What’s a Technical Solutions Engineer? And How to Become One

When businesses rely on complex network systems to support daily operations, they also need professionals, such as technical solutions engineers, with expertise in keeping those systems running smoothly and securely. Technical solutions engineers design and maintain these network systems and devise solutions when issues arise. Professionals who enjoy problem-solving, interacting with customers, and have knowledge of coding and software are well-suited to this career path. 

Discover what technical solutions engineers do, the average salary, and how to succeed in the role.

What is a technical solutions engineer?

In this profession, you’ll design, install, and maintain computer network systems for a business or organization. The job includes maintaining both local and wide area networks, as well as network segments and communication systems. As a technical solutions engineer, you will often collaborate with other IT professionals to improve the customer experience. 

Technical solutions engineers use best practices to improve a system’s functionality while keeping budget and customer needs in mind. When working in this position, you might need to create tools and applications to enhance efficiency, produce studies about this field, and manage storage systems.

Tasks and responsibilities

The specific responsibilities of a technical solutions engineer vary based on an organization’s unique needs. Some typical tasks you might expect include the following: 

• Design and put into action network solutions

• Develop internal tools using programming to increase efficiency

• Meet with clients to identify hardware and software requirements

• Testing systems for issues or security concerns

• Analyze current technologies and systems for areas of improvement

• Work alongside other professionals to implement new systems

Required skills

To succeed in a technical solutions engineer role, you must have a strong electrical engineering, computer science, or information technology background and a deep knowledge of coding and programming languages. Businesses probably want technical solutions engineers who have experience with the different software used by the company, so practical knowledge is a plus. Some other skills to consider developing include the following: 

• Project development skills

• Experience building cloud and IT infrastructure

• Customer service and communication

• Proficiency in programming languages like Java, Python, MySQL, and Shell

• Machine learning domains experience

Education and experience requirements

Typically, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree or higher to become a technical solutions engineer, with an educational focus in areas like software engineering, information technology (IT), computer science, or computer programming. However, it’s not a requirement to gain a degree for this role. 

Before becoming a technical solutions engineer, you can develop your skills while working in adjacent roles such as technical support, systems analysis, or network administration. When starting in an entry-level role, you will primarily focus on enhancing your technical knowledge and abilities as well as sharpening your problem-solving skills to provide support for the sales department and ensure customer success. Fortunately, you can grow your career in this job with promotions to higher-level positions such as solutions engineering manager, director, or VP of solutions engineering.

Salary

The average technical solutions engineer's base salary is $106,216, with the opportunity for additional pay through bonuses, commission, or profit-sharing [1]. The typical range for a technical solutions engineer’s base pay averages $85,000 to $132,000 [1].

How to become a technical solutions engineer

Professionals often start by gaining a four-year degree to become technical solutions engineers. This offers an effective way to acquire the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role. If a four-year degree isn’t feasible, online courses and boot camps are also helpful for developing needed skills.

Once you’ve developed the essential skills, the next step is to gain experience. Internships and certifications are great ways to start down a solutions engineer career path, as they help you reinforce your foundational knowledge with experience in the real world. Some technical solutions engineers also get hired in adjacent roles and look for opportunities to gain a promotion or title change.

Finally, you’ll want to apply to technical solutions engineer jobs. Make sure your resume accurately reflects that you possess the necessary skill set for this position, emphasizing not only your technical knowledge but also your ability to communicate with clients.

Potential career paths

The skills developed for a role as a technical solutions engineer are most likely applicable to other adjacent careers.

Systems administrator

Average annual salary (US): $89,870 [2]

Systems administrators are responsible for maintaining a business's technology infrastructure, which often includes networks, computers, and servers. They ensure the system is safe and secure and quickly address any issues that arise. 

Systems engineer

Average annual salary (US): $107,852 [3]

Systems engineers build intricate network systems for organizations. They help identify user needs and develop software infrastructure to meet those needs. Systems engineers are typically members of larger teams with strong mathematics and science backgrounds. 

Network administrator

Average annual salary (US): $78,391 [4]

Network administrators oversee the installation, maintenance, and upgrades of network hardware and software. You would also address any issues that arise, initiate responses to security problems, and work with a larger team to implement procedures and processes that keep the network running smoothly. 

Team lead

Average annual salary for technical solutions lead (US): $126,184 [5]

Team leads manage a group of professionals working together to complete a task or meet a goal. They are strong communicators who often delegate tasks, manage conflicts, and keep a team’s morale high as they work.

Solutions architect

Average annual salary (US): $149,308 [6]

Solutions architects design, build, and implement technology systems for clients. They identify client needs and create unique infrastructure to meet those needs. To be successful in this role, you need to have an in-depth grasp of cloud computing, databases, and security protocols. Additionally, because you work directly with clients, you need strong communication skills. 

Next steps on Coursera

Technical solutions engineers' expertise can apply to multiple software careers. In this role, your communication skills and ability to manage projects also help you succeed. 

Sharpen your technical solutions skills and build a strong foundational knowledge set with courses and Professional Certificates on Coursera. With options like the Google UX Design Professional Certificate or the University of Michigan’s Python for Everybody Specialization, you’ll find what you need to discover more about entering the technical solutions engineering field. Both programs can help prepare you for a degree or entering the work world.