Systems Security Engineer I
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.
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
The Role
The Security Solutions Engineer (SSE) is a seasoned information security professional responsible for strengthening the security posture of customer IT environments. In this customer-facing role, you will serve as a trusted technical advisor, ensuring the health, performance, and optimization of critical security solutions while helping customers maximize the value of their investments.
As a technical subject matter expert, you will manage the implementation, configuration, maintenance, and continuous improvement of technologies such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB). You'll collaborate closely with customers and cross-functional teams to troubleshoot complex issues, optimize security policies, and deliver innovative solutions that protect critical business assets.
This role requires a combination of deep technical expertise, strong communication skills, and a passion for solving complex security challenges in dynamic enterprise environments.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for DLP and CASB technologies, providing guidance to customers and internal teams.
Lead troubleshooting efforts for customer environments, including upgrades, patching, maintenance, and break/fix scenarios.
Design, configure, and optimize DLP and CASB policies and detection logic to improve customer security posture.
Collaborate with Program Analysts and fellow Security Solutions Engineers to develop and tune customer security solutions.
Ensure systems are optimally configured and scalable to support future customer growth.
Escalate complex technical issues through established internal and vendor support channels.
Document activities and manage projects using internal CRM and case management systems.
Review and validate change requests to ensure accuracy and successful implementation.
Support team objectives by helping achieve customer Service Level Objectives (SLOs).
Stay current on emerging cybersecurity threats, industry trends, and best practices.
Mentor junior engineers and analysts by sharing technical knowledge and best practices.
Participate in an on-call rotation, providing after-hours and weekend support as required.
Maintain flexibility to support customer needs and business priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Proven experience in Information Security, Network Security, or a related technical discipline.
Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) technologies, including platforms such as Proofpoint, Symantec, McAfee/Trellix, or Forcepoint, and/or Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) solutions including Proofpoint, CloudSOC/Elastica, Skyhigh, or Netskope.
Strong understanding of:
Enterprise networking concepts
Technical support and systems administration
Windows Server administration
Unix/Linux administration
Excellent troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Self-motivated with a collaborative mindset and a customer-first approach.
Passion for solving complex technical challenges through creative and innovative solutions.
Preferred Qualifications
2+ years of experience supporting web proxy or secure email gateway technologies.
Experience administering Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle databases.
Knowledge of regular expressions (Regex).
Experience with scripting or programming languages such as Python, PowerShell, Bash, Perl, or Java.
Vendor certifications related to supported technologies.
Industry certifications such as CISSP, Security+, Network+, or equivalent.
Why Proofpoint?
At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just 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 accessibility@proofpoint.com.
How to Apply
Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- we can’t wait to hear from you!
Consistent with Proofpoint values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets as set out below. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee. This role may be eligible for variable compensation and/or equity. We offer a competitive benefits package, including flexible time off, a comprehensive well-being program with two paid Wellbeing Days and two paid Volunteer Days per year, plus a three-week Work from Anywhere option.
Base Pay Ranges:
SF Bay Area, New York City Metro Area:
Base Pay Range: 92,800.00 - 136,070.00 USDCalifornia (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska:
Base Pay Range: 75,000.00 - 110,000.00 USDAll other cities and states excluding those listed above:
Base Pay Range: 68,600.00 - 100,650.00 USD