At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead application security, embedding secure practices in software design and development.
- Company: Join Encord, a pioneering AI data platform trusted by top companies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, 25 days leave, and a vibrant office culture.
- Other info: Mentor engineers and elevate security standards across the organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in software/security engineering with strong coding skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About us
Encord is the universal data layer for AI that helps 300+ AI teams train and run models on the right data. Our platform indexes, curates, annotates, and evaluates data across the full AI lifecycle, from development through production. Trusted by Woven by Toyota, AXA, UiPath, Zipline, and more. We're an ambitious team of 100+ working at the frontier of AI and have raised $60M in Series C funding from Wellington Management, CRV, Next47 and Y Combinator.
About the role
As Lead Security Engineer, you'll own application security across our platform, embedding secure practices into how we design, build, and ship software, and setting the direction for a growing security function.
What you'll do
- Own the application security program end to end: threat modelling, secure design reviews, code review, and vulnerability management.
- Build security into the SDLC with SAST, DAST, dependency/SCA, and secrets scanning integrated into CI/CD without slowing teams down.
- Partner with engineering on authentication, authorization, multi-tenancy isolation, and data protection across our APIs and SDKs.
- Lead penetration testing, bug bounty triage, and incident response for application-layer issues.
- Support customer security reviews and compliance (SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR) with practical technical controls.
- Mentor engineers and raise the security bar across the organisation.
What we're looking for
- 7+ years in software or security engineering, with significant hands‑on AppSec experience.
- Strong coding ability (Python and/or TypeScript ideal) and the credibility to review and fix code, not just flag issues.
- Deep knowledge of web and API security (OWASP Top 10, OAuth/OIDC, authz models, SSRF, injection, deserialisation).
- Experience securing cloud‑native SaaS (GCP or AWS, Kubernetes, containers).
- Track record of building security tooling and processes in a fast‑moving product company.
- Clear communicator who can influence engineering teams and speak to enterprise customers.
Nice to have
- Experience with ML/AI systems security (data pipelines, model supply chain, LLM‑specific risks such as prompt injection).
- Background in regulated industries such as healthcare.
- Previous experience as an early or first dedicated security hire.
Why Encord
- Competitive salary, and meaningful equity in a high‑growth startup.
- Strong in‑person culture — most of the team works from our London office 4+ days/week.
- 25 days annual leave + UK public holidays.
- Annual learning & development budget.
- Travel for customer visits, events, and conferences across the UK and Europe.
- Daily company lunches.
- Monthly socials & bi‑annual team offsites.
Operating principles
- High agency: You see something broken, you fix it or find the person who can. We celebrate the people who solve 90% of a problem before anyone asks.
- Build with care & urgency: We bear-hug the customer. Former founders and people from fast‑moving, high‑stakes environments thrive here.
- Self‑aware & hungry: We stay warm, self‑aware, and genuinely hungry. We elevate our peers, and ego doesn't last long.
- Invent in real time: We move toward the ambiguity. We’re pragmatic, resourceful, energized by the fact that there's no playbook.
If you're looking to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who push you to be better, we'd love to meet you.
Lead Security Engineer (Application Security) employer: Encord
Encord is an exceptional employer for a Learning & Development Specialist, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation meets education. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, competitive salaries, and a vibrant in-person culture, team members enjoy 25 days of annual leave, regular company lunches, and opportunities for professional development through an annual learning budget. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the AI sector while collaborating with a diverse and ambitious team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Security Engineer (Application Security)
✨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 Encord, 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 Encord
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Encord. 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 Lead Security Engineer (Application Security)
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 Encord 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 Encord that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Encord
✨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 Encord 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 Encord.
✨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.
