At a Glance
- Tasks: Build AI-driven systems for vulnerability research and exploit development.
- Company: Exciting early-stage startup backed by top-tier investors and elite tech talent.
- Benefits: Full relocation support, competitive salary, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Work in Washington, D.C. with potential for Tel Aviv office opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a small, dynamic team and make a real impact in offensive cyber security.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of engineering experience or exceptional new grads with low-level systems skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
A well‑funded early‑stage startup is building the systems behind AI‑driven vulnerability research and exploit development. The team is small, technical, and moving fast. They are backed by tier‑1 US investors and include alumni of frontier AI labs, elite US intelligence agencies, top Israeli intelligence units, and a defense tech unicorn. This is not a prompt engineering role. The work is close to the metal. You will own problems end to end, optimize for real hardware, and ship production systems where performance and correctness are not negotiable.
The Team Is Hiring Two Adjacent Profiles:
- Vulnerability researchers with deep low‑level systems chops and a CTF or exploitation background.
- Systems engineers with strong low‑level builder instincts, whether or not they have done formal vulnerability research.
What You Will Own:
- Build production systems that conduct AI‑driven vulnerability research and exploit development at scale.
- Work at the level of OS internals, kernel‑level interfaces, and low‑level performance optimization.
- Own problems end to end across architecture, implementation, and shipped production code.
- Partner directly with vulnerability researchers, security operators, and the broader engineering team to turn manual cyber operations into automated, repeatable systems.
- Help define the standards and operating cadence of a team that intends to set the bar for AI‑native offensive cyber.
Must have:
- 2+ years of engineering experience. Exceptional new grads with demonstrated low‑level systems work are also welcome to apply.
- Deep low‑level systems experience. This means OS internals, kernel work, runtime detection, dynamic analysis, dynamic interception, or directly comparable work.
- Strong builder mindset. Comfortable owning systems end to end and shipping production code where performance and correctness matter.
- Genuine comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty. This is the most important cultural requirement.
- Willing to be in person in Washington, D.C. five days a week. Full relocation support provided. Tel Aviv office may be an option for the right candidate.
Nice to have:
- Vulnerability research, CTF, or prior offensive security experience.
- High ranking on ctftime.org or a comparable competitive platform.
- Published research or notable CVEs.
- Prior founder or early‑engineer experience.
- Open source contributions to OS‑level tooling.
- Engineering experience at a cyber or security startup, especially in runtime detection, dynamic analysis, or operating system tooling.
- Exposure to ML or AI systems work.
Who This Is For:
This role suits people who get excited rather than anxious at the prospect of jumping on a flight halfway around the world on short notice. The kind of engineer who wants to help build a generational company, not just join one.
AI Systems Engineer (Offensive Cyber) employer: Snatch UP Jobs
Join a dynamic early-stage startup in Washington, D.C., where innovation meets impact in the realm of AI-driven vulnerability research. With full relocation support and a culture that thrives on collaboration and technical excellence, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside elite professionals from top intelligence agencies and contribute to groundbreaking projects. This is not just a job; it's a chance to be part of a team that is setting new standards in offensive cyber operations while fostering your personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Systems Engineer (Offensive Cyber)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to low-level systems or AI. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of OS internals and kernel-level interfaces. Practice coding challenges and system design questions to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace AI Systems Engineer (Offensive Cyber)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Low-Level Systems:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience with low-level systems. We want to see your enthusiasm for OS internals and kernel work, so share any relevant projects or experiences that showcase your skills!
Be Clear About Your Builder Mindset:We love engineers who take ownership of their work! In your application, emphasise your ability to own problems end to end and ship production code. Give us examples of how you've tackled challenges and delivered results in past projects.
Embrace Ambiguity:This role requires a comfort with uncertainty, so don’t shy away from discussing times when you’ve navigated ambiguous situations. Share how you approached these challenges and what you learned from them – it’ll show us you’re the right fit for our fast-paced environment!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Snatch UP Jobs
✨Know Your Low-Level Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of OS internals and kernel-level interfaces. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've optimised performance or tackled complex problems. This role is all about getting close to the metal, so show them you can handle it!
✨Show Off Your Builder Mindset
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in owning systems end to end. Talk about how you've shipped production code and the challenges you faced along the way. They want to see that you're not just a coder but a problem-solver who thrives in ambiguity.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Cybersecurity
If you have any vulnerability research or CTF experience, make sure to bring it up! Share your achievements, whether it's high rankings on competitive platforms or published research. This will show your genuine interest in offensive security and set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready for a Fast-Paced Environment
This startup is moving quickly, so be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to rapid changes in previous roles. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with teams and how you can contribute to defining standards in a dynamic setting. They want someone who can keep up and help lead the charge!
