Senior Sales Engineer - Competitive Intelligence (Data Security)

The Role and the Team 

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.

Job 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