Channel Security Engineer

We are seeking a Channel Security Engineer (SE) based in (Any in USA) to partner closely with our Channel Sales team. This role is instrumental in driving technical alignment and growth across Fortinet’s partner ecosystem. The SE will play a key role in pre-sales and post-sales technical support, partner enablement, solution development, and driving joint strategy with our channel partners.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong network security background, with additional experience in cloud security, SASE, application security, OT, and SecOps being highly desirable. Experience working with or for resellers, MSSPs, or security vendors is considered a strong asset.

We are looking for:

• Develop and execute a joint strategy in collaboration with your aligned Channel Account Manager (CAM), aligning partner initiatives with Fortinet’s overall goals.
• Collaborate with Fortinet field teams (sales, SEs, marketing, overlays) and partner stakeholders (sales, technical, professional services, managed services) to build and launch joint go-to-market solutions.
• Drive sales growth in core network security while expanding partner capabilities across the broader Fortinet portfolio.
• Consult on the development of managed service offerings with key partners to address evolving customer and market demands.
• Act as the primary technical contact for assigned partners, working closely with the aligned CAM to support and advance the partnership.
• Maintain a deep technical understanding of Fortinet products, the competitive landscape, and the latest security trends to articulate Fortinet’s value and differentiation.
• Confidently present Fortinet solutions through whiteboarding, demonstrations, technical planning, and collaborative customer discussions…both remotely and in person.
• Manage multiple deals and initiatives simultaneously while ensuring a positive and professional experience for partners and customers.
• Deliver weekly updates to leadership on progress, partner engagement, and strategic initiatives.
• Host and participate in technical webinars, hands-on demos, and other partner-facing enablement activities.
• Support partner technical training events, including Fast Tracks and workshops, for SEs, Solutions Architects, and Professional Services engineers.
• Travel to partner sites and attend partner events (including occasional after-hours commitments) as needed to support relationship development and technical engagement.
• Engage across multiple business units within the partner ecosystem, including Cloud, Security, Pre-Sales, and Managed Services, prioritizing efforts based on mutual objectives.

Candidates experience:

• 5–8 years of experience in technical pre-sales roles such as Pre-Sales Engineer, Solutions Architect, or Security Specialist.
• A proven ability to think strategically and act independently to drive sales opportunities to technical closure.
• A background in managing end-to-end technical aspects of deals, including scoping, solution design, and closure.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills that have directly contributed to successful outcomes and key wins.
• Experience in building and maintaining technical relationships with channel partners, and the ability to effectively communicate with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong public speaking, presentation, and training skills, with the ability to convey complex technical topics to diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience in responding to RFPs is a plus.
• Ability to clearly explain technical solutions and architectures using whiteboarding, Visio, or similar diagramming tools.
• A strong foundation in networking and security protocols, including TCP/IP, IPv4/IPv6, subnetting, DNS, HTTP, SMTP, RADIUS, LDAP, Active Directory, PKI, IKE, certificates, L2TP, SSL VPN, IPSEC, 802.1Q, VLANs, LACP, MD5, SSH, SSL, SHA1/512, 3DES, AES.
• Hands-on experience with technical troubleshooting in complex network or security environments.
• Deep technical knowledge in key technologies such as encryption and authentication, Wi-Fi, load balancing, application delivery, Ethernet switching, Cisco ACI, APIs, two-factor authentication, malware sandboxing, secure email gateways, WAF, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), SDN, NFV, virtualization, centralized management tools, and security operations platforms (SIEM, EDR, MDR, XDR, NDR).
• Previous experience working for a vendor or reseller is considered an asset.

Fortinet offers employees a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), 11 paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time as well as a comprehensive leave program.

Wage ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, and job level. On target earnings for this position is expected to be $234,000 - $312,000 per year. Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate's subject knowledge, skill level, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

All roles are eligible to participate in the Fortinet equity program, and this position is also eligible for commissions based on the terms of the Sales Compensation Plan