Senior Sales Engineer - Competitive Intelligence (Data Security)

Proofpoint•Colorado, IL

14d•Remote

About The Position

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 CI 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.

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, synthesize information, identify patterns, and deliver actionable recommendations that improve deal outcomes.
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
Experience working cross-functionally with Product Management, Marketing, and Sales to influence strategy and positioning
Strong objection-handling skills

Responsibilities

Develop a deep technical and strategic understanding of the competitive landscape to help position, influence, and win deals.
Work cross-functionally with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Customer Success, and Marketing to continuously strengthen differentiation and improve market position.
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.
Build AI-informed content and enablement that improves speed of delivery and decision-making.
Build strong technical expertise in Data Security platform areas (Data Loss Prevention, Insider Threat Management, Data Security Posture Management) and maintain a clear understanding of competing solutions and architectures.
Apply knowledge of new technologies, competitors, and market dynamics in live deal situations.
Influence strategy and positioning by working cross-functionally with Product Management, Marketing, and Sales.