Software Engineer - AI Agents

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

Corporate Overview

Proofpoint is a leading cybersecurity company protecting organizations' greatest assets and biggest risks: vulnerabilities in people. With an integrated suite of cloud-based solutions, Proofpoint helps companies 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 1000, rely on Proofpoint for people-centric security and compliance solutions mitigating their most critical risks across email, the cloud, social media, and the web.

We are singularly devoted to helping our customers protect their greatest assets and biggest security risk: their people. That's why we're a leader in next-generation cybersecurity.

Protection Starts with People. Proofpoint.

Role Overview

Associate Software Engineer - AI Agents (Satori)

Proofpoint is hiring an Associate Software Engineer to join Satori, our enterprise AI agent platform driving the future of autonomous security operations. Satori delivers security outcomes by orchestrating capabilities across the entire Proofpoint product portfolio and external partners.

This role is designed for an early-career engineer who is eager to build enterprise-scale AI systems and grow via mentorship from senior staff. This is an application-focused engineering role on a rapidly scaling product with platform characteristics.

You will work on core AI agent capabilities - such as reasoning workflows, memory systems, and guardrails - using Python-based, cloud-native architectures and modern AI agent frameworks. The opportunity for learning and impact is significant.

If you are excited by the challenge of translating cutting-edge AI into secure, reliable systems that protect enterprises worldwide, we want you on our team.

Your day-to-day

• Implement and extend Python-based backend services that power Satori's core AI agent platform

• Assist in the implementation of agent behaviors such as memory, context handling, reasoning workflows, alignment mechanisms, guardrails, and multi-agent workflows

• Deliver reliable, well-tested features that support rapid iteration and platform scale

• Support operational readiness through documentation, testing, and automation

• Collaborate closely with product, applied AI, platform, and engineering teams to ensure the software you deliver is aligned with overarching business needs

• Actively seek mentorship and feedback, and contribute positively to a team-first engineering culture through design discussions, code reviews, and architectural conversations

Qualifications

Must have

• 1+ year(s) of professional experience developing production-grade software, or a Master's degree

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (e.g., computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering) or equivalent experience

• Personal interest in AI agents (e.g. tinkering in your free time, keeping up with the field, using the latest tools, hands-on experience with common concepts like memory, tool use, reasoning, etc.)

• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to learn from and work effectively with cross-functional teams

• Demonstrated learning velocity and curiosity; driven to understand systems beyond surface-level usage and eager to learn enterprise platform-level tradeoffs

Nice to have

• Proficiency with Python

• Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Windsurf, Cursor, Claude Code, etc.)

• Working knowledge of Docker, cloud environments, or CI/CD pipelines

• Interest in or exposure to agent safety, evaluation, or alignment techniques

• Exposure to integrating LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or vector search into applications

• Exposure to enterprise SaaS systems or large-scale distributed architectures

• Exposure to cybersecurity products or domains

Why Proofpoint

As a customer focused and driven-to-win organization with leading edge products, there are many exciting reasons to join the Proofpoint team. We believe in hiring the best the brightest and cultivating a culture of collaboration and appreciation. As we continue to grow and expand globally, we understand that hiring the right people and developing great teams is key to our success! We are a multi-national company with locations in many countries, with each location contributing to Proofpoint's amazing culture! #LI-AN1

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!

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. 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.

Base Pay Ranges:

SF Bay Area, New York City Metro Area:

Base Pay Range: 111,300.00 - 174,900.00 USD

California (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska:

Base Pay Range: 93,300.00 - 146,630.00 USD

All other cities and states excluding those listed above:

Base Pay Range: 83,600.00 - 131,340.00 USD