System Analyst (Presales)

Company Overview

SATO is a global leader in Automatic Identification and Data Collection solutions using barcode and RFID technologies. We deliver integrated hardware, software, media, and maintenance services that improve accuracy, save resources, and support environmental sustainability. SATO values its people and fosters an inclusive, equal-opportunity workplace.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced System Analyst to join our presales team. This hybrid technical-sales and business-analysis role focuses on supporting the sales cycle for enterprise software solutions in manufacturing, production, and industrial automation environments.

What you'll be doing:

• Partner with Account Executives and Sales teams throughout the sales cycle to qualify opportunities and accelerate deal closure.
• Lead technical discovery sessions, workshops, and interviews with customers and stakeholders to gather, analyze, and document detailed software requirements (functional, non-functional, integration, performance, security, and compliance).
• Create high-quality requirement specifications, functional designs, use cases, user stories, process flows and solution architecture documents.
• Design and deliver compelling technical presentations, live software demonstrations,
• Proofs of Concept (POCs), and pilot projects tailored to customer environments.
• Develop customized solution proposals, including scope definition, high-level architecture, integration approaches (especially with PLCs, HMIs, ERP, and shop-floor devices), timelines, and effort estimates.
• Provide expert guidance on software integration with industrial automation hardware (PLCs from Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Schneider, Omron, etc.), protocols (OPC UA, Modbus, EtherNet/IP).
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Software Development, Testing, Implementation, and Support teams to ensure proposed solutions are feasible, scalable, robust and aligned with product roadmaps.

What we're looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Industrial/Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 4 years of combined experience in presales engineering, solutions consulting, or business/systems analysis in the software industry.
• Proven expertise in software requirements elicitation techniques (interviews, workshops, observation, prototyping, surveys) and documentation standards (SRS, FRS, User Stories, Acceptance Criteria).
• Strong understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and requirements management tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain complex technical concepts to both C-level executives and plant-floor engineers.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, manage stakeholder expectations, and influence decision-making in B2B sales environments.
• Hands-on background in PLC programming, ladder logic, structured text.
• Practical experience in production automation, manufacturing execution systems (MES), electronics, control systems, or factory-floor environments.
• Familiarity with industrial software solutions such as MES, IIoT platforms, or ERP-shop floor integration.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols, edge devices, cybersecurity standards (IEC 62443), or Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Prior experience in technical sales or presales for industrial software, automation integrators, or manufacturing IT solutions.
• Technical: Requirements modeling, solution architecture, integration design, basic programming/scripting (Python, SQL, C# helpful), diagramming tools.
• Tools: CRM (Salesforce preferred), Microsoft Office 365, Visio, requirement management platforms.