At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex security testing engagements and shape testing strategies for AWS services.
- Company: Join a leading tech giant focused on innovative security solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career growth, and a diverse, inclusive environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to work on cutting-edge security technologies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in security while mentoring others and driving improvements.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in penetration testing and strong software development skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Overview
In this Senior Security Engineer role, you lead complex security testing engagements within AWS’s Point-in-Time Security Testing team.
You apply expert reasoning to high-consequence risks and drive end-to-end engagements from architecture to proof-of-concept validation.
You shape testing strategy across interconnected services and build reusable, automated methods to scale security outcomes.
You will mentor others and push for durable improvements that reduce risk across multiple teams.
- Pay / Benefits
- work-life balance
- flexible working culture
- career growth and training resources
- diverse experiences and inclusive environment
- DEI programs and learning events
Responsibilities
- Own security for a portfolio of testing engagements across the team and partner-orgs, including leading individual complex engagements
- Set testing strategy across microservice architectures, launch iterations, and cross-service campaigns
- Perform penetration testing and AI-augmented source code review of complex proprietary AWS software
- Conclude each risk hypothesis with documented results—demonstrate, rule out, or identify weaknesses
- Define approaches for engagements with ambiguous security strategy and adapt to changing conditions
- Trace attack paths across chained components and demonstrate cross-boundary risks
- Lead communication with developers and security stakeholders and embed security testing in the development lifecycle
- Build frameworks, runbooks, and rubrics to enable repeatable testing across problem domains
- Create reusable mechanisms (fuzzers, tests, rules) and track adoption to improve security outcomes
- Set the peer-review bar for test plans, scopes, runbooks, and reports
- Lead multi-engineer engagements and mentor engineers across teams
- Key requirements
- Experience developing software in one or more languages (e. g., Java, Python)
- Knowledge of security design review, threat modeling, risk analysis, and software testing techniques
- Knowledge of authentication, authorization, SSO, cryptography and related concepts
- Experience in risk assessment and communicating impacts to business and operations teams
- Experience in enterprise software environments
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field
- 5+ years in professional penetration testing, source code auditing, or bug hunting
- Proven ability to find non-trivial vulnerabilities through offensive testing and code review
- Mastery of two or more complex security domains (e. g., networking, IAM, cryptography) and ability to automate expertise
- Experience building and guiding AI-assisted security tooling and workflows
- Excellent communication with engineers and management
- Mentoring and leadership across engineering teams
- Ability to operate with ambiguity and drive to resolution
- Penetration testing
- AI-augmented source code review
- Threat modeling
Senior Security Engineer, AWS Security Verification & Validation Team employer: Amazon
Amazon is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic internship experience in the vibrant region of Yorkshire and the Humber. With a strong focus on employee growth, interns benefit from hands-on project delivery, collaboration with industry experts, and a clear pathway to graduate opportunities, all within a supportive work culture that values innovation and data-driven decision-making.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Security Engineer, AWS Security Verification & Validation Team
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Amazon, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Amazon
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Amazon. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Security Engineer, AWS Security Verification & Validation Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Amazon insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Amazon that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Amazon
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Amazon to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Amazon.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
