Senior Channel Sales Engineer (Distribution & Public Sector)

Proofpoint

Austin, TX

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JOB DETAILS

LOCATION

Austin, TX

POSTED

17 days ago

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

Channel Sales Engineer – Distribution & Public Sector

The Role

Proofpoint is looking for a Channel Sales Engineer to lead and scale our impact across distribution partners and the public sector ecosystem in the U.S.

This role is centered on enabling large-scale distribution models and supporting partners that serve federal, state, local government, and education (SLED) customers. You will operate as a technical leader across a layered partner landscape—working with distributors, resellers, and public sector specialists to expand Proofpoint’s reach and effectiveness.

You’ll help define how Proofpoint is positioned, sold, and delivered into the public sector through distribution. From shaping partner strategy to influencing complex, compliance-driven opportunities, your work will directly impact growth in one of our most critical markets.

If you enjoy building partner capability at scale, navigating public sector environments, and driving technical success through indirect channels, this role is for you.

Location: U.S. (remote)

Travel: Required for partner and customer engagement

WhatYou’llDo

+ Own the technical relationship with key distributors and public sector-focused channel partners

+ Drive technical engagement across federal, state, local, and education opportunities

+ Support and influence complex deals involving public sector requirements, compliance, and procurement frameworks

+ Enable distributors to scale Proofpoint by training and supporting their downstream reseller ecosystem

+ Build and execute a technical enablement strategy tailored to public sector use cases

+ Partner with resellers to confidently position, demo, and deliver Proofpoint solutions in regulated environments

+ Act as a trusted advisor to distribution leadership, partner engineers, and public sector sales teams

+ Lead architecture discussions and guide solution design aligned with government security standards and frameworks

+ Support proof-of-concept engagements and evaluations within public sector constraints

+ Help partners develop repeatable offerings and services for government and education customers

+ Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Channel, Customer Success, and Threat Research to align on public sector strategy

+ Navigate competitive positioning within public sector buying cycles and contract vehicles

+ Drive a high standard of partner and customer experience across a multi-tier distribution model

What You Bring

+ 7+ years in Sales Engineering or technical pre-sales, ideally in cybersecurity

+ Strong experience working with distribution partners and/or public sector customers (federal or SLED)

+ Understanding of public sector procurement, compliance frameworks, and sales cycles

+ Experience supporting or enabling multi-tier channel ecosystems (distributor → reseller → customer)

+ Background in email security, data protection, or related security technologies

+ Familiarity with government security requirements and frameworks (e.g., FedRAMP, NIST, CJIS, etc.)

+ Solid understanding of messaging systems (Exchange, SMTP)

+ Familiarity with directory services and integrations (LDAP, Active Directory)

+ Working knowledge of networking fundamentals and protocols

+ Strong communicationskills—comfortable engaging both technical practitioners and executive stakeholders

+ Ability tooperateindependently and drive outcomes in a complex, matrixed environment

+ A builder mindset with a focus on scaling impact through partners

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 accessibility@proofpoint.com .

How to Apply

Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- we can’t wait to hear from you!

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.

About the Company

Proofpoint

Proofpoint, Inc. (NASDAQ:PFPT) is a leading cybersecurity company that protects organizations’ greatest assets and biggest risks: their people. With an integrated suite of cloud-based solutions, Proofpoint helps customers around the world stop targeted threats, safeguard their data, and make their users more resilient against cyber attacks. Leading organizations of all sizes, including more than half of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint to mitigate their most critical security and compliance risks across email, the cloud, social media, and the web. No one protects people, the data they create, and the digital channels they use more effectively than Proofpoint.

If you’re looking for a customer-focused, driven-to-win organization with leading-edge products, you’ll find many exciting reasons to join our team. We believe in hiring smart, motivated, problem-solvers to cultivate a culture of collaboration and appreciation. We are an international company with locations in North America, EMEA and APAC, with each location contributing to our culture.

COMPANY SIZE

2,500 to 4,999 employees

INDUSTRY

Computer/IT Services

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Performance Bonus, 401K, Employee Referral Program, Employee Events

FOUNDED

2002

WEBSITE

https://www.proofpoint.com