Principal Vulnerability Engineer

Principal Vulnerability Engineer

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
watchTowr

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct hands-on vulnerability research and build innovative security tools.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing cybersecurity company dedicated to protecting major enterprises.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, growth opportunities, and access to top-notch tools.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in vulnerability research and software engineering required.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.

We’re looking for a Principal Vulnerability Engineer that understands the full lifecycle from discovery to detection to deployment. You’ll split your time between hands‑on vulnerability research, building production‑quality tooling, and pushing the boundaries of how LLMs can accelerate offensive security workflows. This isn’t a pure vulnerability research role or a pure engineering role – it’s both, and more.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct security research across both 0‑days and n‑days, reverse‑engineering patches and performing analysis via patch diffing across both source‑available and binary‑only targets.
  • Build and maintain internal tooling for automated vulnerability discovery, exploit validation, and detection signature generation.
  • Design and implement production‑grade LLM‑powered workflows that accelerate vulnerability research.
  • Focus on high‑impact vulnerabilities that would have a material impact on our clients, such as Remote Code Execution.
  • Support speaking at conferences and presenting research to the world.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of real‑world experience in a mix of vulnerability research and software engineering.
  • Demonstrated track record of original 0‑day vulnerability discovery with public advisories or CVEs.
  • Experience with n‑day research and patch diffing, having a working PoC before the write‑up landed.
  • Competence across both web and binary vulnerability classes.
  • Production‑grade software engineering experience, with code deployed to production, ideally in Python.
  • Proven experience with common security tooling such as Burp Suite, Ghidra/IDA, debuggers, fuzzers, and related ecosystem.
  • Hands‑on experience using LLMs to improve research or engineering workflow.
  • Exposure to startups or high‑growth scale‑ups, comfortable navigating ambiguity and fast‑changing priorities.
  • Ability to thrive under pressure and adapt to shifting priorities.
  • Proactive, collaborative, and ownership‑driven mindset.
  • Passion for continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Quick learner able to apply new concepts effectively.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation.
  • Meaningful role in a fast‑growing cybersecurity business that helps protect some of the world’s largest enterprises.
  • Access to the best tools and a powerful kit to effectively fulfil your role.
  • Endless opportunities for promotion and growth as the company scales.
  • Opportunity to work with cyber security experts on cutting‑edge industry‑wide challenges.

Equal Opportunity Employer

watchTowr is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. At watchTowr, we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment where every individual is recognized for their talent and potential. Our hiring decisions are guided by your capabilities, experience, and what you bring to the role – not by unrelated personal attributes. We have a zero‑tolerance approach to any form of discrimination or harassment. This includes – but isn’t limited to – discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, colour, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Even if you don’t tick every box in the job description, we’d still love to hear from you.

Principal Vulnerability Engineer employer: watchTowr

At watchTowr, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Principal Vulnerability Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in a fast-growing cybersecurity firm, with access to cutting-edge tools and endless opportunities for professional growth. Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity ensures that every team member is valued, making this an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity landscape.

watchTowr

Contact Detail:

watchTowr Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Vulnerability Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the cybersecurity community, attend meetups, and connect with professionals 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 showcasing your vulnerability research projects, tools you've built, or any cool exploits you've discovered. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common vulnerability scenarios and be ready to discuss your past experiences. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms – it shows you really understand your stuff!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Vulnerability Engineer

Vulnerability Research
Reverse Engineering
Patch Diffing
Automated Vulnerability Discovery
Exploit Validation
Detection Signature Generation
LLM-Powered Workflows

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for vulnerability research and engineering shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in the field and how you can contribute to our mission at StudySmarter.

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in both vulnerability research and software engineering. We’re looking for a mix of skills, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements and projects that align with the role.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the Principal Vulnerability Engineer position.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at watchTowr

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your vulnerability research and software engineering skills. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in 0-day and n-day vulnerabilities, and be ready to discuss your past experiences with specific examples. This role requires a mix of both research and engineering, so be prepared to showcase your expertise in both areas.

Show Off Your Tools

Be ready to talk about the security tools you’ve used, like Burp Suite or Ghidra. If you've built any internal tooling for automated vulnerability discovery, make sure to highlight that. Discuss how these tools have helped you in your previous roles and how you envision using them in this new position.

LLMs Are Your Friends

Since this role involves leveraging LLMs to enhance workflows, come prepared with examples of how you've used them in your work. Whether it’s improving research efficiency or automating tasks, showing your hands-on experience with LLMs will set you apart from other candidates.

Cultural Fit Matters

This company values collaboration and a proactive mindset. Be ready to share examples of how you've thrived in fast-paced environments or adapted to changing priorities. Highlight your passion for continuous improvement and innovation, as these traits align well with their company culture.