The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit, university-affiliated research center (UARC) that solves complex research, engineering, and analytical problems that present critical challenges to our nation. Located north of Washington, DC, APL is a division of one of the world's leading research institutions, The Johns Hopkins University.

Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Savvy Admin PROD

**Description**

Are you motivated by conceiving creative solutions to tough problems?

Are you searching for a role that leads to significant real-world impacts by applying your strengths in chemistry?

Are you passionate about collaborating with outstanding scientists and engineers to develop your own skills while contributing to critical challenges?

**If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.**

We are seeking an organic chemist to help develop solutions to the complex problems that we take on through chemical synthesis and characterization. You will apply your strong background in chemistry to develop solutions for the government's challenging problems. We need an ambitious and dedicated colleague who is eager to take a leadership and mentorship role and contribute to laboratory research. You will have the opportunity to work across a wide-range of research domains including synthetic chemistry, polymer science, catalysis, materials science, and more. In our group, your research will span fields, from synthesis of stimuli-responsive polymers to inorganic coatings for thermal management; from adhesives, coatings, and ink technologies, to electrochemistry and catalysis. We enable and encourage our team members to generate their own research ideas and publish their findings. At APL, we are a hardworking, multidisciplinary team that is committed to solving challenging problems while embracing risk with the goal of realizing creative solutions. Our team is passionate about building advanced prototypes that will define the future of chemical sciences. We strive to foster a collaborative environment with world-class expertise that achieves game-changing impact. Our APL team values integrity and innovative ideas that will ensure our nation's preeminence in the 21st century.

**As a chemist on our team...**

- Your primary responsibility will be to perform experiments at the direction of a project manager and assist with the development of new materials via chemical synthesis, characterization, and performance testing, both in the lab and in the field.

- You will perform detailed data analyses and explain characterization results.

- You will document and present technical work internally and externally.

- You will get the chance to work on projects both independently and as part of a team.

- You will have the opportunity to publish your research and present at conferences.

**Qualifications**

**You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...**

- You possess a B.S. in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field.

- You have 2+ years of non-academic research experience.

- You have demonstrable research experience in a laboratory environment.

- You have a background in molecular synthesis, spectroscopy, and experimental design.

- You are familiar with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and/or mass spectrometry.

- You have experience working as member of a collaborative team.

- You are comfortable communicating research findings in various settings.

- You are willing and able to carry out laboratory research and travel for field testing, sponsor visits, conference attendance, and presentations.

- You are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Security clearance eligibility requires you to be a U.S. citizen.

**You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...**

- You have M.A. in organic chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field.

- You have 5+ years of research experience.

- You are proficient in catalysis, air-free synthesis, electrochemistry, and/or polymer synthesis and characterization.

- You have published research in peer-reviewed journals.

**About Us**

**Why Work at APL?**

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

**Minimum Rate**

$85,000 Annually

**Maximum Rate**

$195,000 Annually

Synthetic Chemist

We provide the most effective cybersecurity and compliance solutions to protect people on every channel including email, the web, the cloud, and social media.

Industry: Computer and Network Security
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Proofpoint

**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

**Overview**

The Principal Sales Engineer (SE) – AI Security Solutions is a customer-facing technical expert responsible for driving adoption of Proofpoint’s AI-driven security portfolio. This role is a member of the AI Security solutions team and partners closely with Sales, Product, and Customer Success teams to articulate the value of our AI Security solutions.

The ideal candidate blends strong cybersecurity expertise with knowledge of how AI is used in the agentic workspace and excels at translating complex technical concepts into business value.

Proofpoint’s AI Security solutions enable organizations to discover, monitor, and govern AI usage—spanning human interactions, AI agents, and integrated systems—through intent-based security, runtime policy enforcement, and full auditability.

The ideal candidate combines deep cybersecurity expertise with a strong understanding of AI/agentic security risks and can translate complex AI security concepts into clear business value.

**Customer Engagement**

- Build credibility with security, AI/ML, and IT stakeholders, including CISOs, security architects, and data leaders

- Lead technical workshops on AI risk, governance, and secure adoption strategies

- Support proof-of-value (POV) and proof-of-concept (POC) engagements focused on real-world AI use cases

- Provide best practices for integrating AI security into existing security and data protection architectures

**Cross-Functional Collaboration**

- Partner with Product Management to provide field feedback on AI Security capabilities and roadmap

- Collaborate with Marketing to develop thought leadership on AI security, agentic risk, and governance

- Work with Customer Success to ensure successful onboarding and expansion of AI Security deployments

**Required Qualifications**

- 5+ years of experience in Sales Engineering, Solutions Engineering, or similar technical pre-sales roles

- Strong background in cybersecurity

- Experience discussing AI/ML concepts, AI risk, or emerging AI security challenges

- Proven ability to deliver compelling technical presentations and product demonstrations

- Strong consultative skills with the ability to map technology to business outcomes

- Experience in enterprise software deployments on end user devices and cloud environments

- Experience in AI Agent development in environments such as Amazon EKS, Google GKE and Azure AKS

- Familiarity with networking concepts, including TCP/IP, Proxy, Firewall, CASB and SIEM

**Key Skills**

- AI security domain expertise

- Technical storytelling and value articulation

- Solution architecture and systems thinking

- Customer-facing communication

- Analytical and problem-solving skills

**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!

Principal Sales Engineer (SE) – AI Security Solutions

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