At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead application security and drive change in secure software development.
- Company: Fast-growing global SaaS business based in Belfast.
- Benefits: Discretionary bonus, hybrid/remote options, 35 days annual leave, enhanced pension, private health.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge security tools and grow your career.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security culture and mentor engineers in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in application security, strong coding skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We're working with a fast-growing global SaaS business to find a Staff Application Security Engineer based in Belfast. This is a senior, high-impact hire that will act as the security lead for the Belfast office and wider UK region, sitting at the intersection of technical expertise, engineering partnership, and security leadership.
The Role
Reporting into the Senior Manager of Information Security, you'll own the application security programme across a global engineering organisation. This isn't a purely advisory position; you'll be hands-on, embedded with engineering teams, and expected to drive real change across the secure software development lifecycle. You'll work closely with Principal Engineers to influence technical direction, lead vulnerability remediation efforts, manage relationships with penetration testing vendors, and champion a security-first culture across the business.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading application security across the full SDLC, including threat modelling, secure code review, and security architecture consultation
- Owning the enterprise secrets management programme, defining standards and implementing solutions across all environments
- Partnering with offensive security and pen test vendors to identify, validate, and remediate vulnerabilities
- Driving adoption of security tooling including SAST, DAST, Snyk, and related platforms
- Mentoring engineers and building security awareness and maturity across global teams
- Supporting incident response and providing deep technical expertise during security investigations
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years hands-on application security experience, including secure code review, threat modelling, and AppSec tooling
- Strong engineering foundations -- this role requires someone who can partner with Principal Engineers as a technical peer
- Experience with secrets management at enterprise scale
- Proficiency in Python, Bash, or Go for automation and custom tooling
- Familiarity with OWASP Top 10 and proven ability to architect remediation solutions
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders across multiple global offices
- A track record of mentoring senior engineers and raising security maturity
Desirable
- Experience with Snyk or similar SCA/SAST platforms
- AWS or GCP security operations experience, particularly serverless and containerised environments
- DevSecOps background and CI/CD pipeline security experience
- Security certifications such as CSSLP, GWEB, or eCPPT
Package:
- Discretionary bonus
- Hybrid or remote options available - based
- 35 days annual leave inc stat
- Enhanced pension
- Private health
Please apply now if you are meeting the above criteria or contact Andrew Harrison directly.
Benefits:
- Work From Home
Staff Application Security Engineer in Belfast employer: Ocho
Join a fast-growing global SaaS business in Belfast as a Staff Application Security Engineer, where you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the security landscape of our engineering teams. We offer a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation, alongside generous benefits such as a discretionary bonus, enhanced pension, and private health coverage. With opportunities for hybrid or remote work and a commitment to employee growth through mentorship and hands-on involvement, this is an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in application security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Application Security Engineer in Belfast
✨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, 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
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Ocho. 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 Staff Application Security Engineer in Belfast
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 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 that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocho
✨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 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.
✨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.
