Senior Sales Engineer - Data Security

Proofpoint; Washington; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible work environment

Annual wellness and community outreach

Job summary

Proofpoint seeks a Senior Sales Engineer in the Data Security Group to lead technical engagements with customers and partners. You will act as a trusted advisor, deliver complex data security and insider risk solutions, and drive successful POC and production evaluations.

You will collaborate with account teams and specialists to craft targeted strategies and ensure strong customer outcomes. The role requires deep cybersecurity knowledge, excellent presentation skills, and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in sales engineering or related roles in data security/insider risk.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity market landscape and competition.
• Expertise in core security solutions such as DLP, CASB, insider risk tools.
• Solid understanding of sales processes and the sales engineer role.
• Excellent verbal and written technical presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to articulate the big picture and architect customer solutions.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and travels as required.

Responsibilities

• Drive high levels of customer satisfaction and trust.
• Collaborate with sales specialists and account teams on penetration strategies.
• Be the main technical contact through the sales cycle and POC/Evaluations.
• Design and champion data security solutions across DLP, insider risk, DSPM.
• Assist in professional services deployments and training when needed.
• Work with cross-functional groups to ensure customer success and technical win.

Skills

Sales Engineering

Data Security

Insider Risk

Security Solutions

Technical presentations

Customer engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field

Tools

Enterprise DLP

CASB

Insider Threat Management

Endpoint Security

DSPM

Job description

About Us:

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: Bold in how we dream and innovate Responsive to feedback, challenges and opportunities Accountable for results and best in class outcomes Visionary in future focused problem-solving Exceptional in execution and impact

The Role and the Team

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 the Eastern time zone.

Your day-to-day

• 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

Job Requirements:

• 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

Why Proofpoint?

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. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to [e-mail].

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, share ideas, cheer you on, and genuinely want to see you succeed.

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.

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.

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.