Team: Our Customer Growth team plays a crucial role in our growth and profitability. We want to be the trusted data source data platform for everyone – which, let’s face it, is an ambitious target. But thanks to our dedicated sales, pre-sales, and post-sales teams we are growing fast.    Who we are: So, how do we become the trusted open source data platform for everyone? By listening closely to our customers and taking action to ensure they achieve their business goals. You see, the software we create is merely a means of delivering value. Our thinking is customer-first. That’s why our customers are at the front and center of all we do. And in the spirit of sideways thinking, we’re by their side as well. Actively helping them solve their challenges. Collaborating. Sharing. And innovating. In other words, it really isn’t just about who we are. It’s about who our customers are – and where they want to be. Our Crabby Principles: Aiveners use the V2MOM framework to set and align on business goals. In order to achieve those business goals we live by our ‘Crabby Principles’ which unite us in our ways of working, globally.  These principles are embedded in our business processes and support us in collaborating and role modelling positive and productive behaviours in our daily work, something you will have the opportunity to demonstrate throughout your interview journey with us.  THE ROLE: We are looking for a customer-centric Solutions Architect to promote the use of Aiven's managed open source services. An ideal candidate will be passionate about open-source technology and genuinely want to help customers in a pre-sales capacity. Suitable candidates must have proven experience in one of the following areas that will be required in their day-to-day job: Apache Kafka, PostgreSQL, or Opensearch. The position is full-time and permanent and will be located in Austin, TX. WHAT YOU'LL DO: * Champion the customer journey, fostering trusted partnerships from pre-sales strategy through implementation and long-term adoption. * Assess customer needs, pain points, and strategic goals to ensure the proposed product is a viable fit. * Design and deliver customized, high-impact technical presentations and product demos for various stakeholders. * Manage pilot programs or POC evaluations to prove the value and technical feasibility of the solution. * Respond to the technical and functional sections of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and vendor assessments. * Act as the voice of the customer by relaying market feedback and feature requests to the Product and Engineering teams. * Be an ambassador for Aiven by various means such as writing technical blogs, conducting webinars, sponsor meetups, or technical talks at conferences * Travel up to 10% of the time WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR: * Experience working in technology, software sales, pre-sales or consulting * Fluency in one or more programming languages such as Java, Python, Go or Ruby * Ability to translate complex technical jargon into clear, persuasive business value for non-technical buyers. * Experience implementing proof of concepts as needed, to work with Aiven services in order to address business requirements a plus * Knowledgeable of public clouds (AWS, Google or Azure) and in the areas of compute, storage - block and object, networking, and security groups * Linux operating system; demonstrable experience using various Linux utilities and tools (installation, securing system, storage, etc.) and a good grasp of networking basics like DNS * Hands-on experience with search-engine ecosystems (OpenSearch, Elasticsearch, or Lucene). * Understanding of streaming frameworks: Proficiency with tools like Apache Kafka, Apache Flink, Apache Spark Streaming, or AWS Kinesis. * Understanding storage systems: Familiarity with distributed storage, NoSQL databases, and data lakes. * Attention to detail and good problem solving and project management skills * Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work well with cross-functional teams * Relationship Building: Capability to build trust quickly and maintain strong relationships with both internal sales reps and external clients.   Don’t worry if your experience doesn’t line up perfectly – we still encourage you to apply! We believe in investing in our crabs’ professional growth. Our Offer: If you ask us what’s the best thing about working for Aiven, many will probably say it’s the high concentration of talent from around the world that we have here. Enjoy the agile environment of a hyperscale scale-up where you can truly make an impact and have fun while at it. We invest in you: * Participate in Aiven’s equity plan * With Aiven locations spanning the globe, we want all of our crabs to find the right balance with our hybrid work policy * Get the needed equipment to set yourself up for success * Step up your career game with real employer support (use one of our learning platforms, annual learning budget, and more) * Get holistic wellbeing support through our global Employee Assistance Program Make a difference at Aiven: * Contribute to open-source projects that you find meaningful outside of work - and get paid for it! Our Plankton program recognizes extra work to the open source ecosystem for developers and non-developers alike * Use up to 5 days per year to volunteer for a good cause of your choice * Join one of our team member resource groups - empower yourself and others in missions that resonate with you What else: * Need insurance: We’ve got you covered - benefit from our: Comprehensive health insurance options including dental and vision benefits and Life and AD&D insurance * Your wellbeing matters: we provide you with a health savings account with Aiven contributions, as well as short and long term disability plans that protect you if you’re unable to work * Looking after your future: you’re covered by 401(k) and roth 401(k) retirement plans   E-verify Aiven participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. More information about our participation in e-verify can be found here. How to Recognize and Avoid Employment Scams: There has been a rise in fake job postings used by scammers to get personal information. Please familiarize yourself with the red flags of a potential scam. Here at Aiven, all of our emails relating to recruitment come from an @aiven.io, @greenhouse.io or @eu.greenhouse.io domain and all of our interviews are conducted over video call or in person, our interviews will never occur over text or chat. If you’re unsure of the legitimacy of a job opportunity/offer pertaining to Aiven, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Equal Opportunities: Aiven provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, marital and family status or without regard to any other similar personal attributes. Aiven complies with applicable local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training and any other terms and conditions related to employment. At Aiven, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities or special needs in our working environment and job application procedures. We make all reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or who otherwise need support to thrive in the workplace. We are committed to continuously improving workplace accessibility. There is an option to request a discussion in the application process but if you have any questions before applying please write to us at [email protected].