Senior Specialist Sales Engineer - Data Security

Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™️ platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across 160+ public exchanges globally and thousands of private exchanges at the edge, the SASE-based Zero Trust Exchange is the world’s largest in-line cloud security platform. We believe the future of work is Human + AI and are building an AI-native enterprise where human potential is amplified by machine intelligence to solve the world’s hardest security challenges. Driven by deep customer obsession, we are committed to the mission, outcome, and to each other. We bring these commitments to life through three core behaviors: ownership and collaboration, trust through outcomes and impact, and a challenge culture with ongoing feedback. Ready to make an impact at the company pioneering security transformation in the AI era? Join us at Zscaler. We are looking for a Specialist Sales Engineer to join our team. This is a UK (Remote) role, reporting to the Director, Specialist Sales Engineering in the Data Security Specialist Team. Data has become the most targeted asset in the enterprise. As organisations accelerate AI adoption, the question of where sensitive data lives, who can access it, and how it moves across cloud environments has become a boardroom-level conversation — and a C-suite buying priority. This is a specialist role. You'll go deep — operating as the technical authority for Data Security across the UK, engaging in opportunities alongside our Account Sales Consultants to bring subject matter expertise that changes the outcome of deals. What you’ll do (Role Expectations) - Partner with Account Sales Consultants as the data security SME — supporting discovery, competitive positioning, technical objection handling, and driving the technical win on deals where data security is a primary driver or blocker - Lead hands-on DSPM, DLP, and AI data risk workshops with CISOs, Chief Privacy Officers, and data engineering stakeholders, translating complex data risk into measurable business outcomes - Build and deliver tailored product demonstrations of Zscaler's data security platform — including AI-powered data classification, automated DLP, and DSPM posture management - Own Proof of Concept (PoC) engagements end-to-end — scoping success criteria, managing technical execution, presenting results, and responding to technical RFIs/RFPs where data security is the primary subject matter - Build and share reusable technical assets (demo environments, discovery playbooks, competitive battlecards), represent Zscaler as a data security thought leader at UK industry events, and serve as the primary conduit between the field and Zscaler's Product and Engineering teams Who You Are (Success Profile) - You thrive in ambiguity. You're comfortable building the path as you walk it. You thrive in a dynamic environment, seeing ambiguity not as a hindrance, but as the raw material to build something meaningful. - You act like an owner. Your passion for the mission fuels your bias for action. You operate with integrity because you genuinely care about the outcome. True ownership involves leveraging dynamic range: the ability to navigate seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution. - You are a problem-solver. You love running towards the challenges because you are laser-focused on finding the solution, knowing that solving the hard problems delivers the biggest impact. - You are a high-trust collaborator. You are ambitious for the team, not just yourself. You embrace our challenge culture by giving and receiving ongoing feedback—knowing that candor delivered with clarity and respect is the truest form of teamwork and the fastest way to earn trust. - You are a learner. You have a true growth mindset and are obsessed with your own development, actively seeking feedback to become a better partner and a stronger teammate. You love what you do and you do it with purpose. What We’re Looking for (Minimum Qualifications) - Foundational understanding of Data Security, AI/ML technologies and experience leveraging, securing, or positioning AI-driven solutions to optimize outcomes within your functional domain - BSCS degree or equivalent experience as a Systems Engineer or Systems Integrator - 3+ years of experience in Pre-Sales roles, with at least 3 years selling security or networking solutions in direct or high-touch environments - Proven experience with Data Protection, DSPM, web-related technologies, and value-based selling within a matrixed GTM environment What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications) - Hands-on experience positioning AI-driven data classification, automated data loss prevention (DLP), DSPM or AI security governance controls - Direct experience working w