Solution Engineering - Data Platform (Middle East & Africa Lead)

Position Overview

Are you deeply passionate about databases and analytics and eager to contribute to innovative projects within the rapidly evolving AI landscape? Join Microsoft's team as a Cloud & AI Solution Engineer focusing on the Innovative Data Platform for commercial clients. Here, you'll be immersed in pioneering initiatives using the latest technology to drive impactful results within a collaborative and continuously learning environment.

About the Role

The databases and analytics sector represents a significant growth opportunity for Microsoft Azure, partners, and customers. This area includes a comprehensive range of IaaS and PaaS offerings on the Azure Platform designed for cloud-native development, deployment, and management of database and analytics applications in the AI era.

As a Solution Engineer specializing in the Innovative Data Platform, you will be instrumental in enabling enterprises to maximize the capabilities of Microsoft's cloud database and analytics stack throughout all phases of deployment. Your role involves close collaboration with engineering leaders and platform teams to accelerate the Fabric Data Platform, encompassing Azure Databases and Analytics. Practical engagements such as Proof of Concepts, hackathons, and architecture workshops will be essential facets of your work.

This position offers an opportunity for fast-tracked career development, enhanced business understanding, advanced technical proficiency, and expertise in solution design and deployment. You will assist customers in designing secure, scalable solutions, influence crucial technical decisions, and expedite database and analytics migration into operational workflows, essentially enabling data platform modernization and full utilization of Microsoft's cloud platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive technical sales by engaging decision-makers through demonstrations and Proof of Concepts to shape solution design and facilitate production deployments.
• Lead hands-on sessions such as hackathons and architecture workshops to promote adoption of Microsoft’s cloud technologies.
• Develop and maintain trusted partnerships with platform leaders to co-create secure and scalable architectures and solutions.
• Address and resolve technical challenges and objections by collaborating with engineering teams and contributing insights to enhance product offerings.
• Maintain in-depth expertise in Analytics Portfolio components including Microsoft Fabric (OneLake, Data Warehouse, real-time intelligence, BI, Copilot), Azure Databricks, Purview Data Governance, as well as Azure databases like SQL DB, Cosmos DB, and PostgreSQL.
• Expand and sustain knowledge in on-premises EDW systems such as Teradata, Netezza, Exadata, plus Hadoop and BI solutions.
• Represent Microsoft as a thought leader within cloud database and analytics communities and customer forums.

Candidate Qualifications

• A minimum of 6 years in technical pre-sales or technical consulting roles, OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field plus at least 4 years of technical pre-sales or consulting experience, OR
• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of technical pre-sales or consulting experience, OR
• Equivalent practical experience.
• Expertise in Azure Databases (SQL DB, Cosmos DB, PostgreSQL) focusing on migration, modernization, and development of AI applications.
• Proficiency in Azure Analytics offerings (Fabric, Azure Databricks, Purview), as well as competitive platforms such as BigQuery, Redshift, and Snowflake; encompassing data warehousing, data lakes, big data, analytics, real-time intelligence, and reporting integrated with data security and governance.
• Proven track record in leading technical initiatives like hackathons, Proof of Concepts, and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) successfully to production scale.

Diversity and Inclusion

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable employment practices. All qualified candidates will be considered regardless of age, citizenship, gender identity, immigration status, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, race, religion, or any other protected category under applicable laws. Accommodations for religious practices and disabilities are supported upon request during the application process.