Senior Sales Engineer - Mid Market Accounts (St. Louis & Chicago)

Overview

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. Our mission is to safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.

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.

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, Responsive, Accountable, Visionary, Exceptional.

Candidates for this role should be located in St. Louis or the Chicagoland area.

Your Day-to-Day

• The Senior Sales Engineer is the Technical Lead for the Proofpoint Pre-Sales process, including collaboration with the sales team to develop and execute targeted account penetration strategies
• Build trust and rapport with customers and prospects in person, and be their main technical point of contact throughout the process
• Deliver compelling product demonstrations that address today’s most pressing cyber threats
• Work closely with customer/prospect security staff for technical discovery, planning, execution and wrap up of Proof-of-Concept (POC) and Production Evaluations
• Design and champion complex People-Centric Security solutions encompassing the entire Proofpoint portfolio
• Occasionally assist in professional services deployments, technical training, and present at or attend industry seminars and/or trade shows
• Provide valuable customer insight and real-world experiences to Product Management, Marketing and Product Development (Engineering) teams
• Become an expert in Email Security Gateways, Advanced Persistent Threats, Attack Protection, Threat Response, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and the threat landscape

Senior level duties

• Mentor new team members in Proofpoint products, sales process, and relationship management with customers and account managers
• Develop and deliver training presentations to peers, account managers, and other teams
• Contribute across corporate communication channels, and help upkeep internal documentation and training
• Help develop solutions to common challenges and establish processes within the local team, department, and across the sales engineering organization

What You Bring To The Team

• 6+ years of hands-on technical experience, in roles such as Sales/Systems Engineer, Technical Account Manager, Security Engineer, or senior level product support, preferably in cybersecurity
• Proven track record developing and maintaining customer relationships through in-person meetings, ideally in a local territory
• Experience with large (Enterprise) clients/organizations
• Self-starter with the ability to own and drive initiatives
• History of conducting large-scale assessments and/or evaluations, including managing expectations, deliverables, and complex systems and teams
• Comfortable presenting to individuals and/or teams including technical staff and executives
• Experience in Enterprise or Cloud Security, including cloud/SaaS platforms, messaging, data, network, endpoint, NOC/SOC, or MSP-related cybersecurity
• Experience selling and positioning a platform is highly valued
• Exposure to at least two of the following areas: cloud security and shadow IT monitoring; IT security, vulnerability or risk assessments and policy enforcement; Data Loss Prevention (DLP), compliance and privacy; Enterprise email solutions such as Exchange, G-Suite, Lotus Domino or SMTP
• Additional skills bonus: Directory Services (AD, Azure AD, LDAP, identity providers), Email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), Networking and protocols (SMTP, DNS, LDAP, HTTP)
• Experience with frameworks such as MITRE and/or NIST
• Consultative problem-solving mindset with flexibility to pivot toward sales
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment; work independently, adapt quickly, and maintain a positive attitude
• Strong PowerPoint, presentation and organizational skills
• CISSP or other relevant cyber-security and/or cloud security certifications are valued
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience
• Travel is required in this role

Why Proofpoint?

At Proofpoint, we offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are 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

How To Apply

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

#J-18808-Ljbffr