Sales Engineer (AI & Data Platforms)
$140k - $160k USD
About ShyftLabs
At ShyftLabs, we live and breathe data. Since 2020, we’ve been helping Fortune 500 companies unlock growth with cutting-edge digital solutions that transform industries and create measurable business impact. We’re growing fast and we’re looking for passionate problem-solvers who are ready to turn big ideas into real outcomes.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Sales Engineer (AI & Data Platforms) to bridge the gap between enterprise data, AI capabilities, and real-world business outcomes. This is not a traditional pre-sales role, it is a hybrid technical and commercial position focused on turning complex ideas into working systems that drive measurable impact.
At ShyftLabs, we don’t sell decks or theoretical AI. We partner with organizations that already have data and models but struggle to operationalize them. Your role will be to translate ambiguous business problems into applied AI systems, rapidly prototype solutions, and build trust with stakeholders that these systems will work in their environment.
You will operate at the intersection of solution architecture, prototyping, and deal execution, working closely with leadership, clients, and engineering teams to move AI from experimentation to production.
This role is best suited for a candidate with a strong technical foundation in data and AI systems, a builder mindset, and the ability to connect technical decisions directly to business value.
What You'll Be Doing
Own the technical narrative in enterprise deals: Translate ambiguous client challenges into structured problem definitions and solution architectures grounded in real-world constraints such as data availability, infrastructure, and governance. Clearly articulate why proposed solutions will succeed and where alternative approaches fall short.
Turn conversations into working systems (fast): Build prototypes, POCs, and demos using real or representative data to validate feasibility and demonstrate impact. Integrate AI into existing workflows, showcasing decision systems, automation layers, and agent-driven processes rather than isolated models.
Make AI real for clients: Shift discussions away from theoretical models toward practical applications, including decision systems, automation frameworks, and human-in-the-loop workflows. Help clients identify where AI creates meaningful leverage versus unnecessary complexity.
Quantify and anchor business value: Define and communicate ROI tied directly to revenue growth, cost savings, or operational efficiency. Ensure every solution is grounded in measurable outcomes and support outcome-based pricing and statement of work (SOW) development.
Partner with leadership and delivery teams: Collaborate directly with the founding team and senior leadership on strategic opportunities. Work closely with engineering to ensure solutions are feasible, scalable, and aligned with delivery capabilities.
Drive complex enterprise deals forward: Engage both technical and business stakeholders (CIO, CDO, Product, Operations), handle objections with clarity and logic, and guide conversations toward decisive outcomes rather than prolonged exploration.
What You Bring
Technical Expertise
Strong understanding of data architecture, including data warehouses, pipelines, and streaming systems
Experience with AI/ML systems, including LLMs, agent-based systems, and applied AI use cases
Ability to design solution architectures that integrate with existing enterprise ecosystems
Builder Mindset
Hands-on experience prototyping with SQL, Python, APIs, or dashboards
Proven ability to quickly translate ideas into tangible proofs of concept
Systems-level thinking, with a focus on end-to-end workflows rather than isolated features
Commercial Acumen
Strong understanding of how businesses generate revenue and manage costs
Ability to connect technical solutions directly to financial and operational outcomes
Experience supporting or influencing complex deal cycles
Communication Skills
Clear, structured, and concise communication style
Ability to simplify complex technical concepts for diverse audiences
Comfortable engaging with engineers, operators, and executive stakeholders
Experience
4+ years in solution engineering, data, AI, consulting, or product-focused roles
Proven experience working in client-facing environments and managing ambiguity
Track record of taking AI or data solutions from POC to production
Nice to Have
Experience supporting or closing enterprise AI/data platform deals ($500K–$5M+)
Background in consulting or building data/AI products in production environments
Experience with workflow automation, decision systems, or agent-based architectures
Familiarity with modern data stacks and cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure)
Salary Range
Why You’ll Love Working at ShyftLabs
Hybrid Flexibility: 3 days per week in our downtown Toronto office. This role is also open to candidates based out of the New York area.
Comprehensive Benefits: 100% coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents from day one.
Real Impact: Build AI systems used by Fortune 500 companies.
Growth & Learning: Continuous learning opportunities and influence over technical direction.
Ownership: Shape applied research and AI strategy in a fast-growing, product-focused data company.
Inclusion at ShyftLabs
We’re building something big, and we want you on the journey with us. If you’re ready to use data and innovation to make an impact, apply today and let’s grow together.
ShyftLabs is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds including ethnicity, religion, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, age, and nationality to apply. If you require accommodation during the interview process, let us know and we’ll be happy to support you.