Principal Sales Engineer - AI Security Solutions

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

Principal Sales Engineer - AI Security solutions

Overview

The Principal Sales Engineer (SE) - AI Security Solutions is a customer-facing technical expert responsible for driving adoption of Proofpoint's AI-driven security portfolio. This role is a member of the AI Security solutions team and partners closely with Sales, Product, and Customer Success teams to articulate the value of our AI Security solutions.

The ideal candidate blends strong cybersecurity expertise with knowledge of how AI is used in the agentic workspace and excels at translating complex technical concepts into business value.

Proofpoint's AI Security solutions enable organizations to discover, monitor, and govern AI usage-spanning human interactions, AI agents, and integrated systems-through intent-based security, runtime policy enforcement, and full auditability.

The ideal candidate combines deep cybersecurity expertise with a strong understanding of AI/agentic security risks and can translate complex AI security concepts into clear business value.

Customer Engagement

• Build credibility with security, AI/ML, and IT stakeholders, including CISOs, security architects, and data leaders

• Lead technical workshops on AI risk, governance, and secure adoption strategies

• Support proof-of-value (POV) and proof-of-concept (POC) engagements focused on real-world AI use cases

• Provide best practices for integrating AI security into existing security and data protection architectures

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Product Management to provide field feedback on AI Security capabilities and roadmap

• Collaborate with Marketing to develop thought leadership on AI security, agentic risk, and governance

• Work with Customer Success to ensure successful onboarding and expansion of AI Security deployments

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Sales Engineering, Solutions Engineering, or similar technical pre-sales roles

• Strong background in cybersecurity

• Experience discussing AI/ML concepts, AI risk, or emerging AI security challenges

• Proven ability to deliver compelling technical presentations and product demonstrations

• Strong consultative skills with the ability to map technology to business outcomes

• Experience in enterprise software deployments on end user devices and cloud environments

• Familiarity with networking concepts, including TCP/IP, Proxy, Firewall, CASB and SIEM

Key Skills

• AI security domain expertise

• Technical storytelling and value articulation

• Solution architecture and systems thinking

• Customer-facing communication

• Analytical and problem-solving 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!