Solutions Engineer

About the role

Element451 is looking for a Solutions Engineer who thrives at the intersection of technology, storytelling, and creativity. This role is ideal for someone who loves to build, test, and perform - someone who can turn a complex AI platform into a story that connects emotionally and intellectually with higher-ed leaders.

You will design and deliver demos and proof-of-concepts that show how Element451's AI agents, automations, and personalization tools change the student experience, working closely with Sales, Product, and Customer Success.

What you will do

• Build and deliver personalized, story-driven demos aligned to each prospect's goals and institutional challenges
• Partner with Account Executives to shape demo strategy that highlights value, differentiation, and real-world outcomes
• Translate complex technical capability into clear narratives for non-technical stakeholders
• Serve as the face of Element451 in presentations, bringing energy and creativity to every engagement
• Scope, configure, and deliver hands-on, time-boxed POCs, including building and training AI agents, prompt workflows, and knowledge bases
• Define and track POC success metrics such as conversion rate, cycle time, and engagement
• Ensure data security, FERPA compliance, and accessibility standards throughout every engagement
• Create reusable demo assets and act as an internal champion for AI fluency
• Must haves
• 4+ years in solutions engineering, pre-sales, or technical consulting (SaaS required, higher-ed tech preferred)
• Proven track record delivering demos or POCs that drive engagement and conversion
• Strong personality and people skills - this role is about connecting with people first, not technical depth for its own sake
• Advanced, hands-on fluency with AI tools, (including Claude and Claude Cowork, ChatGPT and Codex, Gemini, etc…)
• Solid understanding of CRM systems, APIs, data integration, and no-code/low-code tools
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, able to simplify complexity and inspire confidence
• 3+ years working in or selling into higher education — admissions, recruitment, enrollment marketing, student success, financial aid, or another student-facing function — either at an institution or with a vendor serving the vertical.
• Nice to haves
• Background in higher education, admissions, enrollment, or marketing
• Familiarity with automation and AI engagement platforms (ChatGPT, Zapier, Dialogflow, Boomi, Make, Claude, Gemini)
• Direct experience at a competitor (Slate, Ellucian, EAB, Anthology, CollegeVine, Halda, TargetX, EnrollmentRX, Salesforce)
• Why Element451

We are the leading AI Workforce Platform built specifically for higher education, helping colleges and universities build stronger relationships with prospective and current students. This is a remote-first role with a home office allowance, 20 days PTO, 10 company holidays, a 4% 401(k) match, and competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage.