Principal Sales Engineer - AI Security Solutions
Proofpoint, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
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 enterprisesoftwaredeploymentson end user devices and cloud environments
Familiarity with networking concepts, including TCP/IP, Proxy, Firewall, CASB and SIEM
Key Skills
AI security domainexpertise
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!
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.
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 enterprisesoftwaredeploymentson end user devices and cloud environments
Familiarity with networking concepts, including TCP/IP, Proxy, Firewall, CASB and SIEM
Key Skills
AI security domainexpertise
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!
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.