Lead Security Engineer

Lead Security Engineer

Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Ocho People

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead security engineering and testing, guiding a growing team in a dynamic cyber security environment.
  • Company: Join a rapidly expanding cyber security team led by a quality-focused CISO.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid/remote work, share options, 35 days annual leave, and private health benefits.
  • Other info: Be part of a vibrant team culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in security while mentoring junior engineers and shaping best practices.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in securing web applications, cloud platforms, and strong knowledge of security standards.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

Lead Security Engineer

A senior technical role leading security engineering and testing within a cyber security team that has doubled in size over the past six months and is continuing to grow.

The Opportunity

This is a genuinely exciting moment to join.

The team has gone from 6 to 16 people in six months, with plans to reach 30 to 35 within the year.

It is led by a CISO who is quality-focused and culturally driven, building a commercially credible, specialist-led security practice rather than hiring for headcount.

The Role

You will lead security engineering and testing efforts, setting direction on methodology, tooling, and engagement scoping.

Working alongside agile delivery teams, you will embed good security practice throughout the software development lifecycle, advise clients directly, and help grow the skills of more junior engineers.

  • Day-to-day
  • Lead security testing engagements, including penetration tests on web applications, networks, and infrastructure.
  • Define and evolve our security testing methodology, outputs, and tool selection.
  • Conduct source code reviews and embed security into CI/CD pipelines.
  • Coach and develop a small team, supporting performance and career growth.
  • Advise customers and colleagues on security best practice, translating complexity for varied audiences.

Experience

  • Expertise securing web applications and cloud platforms (AWS or Azure).
  • Hands-on experience with manual and automated security testing tools.
  • Strong knowledge of security standards such as NCSC, NIST, OWASP ASVS, GDPR, and PCI.
  • Familiarity with common attack vectors including OWASP Top 10, XSS, SQL injection, and MITM.
  • Experience in Continuous Security, CI, and CD practices.
  • Proven ability to mentor and develop team members.
  • Comfortable advising clients directly and communicating clearly with non-technical audiences.

Desirable

  • Penetration testing qualification such as OSCP, CREST, or TIGER.
  • Experience with tools including Burp Suite, OWASP-ZAP, Nmap, Nessus, or Metasploit.
  • Background working in agile delivery or consultancy environments.
  • Active involvement in the security community.

Package

  • Share options
  • Hybrid/Remote working - Belfast
  • 35 days annual leave inc stat
  • Enhanced pension scheme
  • Private health
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Lead Security Engineer employer: Ocho People

Ocho People is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture in Belfast, perfect for those looking to advance their careers in finance. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer study support alongside competitive salaries and benefits, ensuring our team members thrive both professionally and personally in a fast-paced environment.

Ocho People

Contact Details:

Ocho People Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Security Engineer

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 Ocho People, 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 Ocho People

Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Ocho People. 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

Security Engineering
Penetration Testing
Web Application Security
Cloud Security (AWS or Azure)
Manual and Automated Security Testing Tools
Security Standards (NCSC, NIST, OWASP ASVS, GDPR, PCI)
Continuous 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 Ocho People 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 Ocho People that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ocho People

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 Ocho People 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 Ocho People.

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.