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.