To be the best...

What are the top 3 traits or skills every systems engineer must have to excel?

Can you suggest any tips or insights to develop your systems engineer expertise?

Being a pre-sales SE is very rewarding. Compensation is generally quite good. Typically you work out of your home. Commissions are not as high as straight Sales, but there is less forecasting / quota chasing. If you really believe in your product, it is possible to keep your integrity, and truly become a "trusted advisor" to your customers (which is very valued by employers.)

oh .... and reading questions SHOULD be part of the skillset <g>.

1. Technical Expertise (you really need to know the ins and outs of your product / service AS WELL AS those of your competitors.

2. A "Sales" personality. The best SEs are those who are not just techie "dorks" but are able to understand business value and how to articulate your company's value proposition.

3. Self-Discipline : There are often a lot "empty spaces" in a SEs day, especially around Q3 when all your customers are on vacation, and it is hard to schedule a sales call. A really good SE spends that time updating skills / knowledge without prompting from a manager.