Sales Engineer

Fortinet, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortinet, Inc. in Chicago seeks a Sales Engineer to partner with Named Account Manager in a defined territory, guiding large enterprise cybersecurity transformations spanning SecOps, Zero Trust, cloud, and network security.

You will lead discovery, design secure architectures, deliver demos to technical stakeholders and executives, and champion cybersecurity strategies like Zero Trust and SASE while building long-term relationships with C-level leaders.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years' experience in pre-sales or systems engineering roles in enterprise-scale cybersecurity, networking, or cloud environments.
• Strong understanding of networking (LAN/WAN, routing, switching, VPNs, TCP/IP) and core security protocols (IPSec, TLS/SSL, PKI, SAML, OAuth, RADIUS).
• Ability to articulate and design solutions across SecOps modernization, Zero Trust, SASE, cloud security, and identity and access management.

Responsibilities

• Partner with sales to qualify opportunities, define solution strategy, and align technical capabilities with customer business outcomes.
• Lead discovery sessions, workshops, and security assessments in complex enterprise environments.
• Design and present secure architectures with networking, cloud, and SecOps components.
• Deliver presentations and demos to technical stakeholders and executive decision-makers (CISOs, CIOs, CTOs).
• Serve as the primary technical expert in sales cycles for enterprise accounts.
• Advise on cybersecurity strategies like Zero Trust, SASE, cloud security, and SecOps modernization.
• Build long-term trusted relationships with C-level executives and senior leadership.
• Translate technical concepts into business value discussions for executives.

Skills

Pre-sales experience

Systems engineering

Enterprise cybersecurity

Networking fundamentals

Cloud security concepts

Zero Trust familiarity

SASE familiarity

Executive communications

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

CISSP

CCSP

NSE/CCNP Security/AWS Security Specialty

Job description

We are seeking a Sales Engineer to partner with a Named Account Manager in a defined territory. This role is designed for a technically strong but strategically minded individual who thrives in customer-facing engagements. The Systems Engineer will act as a trusted advisor, guiding large enterprise organizations through cybersecurity transformation initiatives that span SecOps, Zero Trust, cloud, and network security.

Responsibilities

• Partner with sales to qualify opportunities, define solution strategy, and align technical capabilities with customer business outcomes.
• Lead discovery sessions, workshops, and security assessments that uncover operational and architectural requirements incomplex enterprise environments.
• Design and present secure architectures that incorporate networking, cloud, and SecOps components.
• Deliver impactful presentations and demos to bothtechnical stakeholders and executive decision-makers (CISOs, CIOs, CTOs, and business leaders).

Customer Engagement & Strategy

• Serve as the primary technical expert in sales cycles, guidingenterprise accountsthrough evaluation and decision processes.
• Advise on cybersecurity strategies such as Zero Trust, SASE, cloud security, and SecOps modernization.
• Build and maintainlong-term trusted relationships with C-level executives and senior leadership, positioning yourself as a strategic advisor.
• Translate technical concepts into business value discussions tailored for executive-level conversations.

Post-Sales Partnership

• Support smooth deployment transitions by working closely with professional services, support, and customer success teams.
• Provide roadmap guidance, operational reviews, and strategic check-ins to reinforce customer value realization.
• Continue as atrusted advisor to enterprise leadership, ensuring ongoing alignment of their evolving needs with solution capabilities.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5-8 years' experience in pre-sales or systems engineering roles inenterprise-scale cybersecurity, networking, or cloud environments.
• Strong understanding ofnetworking (LAN/WAN, routing, switching, VPNs, TCP/IP)andcore security protocols (IPSec, TLS/SSL, PKI, SAML, OAuth, RADIUS, etc.).
• Ability to articulate and design solutions across:
• SecOps modernization (SIEM, SOAR, XDR)
• Zero Trust and SASE architectures
• Cloud and hybrid security (IaaS, SaaS, containerized workloads)
• Identity and access management (MFA, SSO, PAM)
• Excellentpresentation, communication, and storytelling skills-capable of engaging both deeply technical audiences andexecutive decision-makers.
• Proven track record of leading architectural discussions and aligning technical solutions withbusiness priorities at the enterprise level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Industry certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, or vendor-specific credentials (e.g., NSE, CCNP Security, AWS Security Specialty).
• Experience inconsulting or advisory roles for large enterprise customers, especially in CISO/CIO-level conversations.
• Familiarity with compliance and security frameworks (MITRE ATT&CK, NIST CSF, ISO 27001, SOC 2).

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to operate at the intersection of cybersecurity strategy, executive engagement, and customer success, influencing large-scale enterprise organizations as they modernize operations and adopt cutting-edge solutions. If you excel at combining technical depth with executive presence, this role will allow you to shape customer outcomes while growing your career in a dynamic security landscape.

Fortinet offers employees a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), 11paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time as well as a comprehensive leave program. Wage ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, and job level. On target earnings for this position is expected to be $200,000 - $240,000 per year.Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate's subject knowledge, skill level, qualifications, experience, and geographic location. All roles are eligible to participate in the Fortinet equity program, and this position is also eligible for commissions based on the terms of the Sales Compensation Plan