At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and execute assessments of AI applications to combat modern security threats.
- Company: Join Refractal, an innovative AI security company tackling autonomous threats.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, private medical cover, and relocation support.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth in the AI security field.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in securing AI systems against evolving threats.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience in offensive security and a solid understanding of web applications.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 125000 £ per year.
Refractal is an AI security company building the infrastructure organisations need to defend against autonomous AI threats. 2026 has shown that generally capable intelligence is here. The challenge now is modernising security to stop AI-enabled threats, whether they come from internal agents going rogue or from attackers using AI to become more dangerous.
Responsibilities:
- Design and execute assessments of AI applications and agents, grounded in realistic attacker goals and clearly defined test scope.
- Test realistic threats such as indirect prompt injection, misuse of connected tools, sensitive data exposure and attempts to cross permission boundaries.
- Build reproducible test cases and small testing tools that demonstrate security impact and distinguish reliable failures from one-off outputs.
- Analyse how model behaviour, application design, identity and permissions combine to create vulnerabilities.
- Document findings, recommend practical mitigations and retest fixes with the engineers responsible for the affected systems.
Requirements:
- Hands-on experience in offensive security, application security testing or adversarial testing of AI systems.
- A solid understanding of web applications, APIs, authentication, authorisation and common security failure modes.
- An understanding of how AI applications use prompts, retrieved information, memory and connected tools, and where trust boundaries arise.
- The ability to write code that automates testing, reproduces findings and inspects application behaviour.
- Good judgement around test scope and sensitive data, and the ability to explain technical findings in terms of practical impact.
Desirable:
- Experience assessing LLM applications, agent workflows or systems that retrieve external content.
- Experience building security evaluation suites or testing proposed mitigations systematically.
- Experience combining application testing with cloud, identity or infrastructure security assessment.
Conditions:
- Salary: £65,000–£125,000
- Competitive equity to share in Refractal's growth
- Pension contribution
- Private medical and dental cover
- Visa and relocation support
Security engineer in London employer: Refractal
Refractal is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the field of AI security. As a founding AI Research Engineer, you will join a dynamic team with unparalleled expertise from prestigious institutions and have the opportunity to shape the future of AI safety while enjoying competitive compensation, equity, and a culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in London. With direct access to high-stakes projects and a clear path for career advancement, Refractal offers a unique environment for ambitious individuals eager to drive real-world change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security engineer in London
✨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 Refractal, 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 Refractal
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Refractal. 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 Security engineer in London
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 Refractal 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 Refractal that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Refractal
✨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 Refractal 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 Refractal.
✨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.
