Staff Security Engineer, Threat Defense & Automation

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 Proofpoint

At Proofpoint, we are committed to protecting organizations and individuals from cyber threats through innovative security solutions. Our mission is to safeguard our customers from advanced threats, phishing attacks, and data breaches with cutting-edge technology and a global team of security experts.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Cyber Incident Response Security Engineer to join our global security team. This is a critical role within our Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT), responsible for managing and responding to security incidents across our global operations. You will serve as an escalation point for our 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) and play a key role in the automation, orchestration, and enhancement of our security incident response capabilities. This position requires deep expertise in cybersecurity, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. If you thrive in a role where you can actively defend against cyber threats, conduct threat hunting, and drive security automation, this opportunity is for you.

Key Responsibilities:

Incident Response & Escalation:

• Act as the Level 3 escalation point for high-severity security incidents within the global 24/7 SOC.

• Lead complex investigations into advanced cyber threats, including malware outbreaks, targeted attacks, and persistent threats.

• Provide expert-level guidance on containment, mitigation, and remediation strategies.

Threat Hunting & Threat Assessment:

• Proactively hunt for hidden threats within enterprise networks using threat intelligence and behavioral analytics.

• Develop and refine threat detection rules to improve SOC visibility.

• Assess emerging threats and provide actionable recommendations to enhance security posture.

Security Automation & Orchestration:

• Design and implement automated workflows to enhance security event triage and response.

• Leverage SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) platforms to streamline incident response.

• Work with SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools to optimize log ingestion and alerting mechanisms.

Security Tooling & Continuous Improvement:

• Collaborate with security architects and engineers to enhance detection and response capabilities.

• Perform root cause analysis on security incidents and recommend improvements to security controls.

• Stay updated on industry best practices and evolving attack techniques to ensure effective defenses.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 12 yrs + hands-on experience in Cybersecurity Incident Response or Security Operations.

• Must be a US Citizen.

• Strong background in SOC operations, SIEM, threat intelligence, and digital forensics. Expertise in investigating malware, phishing, web attacks, insider threats, and advanced persistent threats (APTs).

• Experience working with security automation and orchestration tools (SOAR).

• Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Bash for security automation.

• Strong understanding of MITRE ATT&CK framework, TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures), and cyber kill chain.

• Hands-on experience with cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.

• Certifications such as GCIH, GCFA, CISSP, CISM, or OSCP are highly desirable.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Why Proofpoint

As a customer focused and driven-to-win organization with leading edge products, there are many exciting reasons to join the Proofpoint team. We believe in hiring the best the brightest and cultivating a culture of collaboration and appreciation. As we continue to grow and expand globally, we understand that hiring the right people and developing great teams is key to our success! We are a multi-national company with locations in many countries, with each location contributing to Proofpoint's amazing culture! #LI-AN1

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: 182,175.00 - 267,190.00 USD

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

Base Pay Range: 146,550.00 - 214,940.00 USD

All other cities and states excluding those listed above:

Base Pay Range: 132,975.00 - 195,030.00 USD

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.