AI Engineer II

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

About the Role

We're looking for an AI Engineer II to design and ship internal AI-powered tools end-to-end. You'll own AI-powered applications, workflow automations, and integrations from concept through production, evaluating and integrating new AI capabilities as you go. This is a hands-on building role: you'll write production code, not just prototype it, while partnering with business stakeholders and growing into fuller ownership at the next level.

Responsibilities

• Design and build internal AI-powered tools and web applications end-to-end, including front-end, back-end, data, API, and LLM/AI integrations.
• Own AI applications, workflow automations, and systems integrations from requirements gathering and technical design through production deployment and iteration.
• Partner with Sales Operations, Revenue Analytics, and cross-functional stakeholders to translate business problems into scalable technical solutions that deliver measurable value.
• Evaluate and integrate new AI models, APIs, frameworks, and development approaches based on business needs, technical feasibility, and performance.
• Develop production-quality applications with appropriate testing, documentation, monitoring, and maintainability; troubleshoot and improve solutions post-launch based on user feedback and performance.
• Build reusable AI capabilities, integrations, documentation, and development patterns that can be leveraged across teams and use cases.
• Communicate technical concepts, solution designs, tradeoffs, and outcomes to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including presenting work to cross-functional audiences.

Qualifications

Required

• 1–2 years of hands-on experience building software, data products, or AI-powered tools through professional, internship, academic, or substantial independent project experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python and SQL, with experience in data analysis, application development, and statistical or machine-learning workflows.
• Hands-on experience with machine learning and statistical modeling, including regression, classification, feature engineering, and model evaluation.
• Experience working with large structured datasets using Snowflake, relational databases, or comparable cloud data platforms.
• Experience developing or integrating REST APIs and backend services using FastAPI or similar frameworks, along with familiarity with modern web application development.
• Demonstrated ability to ship functional tools or applications to real users and evaluate their performance using appropriate technical or quantitative measures.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills, including the ability to learn unfamiliar technologies, incorporate stakeholder feedback, and explain technical tradeoffs to non-technical audiences.

Preferred

• Experience developing applications using LLMs, RAG, embeddings/vector search, prompt engineering, and LLM APIs such as OpenAI or Anthropic.
• Familiarity with AI agents, tool/function calling, intent routing, retrieval systems, and workflow orchestration.
• Experience with React and TypeScript or another modern front-end framework.
• Experience with Docker, AWS, or comparable cloud and deployment technologies.
• Familiarity with ETL/ELT pipelines, data modeling, JSON/metadata mappings, and multi-system data integrations.

• Experience with Snowflake, Salesforce, or other GTM/revenue data systems.

Logistics

• Full-time
• Reports to Director, Revenue Analytics
• Onsite/hybrid/remote per team policy

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: 111,300.00 - 174,900.00 USD

California (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska:

Base Pay Range: 93,300.00 - 146,630.00 USD

All other cities and states excluding those listed above:

Base Pay Range: 83,600.00 - 131,340.00 USD

Proofpoint Best Places to Work Awards

Proofpoint has been honored with six Best Places to Work Awards in 2024 by workplace culture leader Comparably, including Best Company Career Growth, Best Company Outlook, Best Global Culture, Best Engineering Teams, Best Sales Teams, and Best HR Teams.

About Us

We are the leader in human-centric cybersecurity. Half a million customers, including 87 of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint to protect their organizations. We’re driven by a mission to stay ahead of bad actors and safeguard the digital world. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.

Our BRAVE Values:

At Proofpoint, we are BRAVE in everything we do, and our values aren’t just words—they shape how we work, collaborate, and grow.

We seek people who are bold enough to challenge the status quo, responsive in the face of ever-evolving threats, and accountable for delivering real impact.

We value those with a visionary mindset who anticipate what’s next and push cybersecurity forward, and we celebrate exceptional execution that ensures we continue to defend data and protect people.

Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.

Build Meaningful Connections:

Find your network, your allies, and your biggest fans. We know that work is simply better when you’re surrounded by people who inspire you—who share ideas, cheer you on, and genuinely want to see you succeed. That’s why we offer social circles, sponsored networks, and connection points across teams and time zones—to help you find your people, build your community, and thrive together.

Do Your Best Work:

This isn’t just a job—it’s a mission to protect people and defend data in a world that never slows down. We’re building the future of human-centric cybersecurity, and that future belongs to all of us. We take ownership, move fast, and hold ourselves accountable—because that’s what it takes to stay ahead. And we do it together, winning as one.

Build success on your terms:

Be empowered to reach your full potential through meaningful challenges and personalized support—designed around you and your goals. Whether you're growing as a leader or leveling up from great to exceptional as an individual contributor, we’re here to help you get there.