At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and maintain data pipelines for cutting-edge SaaS and AI security.
- Company: Join Obsidian Security, a leader in SaaS security trusted by global enterprises.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, flexible time off, and professional development resources.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for rapid career growth.
- Why this job: Tackle novel security challenges and make a real impact in the tech world.
- Qualifications: 4+ years of data engineering experience with strong SQL and Python skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Obsidian Security is the leading SaaS security platform, trusted by global enterprises like Snowflake, T-Mobile, and Algolia. We protect 200+ organizations across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, including many of the world’s largest Fortune 1000 and Global 2000 companies. Founded in 2017 and backed by top investors like Greylock, Obsidian was built to close a critical gap: securing SaaS apps where business happens—Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and hundreds more. The company does this by offering a complete SaaS security platform to reduce risk, detect and respond to threats, and prevent breaches at the source.
About the Role
We're hiring Security Data Engineers to join our Manchester team and work at the heart of our SaaS and AI security platform. This is a data engineering role first — you'll spend most of your time building and maintaining the data pipelines that power Obsidian's detection and analytics capabilities. The role sits at an interesting intersection: the work is technically demanding data engineering, but the context is security. You don't need a security CV — you need to be a strong data engineer who is curious about how modern SaaS and AI platforms work, and what makes them risky.
What you'll do:
- Build and maintain data retrieval integrations across major SaaS and AI platforms — connecting to APIs, handling auth flows, and ensuring reliable telemetry ingestion.
- Design and develop dbt models in SQL on Clickhouse and Databricks, transforming raw platform data into clean, structured datasets ready for analysis.
- Build rule-based checks to identify risky configurations and unusual activity patterns across SaaS and AI platforms — translating security insight into logic.
- Develop a working understanding of how SaaS and AI platforms are structured and where security risks emerge, to inform what data we collect and what we look for.
- Debug data quality and detection issues in customer environments, working closely with the wider engineering and customer success teams.
What we're looking for:
Requirements- 4+ years of hands-on data engineering experience, including dbt and SQL.
- Strong SQL — you're comfortable writing complex data models and transformations from scratch.
- Experience building or maintaining data pipelines that process high-volume event or log data.
- Comfortable working with REST APIs and integrating data from third-party platforms.
- Python proficiency for scripting, data manipulation, and pipeline logic.
- Some exposure to security concepts — enough to understand what 'risky' looks like in a SaaS or cloud context.
- Hands-on experience with Clickhouse or Databricks.
- Familiarity with SaaS platforms such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, or Okta — from any angle (admin, engineering, or security).
- Understanding of identity and authentication concepts: OAuth, SAML, SSO, and directory services.
- Experience working with security telemetry — audit logs, API event streams, or similar.
- Interest in AI/LLM platforms and how they introduce new security considerations.
Why join us:
- Work on a genuinely novel problem — securing SaaS and AI platforms is one of the fastest-moving areas in enterprise security.
- Become a domain expert by learning from the industry's leading SaaS security team.
- Ideas move fast here — you'll go from concept to customer impact in weeks, not quarters.
- Work for a Silicon Valley-headquartered company without leaving Manchester — hybrid working, with a team and product that operates at the highest level globally.
- Join a team that values engineering craft and gives you the space to do the work properly.
Employee Benefits
Our competitive benefits packages are designed to support our employees' well-being, both at work and at home.
Pay Transparency
Please note that the base pay range is a guideline and for candidates who receive an offer, the base pay will vary based on factors such as work location, as well as the knowledge, skills and experience of the candidate. In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is eligible for equity awards and may be eligible for sales commission or incentive compensation based on the role or function within the company.
At Obsidian, we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and hire for talent, passion, and compassion.
Base Salary Range: £91,000 - £106,000 GBP
Senior Security Data Engineer in Manchester employer: Obsidian Security
Obsidian Security is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Manchester where innovation meets security. Employees benefit from competitive compensation, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for personal and professional growth while tackling cutting-edge challenges in SaaS and AI security. Join a team that values engineering excellence and fosters a culture of collaboration, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Security Data Engineer in Manchester
✨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 Obsidian Security, 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 Obsidian Security
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Obsidian Security. 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 Data Engineer in Manchester
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 Obsidian Security 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 Obsidian Security that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Obsidian Security
✨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 Obsidian Security 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 Obsidian Security.
✨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.