At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our X-OPS team to analyse and combat advanced cyber threats.
- Company: Sophos, a global leader in cybersecurity innovation.
- Benefits: Remote-first work model, diverse culture, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in threat research and strong scripting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About Us
Sophos is a global leader and innovator of advanced security solutions for defeating cyberattacks. The company acquired Secureworks in February 2025, bringing together two pioneers that have redefined the cybersecurity industry with their innovative, native AI-optimized services, technologies and products. Sophos is now the largest pure-play Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider, supporting more than 28,000 organizations. In addition to MDR and other services, Sophos’ complete portfolio includes industry-leading endpoint, network, email, and cloud security that interoperate and adapt to defend through the Sophos Central platform. Secureworks provides the innovative, market-leading Taegis XDR/MDR, identity threat detection and response (ITDR), next-gen SIEM capabilities, managed risk, and a comprehensive set of advisory services. Sophos sells all these solutions through reseller partners, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) worldwide, defending more than 600,000 organizations worldwide from phishing, ransomware, data theft, and other everyday and state-sponsored cybercrimes. The solutions are powered by historical and real-time threat intelligence from Sophos X-Ops and the newly added Counter Threat Unit (CTU). Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K.
Role Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Detection Engineer to join our X-OPS team. In this role, you will be responsible for analyzing advanced security threats—ranging from malware to complex web attacks and translating threat intelligence into high-fidelity detections across our platform. Your work will help ensure our analysts and clients receive highly accurate, actionable alerts with minimal noise. You will leverage data from over 40 third-party and internal sources, partner with our CTU Threat Intelligence team, and use a range of scripting and automation tools to strengthen detection capabilities. The ideal candidate is a hands-on security practitioner with a deep understanding of endpoint behaviour, malware analysis, and detection development who thrives in fast-paced, technical environments.
What you will do
- Develop countermeasures to detect advanced threats based on research and intelligence from the CTU team.
- Analyze endpoint behaviours and logs to design detections using multi-source telemetry.
- Continuously refine and monitor detection rules to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio for alerts.
- Research and implement alert handling for new device ingestions, ensuring high-value signal delivery.
- Leverage internal tooling to distinguish native from standard integrations for detection accuracy.
- Collaborate on the development of internal tools, automation, and detection infrastructure.
- Act as a subject matter expert across departments including Product Management, Marketing, and Labs Research.
What you will bring
Essential skills- Strong passion for cybersecurity research and the ability to quickly learn emerging technologies.
- 10+ years of relevant experience in threat research, 5+ years in detection writing.
- Hands-on experience in scripting languages (PowerShell, Bash, Python) and use of Python data science libraries (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib).
- Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, testing frameworks, and automation principles.
- Proficiency in analyzing logs from firewalls, proxies, and security infrastructure to identify anomalies.
- Familiarity with event logs, traffic pattern anomalies, and threat hunting methodologies.
- Strong understanding of endpoint detection, Linux/Unix and Windows OS internals, vulnerability identification, and workflow automation.
- Experience with event correlation and incident reconstruction using log data is a plus.
- Network traffic analysis skills, including identification of anomalous or malicious traits is a plus.
- Solid grasp of database querying, systems architecture, and process automation for operational improvements is a nice to have.
- Experience in malware analysis, including static/dynamic techniques and reverse engineering (IA32/64, ARM binaries).
- Forensic analysis of memory and disk images across various OS and file system types.
Ready to Join Us?
At Sophos, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives to fuel innovation. Research shows that candidates sometimes hesitate to apply if they don't check every box in a job description. We challenge that notion. Your unique experiences and skills might be exactly what we need to enhance our team. Don't let a checklist hold you back – we encourage you to apply.
What's Great About Sophos?
- Sophos operates a remote-first working model, making remote work the primary option for most employees. However, some roles may necessitate a hybrid approach.
- While we are a remote first organization, applicants must have legal authorization to work in the jurisdiction where the position is posted, without requiring employer sponsorship.
- Our people – we innovate and create, all of which are accompanied by a great sense of fun and team spirit.
- Employee-led diversity and inclusion networks that build community and provide education and advocacy.
- Annual charity and fundraising initiatives and volunteer days for employees to support local communities.
- Global employee sustainability initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint.
- Global fitness and trivia competitions to keep our bodies and minds sharp.
- Global wellbeing days for employees to relax and recharge.
- Monthly wellbeing webinars and training to support employee health and wellbeing.
Our Commitment To You
We’re proud of the diverse and inclusive environment we have at Sophos, and we’re committed to ensuring equality of opportunity. We believe that diversity, combined with excellence, builds a better Sophos, so we encourage applicants who can contribute to the diversity of our team. All applicants will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, sex, gender reassignment, marital status, race, religion or belief, colour, age, military veteran status, disability, pregnancy, maternity or sexual orientation. We want to give you every opportunity to show us your best self, so if there are any adjustments we could make to the recruitment and selection process to support you, please let us know.
Data Protection
If you choose to explore an opportunity, and subsequently share your CV or other personal details with Sophos, these details will be held by Sophos for 12 months in accordance with our Privacy Policy and used by our recruitment team to contact you regarding this or other relevant opportunities at Sophos. If you would like Sophos to delete or update your details at any time, please follow the steps set out in the Privacy Policy describing your individual rights. For more information on Sophos’ data protection practices, please consult our Privacy Policy.
Senior Threat Researcher- Threat Detection Engineer employer: Sophos Group
At Sophos, we pride ourselves on being a remote-first employer that fosters innovation and collaboration in the cybersecurity field. Our inclusive work culture encourages diverse perspectives, while our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in initiatives like global fitness competitions and monthly wellbeing webinars. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a focus on community engagement, joining our team as a Senior Threat Researcher means contributing to meaningful work that protects organizations worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Threat Researcher- Threat Detection Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the cybersecurity field. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, research, or any cool scripts you've developed. This is a great way to demonstrate your expertise and passion for threat detection and cybersecurity.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply blindly! Tailor your approach for each role. Research Sophos and understand their products and culture. When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight how your experience aligns with what we do.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions and scenarios related to threat detection. Practice explaining your thought process clearly, as communication is key in our fast-paced environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Threat Researcher- Threat Detection Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Threat Researcher role. Highlight your relevant experience in threat research and detection writing, as well as any hands-on scripting skills you have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about cybersecurity and how your unique experiences make you a great fit for our team. Don’t just repeat your CV; give us insights into your motivations and what excites you about this role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires a strong technical background, be sure to mention your experience with scripting languages and any tools you've used for threat detection. We want to see how you can contribute to our X-OPS team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Sophos!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sophos Group
✨Know Your Threats
Before the interview, dive deep into the latest trends in cybersecurity threats. Familiarise yourself with recent malware attacks and how they were detected. This will not only show your passion for the field but also demonstrate your proactive approach to threat research.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with scripting languages like Python, PowerShell, or Bash. Bring examples of how you've used these skills in past roles, especially in developing detection rules or analysing logs. Practical demonstrations can really set you apart!
✨Understand the Company’s Tools
Research Sophos’ products and services, particularly their Managed Detection and Response (MDR) offerings. Knowing how their solutions work and how they leverage AI for threat detection will help you align your answers with their needs during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle specific threats or incidents, and be ready to explain your thought process clearly. This will showcase your analytical skills and ability to think on your feet.
