Senior Sales Engineer - Competitive Intelligence (Data Security)

Proofpoint

San Diego, CA(remote)

Apply

JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agents, Automation, Best Sales Team, Cloud Computing, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Competitive Analysis/Strategy, Computer Security, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Information/Data Security (InfoSec), Internet Security, Loss Prevention, Marketing, Microsoft Outlook, Network Connectivity, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Product Engineering, Product Management, Product Marketing, Risk, Sales, Sales Closing Skills, Sales Strategy, Sales/Support Engineering (SE), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Infrastructure, Technical Presentation, Technical Sales, Technical Strategy, Writing Skills

LOCATION

San Diego, CA

POSTED

Today

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

The Competitive Intelligence team plays a critical role in ensuring that the most relevant and actionable insights into our competitors, market dynamics, and differentiation are available across the company. This team develops a deep technical and strategic understanding of the competitive landscape to help position, influence, and win deals. In addition, the team works cross-functionally with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Customer Success, and Marketing to continuously strengthen our differentiation and improve our position in the market.

AIisat the Core of This Role

You will help redefine how CI is delivered by putting AI at the center. You’ll use AI and modern intelligence tools to surface signals earlier, scale insight generation, uncover patterns across deals, and translate large volumes of data into precise, field-ready recommendations. You’ll also build AI-informed content and enablement that improves speed of delivery and decision-making.

This position focuses on Proofpoint’s Data Security platform, including Data Loss Prevention, Insider Threat Management, and Data Security Posture Management. You will be expected to build strong technical expertise across these areas and maintain a clear understanding of competing solutions and architectures.

This is a remote position based in the U.S.

Job Requirements

+ 5+ years of experience in Technical Sales, Sales Engineering, Competitive Intelligence, or similar roles within a cybersecurity vendor

+ Experience using AI or automation tools, or a strong interest in applying them, to accelerate research, synthesize information,identifypatterns, and deliver actionable recommendations that improve deal outcomes.Curiosity to continuously explorenew approachesthat improve speed to insight and real-time deal impact

+ Technicalexpertisein one or more of the following areas: CASB, Data Loss Prevention (endpoint, cloud, email, web), Insider Threat or Insider Risk, Data Security Posture Management, or related data security technologies

+ Ability to quickly learnnew technologies, competitors, and market dynamics and apply that knowledge in live deal situations

+ Strong technical presentation and communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear business value

+ Experience working cross-functionally with Product Management, Marketing, and Sales to influence strategy and positioning

+ Strong objection-handling skills

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