At a Glance
- Tasks: Build security foundations for AI systems and embed security into every line of code.
- Company: Join WRITER, a leader in AI security innovation.
- Benefits: Health plans, parental leave, hybrid work, stock options, and generous PTO.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on growth and empowering developers.
- Why this job: Shape the future of enterprise AI security and tackle unique challenges.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in application security and knowledge of security tools and programming languages.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
This is where security meets innovation at enterprise scale. As a security engineer at WRITER, you’ll be building the security foundations that protect the AI systems powering some of the world’s most recognizable brands. You’ll work at the intersection of application security, AI infrastructure, and developer enablement—partnering with engineering teams to embed security into every line of code while ensuring our platform remains both powerful and trustworthy.
The opportunity is massive: you’ll help define how enterprise AI applications are secured, from threat modeling our LLM architectures to building automated security controls that scale across our growing platform. This isn’t about saying “no”—it’s about finding creative ways to say “yes, and here’s how we do it securely.” You’ll tackle challenges that most security engineers never encounter: securing AI agents, protecting training data pipelines, and designing controls for systems that didn’t exist a few years ago.
This role is hybrid from our London office, reporting to the head of security engineering. Build security into the DNA of our AI platform by conducting threat modeling sessions with product teams, designing secure architectures for new features, and ensuring security considerations shape product decisions from day one—not after the fact.
Own and evolve our application security program including establishing and maintaining SAST/DAST scanning in CI/CD pipelines, conducting security code reviews for critical changes, and building automation that catches vulnerabilities before they reach production. Partner with engineering teams to establish and champion secure coding standards, creating reusable security patterns and libraries that make it easier for developers to build securely by default.
Design and recommend security features and products that help secure customer environments. You are the advocate and the vision for how we protect and secure customers. Integrate and leverage AI agents to help increase velocity for the security team and the overarching engineering organisation to ensure that we are proactive in minimising risk while we build products.
Lead security assessments and penetration testing of WRITER’s applications, AI services, and APIs, identifying vulnerabilities across our tech stack and working collaboratively with teams to remediate issues at scale. Design and implement security controls for protecting data pipelines, model training environments, and customer-facing AI agents. Stay ahead of emerging threats in the AI/ML security landscape, researching attack vectors specific to LLMs and generative AI, and proactively building defenses against novel risks.
Benefits:
- Health: Selection of employer-covered medical plans, plus dental, vision, life insurance, and FSA.
- Family-friendly: Competitive parental leave policy, working parents can truly own their schedules.
- Hybrid culture: We’re built around a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work when needed.
- Finance: Company stock options, plus a 401k plan with employer contributions.
- Growth: Learning and development stipend and generous PTO.
- Office space: Three beautiful sunny offices in three incredibly exciting cities.
Alignment with WRITER’s values of Connect (building strong relationships across teams), Challenge (pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in AI security), and Own (taking end-to-end responsibility for the security of our platform).
Qualifications:
- 4+ years of hands-on experience in application security engineering, with a proven track record of securing large-scale production systems—bonus points if you’ve worked in fast-growing startups or high-growth environments.
- Knowledge of security tools and methodologies including SAST/DAST solutions, vulnerability management platforms, security testing frameworks, and DevSecOps practices—you know which tools to use and when automation beats manual review.
- Technical expertise in at least two programming languages (Python, Java, Go, JavaScript/TypeScript) and the ability to read and review code across multiple languages, understanding both business logic and security implications.
- Understanding of developer experience and developer workflows for shipping features and products. You care deeply about reducing risk while considering the velocity of engineers.
- Excellent communication skills that allow you to translate complex security concepts into clear recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences—you can explain why something matters and motivate teams to action.
- A builder’s mindset that looks for opportunities to automate, scale, and empower rather than create bottlenecks—you understand that security enables the business, not blocks it.
Security Engineer (Application Security, United Kingdom) employer: Writer
At WRITER, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work alongside industry leaders in AI security. Located in a vibrant tech hub, we offer competitive benefits and a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact the future of AI infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Engineer (Application Security, United Kingdom)
✨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 Writer, 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 Writer
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Writer. 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 (Application Security, United Kingdom)
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 Writer 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 Writer that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Writer
✨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 Writer 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 Writer.
✨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.