Sr. Software Engineer, Threat Intelligence
Proofpoint
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Proofpoint is seeking a hands-on engineer to own and deliver full-stack software, including substantial Python services and large PostgreSQL databases, backed by robust AWS infrastructure. You’ll design and optimize data stores, contribute to threat intelligence tooling, and collaborate across engineering teams to strengthen security and reliability.
The role emphasizes proactive problem solving, automation, and scalable CI/CD practices, with a flexible work environment and a strong emphasis on
Qualifications
- Substantive Python experience in production environments.
- PostgreSQL experience is required.
- Hands-on AWS infrastructure management experience.
- Experience with FastAPI.
- Experience with ClickHouse or other columnar/analytical datastores.
- Experience working in a security vendor environment.
- Understanding of knowledge graphs and graph databases.
- Comfort using AI-assisted tooling thoughtfully.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain full-stack applications and backend services using Python, TypeScript, React, and Go.
- Own and manage large SQL databases backing applications and services used by the Threat Intelligence team, including schema design, query optimization, migrations, and operational health.
- Proactively identify problems before they become incidents: Seek out reliability, performance, and correctness issues.
- Improve runbooks, dashboards, alert quality, and automation.
- Collaborate closely with other engineering teams and threat intelligence stakeholders to deliver outcomes that strengthen the team's ability to produce actionable intelligence.
- Help manage and maintain AWS infrastructure supporting the team's services: VPC configuration, ECS, Aurora/RDS, EC2, Networking, SNS/SQS, CDK.
- Adhere to best practices when it comes to CI/CD, observability, and monitoring: GitHub Actions, CloudWatch/Grafana, Docker.
Skills
Tools
Job description
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.
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
This is a hands‑on, high‑autonomy role spanning the full development lifecycle. The primary focus is software development, with additional responsibility for database management and infrastructure as needed to support the team's systems.
- Build and maintain full-stack applications and backend services using Python, TypeScript, React, and Go.
- Own and manage large SQL databases backing applications and services used by the Threat Intelligence team, including schema design, query optimization, migrations, and operational health.
- Proactively identify problems before they become incidents: Seek out reliability, performance, and correctness issues.
- Improve runbooks, dashboards, alert quality, and automation.
- Collaborate closely with other engineering teams and threat intelligence stakeholders to deliver outcomes that strengthen the team's ability to produce actionable intelligence.
- Help manage and maintain AWS infrastructure supporting the team's services: VPC configuration, ECS, Aurora/RDS, EC2, Networking, SNS/SQS, CDK.
- Adhere to best practices when it comes to CI/CD, observability, and monitoring: GitHub Actions, CloudWatch/Grafana, Docker.
- Substantive Python experience in production or enterprise environments — we’re looking for engineers who have designed, built, and maintained Python systems with real operational accountability, not solely scripting or automation.
- PostgreSQL experience is required. Candidates without direct PostgreSQL experience will be considered where they can demonstrate equivalent depth with a comparable relational database system.
- Hands‑on AWS infrastructure management experience, including provisioning and operating resources such as EC2 instances, RDS databases, VPCs, and related services.
- Experience with FastAPI.
- Experience with ClickHouse or other columnar/analytical datastores.
- Experience working in a security vendor environment, with exposure to large volumes of raw telemetry.
- Understanding of knowledge graphs and graph databases.
- Comfort using AI‑assisted tooling thoughtfully — for example, to accelerate implementation backed by sound planning and detailed design — paired with strong engineering judgment about when and how to apply it.
- Experience managing, maintaining, and tuning PostgreSQL databases at scale.
- Familiarity with building modern CLI/TUI tooling.
- Familiarity working with Agentic/MCP technologies.
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
We offer a competitive benefits package, including flexible time off, a comprehensive well‑being program with two paid Wellbeing Days and two paid Volunteer Days per year, plus a three‑week Work from Anywhere option.
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 accessibility@proofpoint.com.
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.
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.
Consistent with Proofpoint values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets as set out below. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee. This role may be eligible for variable compensation and/or equity.
- SF Bay Area, New York City Metro Area: Base Pay Range: 166,500.00 - 244,200.00 USD
- California (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska: Base Pay Range: 136,200.00 - 199,760.00 USD
- All other cities and states excluding those listed above: Base Pay Range: 124,100.00 - 182,050.00 USD
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