SYSTEMS ENGINEER – DATABASE (UK & EMEA)
Location: London/South East England
About VAST Data
VAST Data is revolutionising AI infrastructure with the world's first AI Operating System. Having reached $2 billion in cumulative software bookings and valued at $9.1 billion, we're the fastest-selling data infrastructure start-up in history. Trusted by over 25% of the Fortune 100 and leading global GPU Cloud service providers, our platform unifies storage, database, and compute to power the AI era.
The VAST Database is a next-generation transactional and analytical database built on disaggregated architecture, designed for AI/ML workloads, real-time analytics, and vector search capabilities.
The Role
We're seeking a highly technical Systems Engineer to partner with our Database Sales team across the UK and EMEA. You'll be the technical authority on VAST Database, driving customer success from initial engagement through proof-of-concept and post-sales expansion.
This is a customer-facing pre-sales role where you'll translate complex technical requirements into compelling solutions, conduct technical presentations and demonstrations, and establish yourself as a trusted technical adviser to CDOs, CTOs, and data platform leaders.
Requirements:
What You'll Do
- Partner with Account Executives to develop and execute technical sales strategies for VAST Database solutions
- Deliver compelling technical presentations and architecture blueprints to C-level executives and technical decision-makers
- Design and lead proof-of-concept implementations, including performance benchmarking and system configuration
- Articulate VAST's value proposition for transactional databases, data warehouses, data lakes, and vector search workloads
- Conduct competitive analysis and position VAST Database against solutions from Snowflake, Databricks, MongoDB, and other database vendors
- Collaborate with Product Management and R&D to influence product roadmap based on customer requirements
- Create repeatable solution architectures and technical documentation for the UK/EMEA market
- Build relationships with systems integrators and technology partners to drive joint solutions
- Support post-sales technical success to enable account growth and expansion opportunities
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- 7+ years in pre-sales or systems engineering supporting enterprise software sales
- Deep technical expertise in database technologies (SQL, NoSQL, data warehouses, vector databases)
- Strong understanding of distributed systems, database architectures, and data platform design
- Experience with AI/ML data pipelines, analytics workloads, and real-time data processing
- Proven ability to design and execute technical proof-of-concepts with enterprise customers
- Excellent presentation and communication skills with technical and business audiences
- Knowledge of storage systems, distributed architectures, and high-performance computing
- Experience selling into UK enterprise accounts (FTSE 250/350, large enterprises >1,000 employees)
Highly Desirable:
- Experience with UK public sector (NHS, central government, higher education)
- Understanding of life sciences, financial services, or media/entertainment data workflows
- Knowledge of containerisation (Kubernetes, Docker), high-performance networking, and enterprise security
- Hands-on experience with Spark, Trino, or other query engines
- Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and hybrid architectures
- Understanding of UK GDPR, data sovereignty, and compliance requirements
- Experience working with systems integrators and technology partners
- Ability to work across EMEA time zones and support regional opportunities
Technical Skills
- Database technologies: SQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, ClickHouse, or similar
- Data platforms: Snowflake, Databricks, or cloud data warehouse experience
- Storage architectures: NAS, object storage, distributed file systems
- Analytics tools: Understanding of BI platforms, data science workflows, and ML pipelines
- Performance analysis: Benchmarking tools (FIO, etc.) and system tuning
- Infrastructure: Linux/Unix administration, networking fundamentals, virtualisation
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI infrastructure technology
- Competitive salary and performance-based compensation
- Partner with world-class sales professionals on transformational deals
- Direct influence on product development and customer success
- Collaborative, innovation-driven culture with global impact
- Continuous learning and professional development opportunities
- Work with Fortune 100 companies and leading GPU cloud providers
Join us in building the data platform for the AI era.
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your technical expertise and pre-sales success in enterprise environments.
VAST Data is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
