Pre-Sales Solutions Architect – AI Agent & Workload Security

Job description

Tigera—the pioneer behind Calico and Lynx—is defining the future of AI agent security, workload governance, and cloud-native networking. As autonomous AI agents, LLM frameworks, and microservices proliferate across enterprise infrastructure, Tigera delivers the deep visibility, runtime protection, and eBPF-driven enforcement control required to secure the next generation of computing. From modern cloud-native architectures to cutting-edge AI agent ecosystems, our technology safeguards over 1 million Kubernetes clusters across multicloud and hybrid environments. Trusted by world-class innovation leaders—including NVIDIA, Royal Bank of Canada, Bloomberg, Chipotle, GoDaddy, and Upwork—we empower enterprises to build, scale, and innovate with AI safely and without compromise. At Tigera, our customers are the heroes of our story. We aim high, move fast, foster continuous learning, and build a high-trust, highly collaborative environment where every voice shapes the future of AI security. If you are looking to help make a substantial impact, and our values and products align with your vision of your career growth, we want to hear from you! **The Opportunity** AI agents are rapidly becoming the new runtime layer of the enterprise—and securing them is the next massive frontier in cybersecurity. We are hiring a **Pre-Sales Solutions Architect** in **Cork, Ireland**, to serve as the technical champion for **Lynx**, our flagship solution designed specifically to secure autonomous AI agents and modern workloads. With customer demand skyrocketing and PoCs accelerating globally, you will be on the front lines of a brand-new product category. You will partner closely with Account Executives, Product Management, and Marketing to guide prospective enterprises from initial architecture discussions through high-impact PoCs to closed-won deals. Additionally, you will work with our enterprise Calico accounts to unlock additional value by securing AI workloads. This role is ideal for a forward-thinking pre-sales professional or platform/security engineer eager to spearhead AI agent security while the category is being defined. You don’t need to be an AI expert on day one—if you bring strong Kubernetes and application security foundations along with a passion for how AI systems are built, we will help you build the required expertise. The role will be hybrid based out of our Cork city office. **You Will** - **Drive AI & Workload Security Deals:** Lead the technical discovery, live demonstrations, solution architecture, and proof-of-concept (PoC) executions for Lynx across top-tier enterprise prospects. - **Shape AI Security Requirements:** Partner directly with prospects to discover how they build, deploy, and connect AI agents, and help them convert runtime patterns into concrete security and governance policies using Lynx. - **Build Reusable Assets:** Design and maintain state-of-the-art Lynx demo environments, PoC playbooks, and architecture blueprints to increase deal velocity. - **Influence the Product Roadmap:** Serve as the strategic feedback loop between the field and product engineering. Capture customer requirements, highlight market shifts, and directly influence the evolution of Lynx. - **Champion the AI Security Movement:** Represent Tigera as an author and speaker. Deliver technical webinars, lead workshops, participate in meetups/conferences, and publish insights on securing AI agents. - **Master Technical Execution:** Lead technical RFP/RFI responses, security questionnaire validations, and internal enablement sessions on AI agent security. - **Guide Strategic Enterprise Accounts:** Act as the trusted technical advisor for a dedicated set of Calico accounts. Drive platform adoption, conduct technical architecture reviews, and uncover expansion opportunities into Lynx. - **Travel:** Connect in person with enterprise clients and attend industry events across Europe (approx. 25% travel). **You Have** - **Pre-Sales or Hands-On Engineering Experience:** 3 to 6 years in a customer-facing technical role (Solutions Architect, Sales Engineer, Technical Consultant) OR hands-on experience in platform, DevOps, or cloud security engineering with a driven desire to launch a career in pre-sales. - **Core Cloud-Native Foundations:** Strong, hands-on experience with Kubernetes and containerized architectures. You can comfortably stand up clusters, troubleshoot complex workloads, and explain core container runtime mechanics. - **Security Discipline:** Deep understanding of modern application and cloud security principles, including Zero Trust models, network policies, identity-based security, and cloud access controls. - **Identity & Token Knowledge:** Practical understanding of identity-first security—how JWTs are structured, signed, and validated; working knowledge of OAuth 2.0, OIDC, and mTLS mechanics. - **Cloud Infrastructure:** Hands-on experience with at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP). - **Sales Acumen:** Sales skills such as active listening, MEDDPICC alignment and ability to translate features into business value. - **Exceptional Communication:** Natural ability to translate complex AI runtime mechanics and Zero Trust architectures into clear, compelling narratives for both hands-on engineers and C-level executives. - **Startup Mindset:** Curious, self-driven, and excited by the opportunity to own and establish leadership in an emerging category. **Nice to Have (Bonus Points)** - Hands-on exposure to building or securing AI/LLM applications or agents (e.g., LangChain, LangGraph, CrewAI, OpenAI Agents SDK, or Model Context Protocol / MCP servers). - Familiarity with workload identity frameworks (e.g., SPIFFE/SPIRE) or API gateways / service meshes (Istio, Envoy). - Prior experience with Calico, Cilium, OpenShift, or eBPF technology. - Familiarity with emerging AI governance frameworks (EU AI Act, ISO 42001, NIST AI RMF). - Proficiency in a second European language. **Why Join Tigera?** - **Be at the Forefront of AI:** Build your career at the intersection of eBPF, Kubernetes, and AI agent security. - **Global Impact, Local Hub:** Join a vibrant hub in Cork, Ireland, backed by global offices in San Francisco, San Jose, Vancouver, and London. - **Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits:** Highly competitive salary, sales incentive plans, and comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage. - **Culture of Growth & Autonomy:** Work alongside industry experts who value openness, continuous learning, bold execution, and genuine team support. With offices in San Francisco, San Jose, Vancouver (Canada), Cork (Ireland), and London (England), we have a thriving team of diverse individuals from all over the world. We believe in a collaborative, flexible work environment based on respect for, and commitment from, every employee. We also offer a competitive compensation package along with full health, vision, and dental benefits. These benefits, coupled with an amazing team of individuals who believe in our mission and value openness, collaboration, and teamwork, make Tigera an awesome place to work.