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Solving Problems and Connecting Dots: Meet Senior Pre-Sales Solutions Engineer Michael Niemman
People rarely think about what goes on behind the curtains when they go see a play—especially when the show runs smoothly! It’s the same at LearnUpon: behind every successful partnership, there’s a team making it all come together. Michael Niemman is one of those people: as a Senior Pre-Sales Solutions Engineer, he works at the intersection of technology, strategy, and storytelling. He’s the kind of person who makes complex things feel simple, and customers feel heard. We caught up with him to hear more about his role, his path to Sales Engineering, and one unforgettable demo moment.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your role as a Senior Pre-Sales Solutions Engineer at LearnUpon?
No two days are exactly the same, but there’s definitely a rhythm. My mornings start early: syncing with teammates across different time zones, planning demos, strategizing on deals, or fine-tuning my messaging. The majority of my day involves customer calls where I help paint a picture of how LearnUpon solves real problems and drives business outcomes. In between, I’m testing the technical edges of the platform, cracking jokes with colleagues, or jumping into quick chats on how to best navigate a tricky objection. It’s a mix of creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
What first drew you to the world of Sales Engineering, and how did that path lead you to LearnUpon?
I’ve always loved living at the intersection of “techy enough to build it” and “social enough to explain it.” My brain thrives on problem-solving—whether I’m helping a friend fix a tech issue or brainstorming more efficient workflows. Sales Engineering felt like a natural fit. It lets me dive into challenges, figure things out on the fly, and come up with creative solutions. LearnUpon came into the picture as a company where I could do just that, with a platform that’s genuinely solving big learning and business problems.
How do you partner with the sales team to support customers during their buying journey?
It’s very much a team sport. A collaborative dance, really. During discovery, I’m actively listening for pain points. In demos, I connect the dots with real solutions. And when objections pop up, I aim to address them before they become blockers. Having two people on a call is a game-changer. You pick up on different cues, compare notes, and come back with a stronger, more tailored strategy for the customer. It’s all about partnership and alignment.
What does growth look like in your role? And what helped you take the step into a senior position?
For me, growth is all about amplifying impact. Moving into a senior role meant shifting my mindset—taking more ownership, thinking bigger, and finding ways to enhance the value I bring. That includes how I show up in conversations with prospects, the ripple effects of the projects I lead, how I support my teammates, and the ideas I bring forward. It’s not about checking boxes; it’s about leaving a meaningful mark.
What’s one project or moment in your role that really stands out as a highlight?
ATD Demo Day 2025 was a huge highlight. I led a live demo of LearnUpon for over 400 learning professionals. Mid-session, I saw people nodding in real-time and dropping comments in the chat like, “We need this!” Watching that lightbulb moment happen, where people connected LearnUpon’s features to the hours they could save—and the strategic work they could focus on—was incredibly fulfilling. It reminded me that what we do isn’t just about software. It’s about enabling real transformation in how people learn and work.
Want to work with teammates like Michael?
We’re always looking for curious, collaborative people who want to make a difference through learning. Check out our open roles at LearnUpon and see if there’s a fit for you!