Senior Sales Engineer - Data Security

At Proofpoint, the members of our Sales Engineering team are highly valued business partners that play a critical role in our sales process every single day.

As a Senior Sales Engineer in the fast-growing Data Security Group (DSG) you will be one of the most important members of the Proofpoint sales team. You will become a trusted advisor to both the Specialist Account Manager you are paired with, as well as our current and future customers. As a subject matter expert focused on Data Security and Insider Risk, you will help to deliver People-Centric solutions.

Candidates for this role should be located in California.

Your day-to-day

The Senior Sales Engineer is the Technical Lead for the Proofpoint Pre-Sales process, including:

• Drive high levels of customer satisfaction
• Collaborate with the ATG Sales Specialists & Account Teams to develop and execute targeted account penetration strategies
• Build trust and rapport with customers and prospects in person, and be their main technical point of contact throughout the process
• Work closely with customers/prospects for technical discovery, as well as planning, execution and wrap up of Proof-of-Concept (POC) and Production Evaluations
• You will design and champion complex People-Centric Security solutions encompassing the Data Security portfolio, including a full Data Loss Prevention suite (email, endpoint, cloud and web), Insider Risk and Data Security Posture Management
• You may, occasionally, be called upon to assist in professional services deployments, technical training and to present at or attend industry seminars and/or trade shows
• Work collaboratively with other groups, including Professional Services, Support, Engineering, and Product Management, to ensure the effective operation of the team, achieve technical win, and ensure ongoing customer satisfaction
• Provide valuable customer insight and real-world experiences to Product Management, Marketing, and Product Development (Engineering) teams to help keep our solutions the best in the industry
• Develop and deliver training presentations to peers, account managers, and other teams within Proofpoint
• Contribute across all corporate communication channels, write and help upkeep internal documentation and training
• Help develop solutions to common challenges and establish processes within the team, broader group, and across the sales engineering organization

• Minimum 5+ years of proven track record and experience selling solutions as a Sales Engineer and/or related areas; ideally in the Data Security and Insider Risk areas
• Good understanding of the Cybersecurity market landscape and competition, ideally in the Data Security and Insider Risk areas
• Expertise in one or more core security solutions and technologies, such as Enterprise DLP, CASB, Insider Threat Management, Endpoint Security, Isolation, and DSPM
• Must have a good understanding of the sales process and the roles and responsibilities of a sales engineer
• Strong technical presentation and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to see and present "the Big Picture," uncover business challenges, and architect a solution to solve customer business issues
• Must be able to thrive in a fast-paced, high energy environment
• Ability to work independently, adapt quickly, and maintain a positive attitude
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience
• CISSP or similar industry certification preferred
• Travel Required in this role

At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you'll love working with us:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits
• Career success on your terms
• Flexible work environment
• Annual wellness and community outreach days
• Always on recognition for your contributions
• Global collaboration and networking opportunities

Our Culture:

Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose and drive success-every day, for everyone.

Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortune 100, 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats, prevent data loss, and build resilience across their people and AI workflows. Our mission is simple: safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people. How We Work: At Proofpoint you'll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values, Proofpoint has been honored with six Best Places to Work Awards in 2024 by workplace culture leader Comparably, including Best Company Career Growth, Best Company Outlook, Best Global Culture, Best Engineering Teams, Best Sales Teams, and Best HR Teams. We are the leader in human-centric cybersecurity. Half a million customers, including 87 of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint to protect their organizations. We're driven by a mission to stay ahead of bad actors and safeguard the digital world. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people., At Proofpoint, we are BRAVE in everything we do, and our values aren't just words-they shape how we work, collaborate, and grow. We seek people who are bold enough to challenge the status quo, responsive in the face of ever-evolving threats, and accountable for delivering real impact. We value those with a visionary mindset who anticipate what's next and push cybersecurity forward, and we celebrate exceptional execution that ensures we continue to defend data and protect people. Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability. Find your network, your allies, and your biggest fans. We know that work is simply better when you're surrounded by people who inspire you-who share ideas, cheer you on, and genuinely want to see you succeed. That's why we offer social circles, sponsored networks, and connection points across teams and time zones-to help you find your people, build your community, and thrive together. This isn't just a job-it's a mission to protect people and defend data in a world that never slows down. We're building the future of human-centric cybersecurity, and that future belongs to all of us. We take ownership, move fast, and hold ourselves accountable-because that's what it takes to stay ahead. And we do it together, winning as one. Be empowered to reach your full potential through meaningful challenges and personalized support-designed around you and your goals. Whether you're growing as a leader or leveling up from great to exceptional as an individual contributor, we're here to help you get there. Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.