Senior Sales Engineer - Competitive Intelligence (Data Security)

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.

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

About the Role

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.

AI is at the core of this role. You will help redefine how Competitive Intelligence 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.

Responsibilities

• Use AI or automation tools to accelerate research, synthesize information, identify patterns, and deliver actionable recommendations that improve deal outcomes.
• Build technical and strategic expertise in the competitive landscape, particularly in Data Security (DLP, Insider Threat, Data Security Posture Management).
• Work cross-functionally with Product Management, Marketing, and Sales to influence strategy and positioning.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear business value for internal and external stakeholders.
• Handle competitive objections and provide real-time support in live deal situations.

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 and insight generation.
• Curiosity to continuously explore new approaches that improve speed to insight and real-time deal impact.
• Technical expertise in 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 learn new 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.
• Strong objection-handling skills.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• Career success on your terms with a 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.