Sr. Sales Engineer

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.

At Proofpoint you’ll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values:

in how we dream and innovate

to feedback, challenges and opportunities

for results and best in class outcomes

in future focused problem-solving

in execution and impact

Proofpoint is seeking a Sr. Sales Engineer to join our team and act as the technical sales lead throughout the pre‑sales process. This position reports to the Sr. Manager, Technical Sales and will lead technical discussions with customers and prospects. You will work closely with the South Africa Named Accounts team.

• Collaborate with the South Africa Named Accounts team to develop and execute targeted account penetration strategies
• Design and champion complex People‑Centric Security solutions encompassing the entire Proofpoint portfolio
• Provide valuable customer insight and real‑world experiences to Product Management, Marketing and Product Development (Engineering) teams to help keep our solutions as the best in class.
• You will become an expert in Email Security, Advanced Persistent Threats, Attack Protection, Threat Response, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and the threat landscape
• Maintain compliance with ISO, NIST and MITRE
• Present at or attend industry seminars and/or trade shows when required

• Hands‑on experience in a customer facing technical role, either as a Sales/System Engineer, Technical Account Manager, Security Engineer or senior level product support or professional services, preferably in the cyber‑security industry
• Proven experience in either enterprise email solutions, email authentication, advanced persistent threats, data security, network security or cloud security and shadow IT knowledge
• Highly self‑motivated and able to work independently with minimal day‑to‑day supervision from a remotely based Account Manager.
• Exceptional organisational and time‑management skills, with the discipline to work and maintain focus in a partner office environment.
• Proactive communicator who takes ownership of keeping the Account Manager aligned on customer activity, pipeline progress, and priorities.
• Comfortable acting as the primary local technical presence, progressing opportunities and supporting customers between Account Manager visits.
• Excellent presentation skills, comfortable presenting to individuals and/or teams including technical staff and C‑suite executives
• Degree in Computer Science or equivalent
• CISSP or other security industry certification

• 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 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.

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