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Chicago, Illinois, United States
Onsite
Darktrace is a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats every day.
Darktrace was built on a genuinely differentiated idea: that Adaptive AI could detect and respond to novel, real-time cyber threats. That approach matters more than ever in the era of AI. Today, our customers depend on us to stay ahead.
At Darktrace, we are energized by that responsibility. We work across teams and rally around a shared goal. We own outcomes end to end - step in, step up and see things through without waiting to be asked. We make decisions with urgency, say the hard thing, and hold each other to high standards with care and directness. We move first and learn fast anticipating where our customers are going next, continuously challenging ourselves.
We invest in the skills, learning and opportunities that help people deliver at the level their roles demand, and reward the aptitude and curiosity to grow beyond them.
Our Values: Own It | Win as One | Raise Our Bar | Move First. Learn Fast


Job Description:
As a Solutions Engineer on the Acquisition Team, you will partner with Account Executives to drive net-new business and lead the technical sales process from discovery through evaluation, solution design, and business justification.
In this customer-facing pre-sales role, you will serve as a trusted advisor, uncovering customer challenges, align Darktrace’s AI-powered platform to their needs, and demonstrate measurable security and business outcomes. Through technical discovery, solution architecture, and value-driven storytelling, you will translate complex cybersecurity risks into clear impact across network, cloud, and hybrid environments.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Ownership
Lead all technical aspects of new business deals from discovery to close, owning momentum and progression at each stage
Build early credibility with Security, IT, and Cloud stakeholders
Drive technical win strategy and guide solution validation
Discovery & Value Alignment
Align solutions to SOC workflows (triage, investigation, response)
Lead structured discovery aligned to MEDDPICC, identifying pain, impact, and urgency
Translate requirements into solution designs aligned to ROI and business outcomes
Solution Design
Architect scalable solutions across Darktrace’s platform (Network, Email, Cloud, Identity, Endpoint, ASM, PEM, IRR)
Advise on deployments, integrations (SIEM, SOAR, EDR), and visibility (SPAN/TAP, APIs)
Clearly communicate trade-offs (performance, cost, coverage)
Ensure solution design supports fast deployment and meaningful evaluation outcomes
Customer Engagement
Deliver high-impact demos and technical storytelling to SOC teams, leaders, and executives
Translate complex cybersecurity concepts into clear, outcome-driven narratives for both technical and executive audiences
Handle objections and position against competitors
Deal Strategy & Collaboration
Partner with AEs to qualify opportunities, mitigate risks, and progress pipeline
Collaborate with Sales, Product, Engineering, and Customer Success to resolve blockers and accelerate deals
Share market feedback to improve product and go-to-market strategy
Skills & Experience
Background in pre-sales/solutions engineering in cybersecurity or SaaS with a track record of supporting net-new business
Strong knowledge of networking, cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP), and security architectures
Experience with SOC tools (SIEM, SOAR, EDR/XDR) and hybrid environments
Ability to design solutions, run demos/PoCs, and influence diverse stakeholders
Strong communication, consultative selling, and business acumen
Fundamental understanding of AI technologies (LLM, ML, NLP)
Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred (or equivalent experience)
Relevant Cloud, Security, and/or AI certifications are a plus
Operates with urgency, ownership, and a bias for execution
Compensation: Total on-target earnings (base salary + commission) of up to $230,000. Final compensation will be based on factors including experience, skills, and geographic location.
Benefits:
100% medical, dental and vision insurance, plus dependents
Paid parental leave
Pet insurance Discount
Life insurance
Commuter benefits
401(k)
Employee Assistance Program
As a growing business strengthening its governance and controls, this role plays a part in supporting high standards of integrity and accountability.


Darktrace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Darktrace is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact your Talent Partner.
Employment with Darktrace is at-will, meaning either the employee or Darktrace may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, except where prohibited by law or governed by a separate written agreement.