Senior Sales Engineer (Michigan/Minnesota)

Proofpoint; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible work environment

Annual wellness days

Global collaboration

Job summary

Proofpoint is seeking a Sales Engineer to partner with Mid-Market accounts in the Detroit/Minnesota region. You will advise customers on People-Centric security solutions, deliver in-depth product demonstrations, and serve as the technical lead throughout the sales process.

You will collaborate with Account Managers, tailor Proofpoint demonstrations to address evolving cyber threats, and participate in Proof-of-Concept and Production Evaluations. Travel to customer sites is expected.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of hands-on technical experience in cyber-security-related pre-sales or sales engineering roles.
• Proven track record developing and maintaining customer relationships in a local territory.
• Experience selling and positioning a platform in Enterprise or Cloud Security.
• Ability to present to audiences ranging from technical staff to C-suite.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead Proofpoint pre-sales activities for mid-market/enterprise accounts.
• Deliver compelling product demonstrations addressing today’s cyber threats.
• Collaborate with the sales team to craft targeted account penetration strategies.
• Be the main technical point of contact and trusted advisor throughout the sales cycle.
• Develop and drive Proof-of-Concepts and Production Evaluations.

Skills

Customer relationships

Public speaking

Technical liaison

PowerPoint

Presentation skills

Travel

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a relevant field

CISSP or other cyber-security certifications

Tools

Microsoft Exchange

G-Suite

SMTP

PowerPoint

Job description

Michigan

Minnesota

Full time

R14955

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 Sales Engineer working with Mid-Market accounts, you will be one of the most important members of the Proofpoint sales team. You will become a trusted advisor to both the Account Managers you are paired with, as well as our current and future customers. As a technical liaison and subject matter expert on all things Proofpoint, you will help to deliver People-Centric solutions that protect against today’s cyber threats.

You will get to develop and tell a compelling story that will excite your customer and have them eager to hear more. Your story may include onsite product demonstrations, white-boarding sessions, mini-trainings, Lunch-n-Learns, Proof-of-Concept, Production Evaluations, all in pursuit of providing a solution to your customer that you will take pride in being a part of. It’s an exciting time to be at Proofpoint!

Candidates for this role should be located in the Detroit metro area or Minneapolis metro area.

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

• Collaborate with the sales team 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

• Deliver compelling product demonstrations that address today’s most pressing cyber threats

• Work closely with customer/prospect security staff 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 entire Proofpoint portfolio

• 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

• You will be able to 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

• You will become an expert in Email Security Gateways, Advanced Persistent Threats, Attack Protection, Threat Response, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and the threat landscape

Job Requirements:

• 6+ years of hands on technical experience, either as a Sales/Systems Engineer, Technical Account Manager, Security Engineer or senior level product support, preferably in the cyber-security industry

• Proven track record developing and maintaining customer relationships through in person meetings, ideally in a local territory

• Experience working with large (Enterprise) clients/organizations

• Self-starter and ability to own and drive initiatives

• History of conducting large-scale assessments and/or evaluations, including managing expectations, deliverables, and complex systems as well as the teams that support them

• Comfortable presenting to individuals and/or teams including technical staff through C-suite

• You have experience in Enterprise or Cloud Security, including cloud/SaaS platforms, messaging, data, network, endpoint, NOC/SOC, or MSP-related cybersecurity

• Experience selling and positioning a platform is highly valued

• Exposure to at least two of the following skill sets are recommended:

• Cloud security and shadow IT monitoring

• IT security, vulnerability or risk assessments, and policy enforcement

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP), compliance and privacy

• Enterprise email solutions such as Exchange, G-Suite, Lotus Domino _or_ working knowledge of SMTP

• Additional skills that are added bonuses include:

• Directory Services and protocols such as AD, Azure AD, LDAP, iDP (identity providers)

• Email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)

• Networking and protocols such as SMTP, DNS, LDAP, HTTP, etc.

• Experience with frameworks such as MITRE and/or NIST

• You have a background in consultative approach to solving problems and/or have a strong desire to pivot your career towards a sales direction

• You can thrive in a fast paced, high-energy environment

• You can work independently, adapt quickly and maintain a positive attitude

• Strong PowerPoint, presentation and organizational skills are a must

• CISSP or other relevant cyber-security and/or cloud security certifications are valued

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience

• Travel required for 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 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.

Our BRAVE Values:

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.