At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape security for an AI-native company and build innovative security frameworks.
- Company: Join Zinc, a forward-thinking tech company focused on data ownership.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days holiday, early finish Fridays, and a GBP 1200 annual benefits allowance.
- Other info: Work remotely, enjoy company retreats, and celebrate your milestones with us.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security in a fast-paced, AI-driven environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in security engineering with cloud security experience (AWS).
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 85000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Application Deadline: 26 June 2026
Department: Tech - Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Zinc - London
Compensation: GBP 80,000 - GBP 85,000 / year
We're hiring a Security Engineer to run our org-wide technical security posture as Zinc scales. We're an AI-native company. We use Claude, Cursor, Granola, and n8n across the business and we need someone who can build the security frameworks that let us move fast without taking on unacceptable risk. This is NOT a GRC or compliance role. We have ISO 27001. What we need is someone who builds security controls and capabilities, helping to establish things like our AI tool governance process, and embeds secure-by-design thinking into how we build and operate. If you want to write policies and sit in a compliance function, this isn't the right fit. If you want to shape how a genuinely AI-native business does security, keep reading.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and continuously improve our org-wide security posture
- Build our AI tool adoption security review and approval process
- Lead secure-by-design engineering practices across Tech, Ops, and Customer teams
- Maintain and develop our cloud security posture (AWS)
- Manage incidents, tooling, integrations, projects, vulnerability & threat hunting
- Conduct third-party tool risk assessments
- Manage the transition from our outgoing contractor CISO
- Influence security culture across the business without direct line authority
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential:
- Security engineering background – you identify and build controls, not just document them.
- Cloud security experience (AWS)
- Familiarity with security/architecture frameworks
- Secure-by-design engineering principles
- 3+ years in a security engineering role
- Ability to influence without authority and communicate security risk in plain language
Desirable:
- Experience securing AI tools and LLM-based systems
- Vulnerability or Threat Hunting inside SaaS environments
- ISO 27001 working knowledge (we're already certified)
- SaaS company experience
What we offer
- Zinc offers a chance to work on a product that brings a fresh perspective on data ownership in hiring
- 24 days holiday + Bank Holidays + your birthday off
- GBP 1200 annual benefits allowance (ThanksBen, from month 2)
- Early finish Fridays (16:00)
- Yearly company retreat abroad (This year it's Turin)
- 30 days to Work from anywhere
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Leave (2 months full pay, then statutory)
- Statutory pension with NEST (3% employer, 5% employee)
- Zinc shares, issued through the EMI Scheme
- Unlimited access to MoreHappi coaching
- Company socials, quarterly team socials
- Free Monday lunches
- Nursery workplace benefit scheme (Yellownest)
- Option to lease an electric car through Electric Car Scheme
- Celebrated Zinc anniversaries
AI‑Native Security Engineer: Secure‑by‑Design & Cloud (AWS) employer: Zinc
Zinc is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, particularly for those passionate about shaping security in an AI-native environment. With generous benefits such as 24 days of holiday plus bank holidays, early finish Fridays, and a yearly company retreat, employees are encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance while growing their careers. The opportunity to influence security practices across the organisation and work with cutting-edge technology makes Zinc a truly rewarding place to advance your professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI‑Native Security Engineer: Secure‑by‑Design & Cloud (AWS)
✨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 put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to security engineering and cloud security. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do beyond your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common security scenarios and questions. Think about how you would handle specific incidents or build security frameworks. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us at Zinc. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which we really appreciate.
We think you need these skills to ace AI‑Native Security Engineer: Secure‑by‑Design & Cloud (AWS)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Security Skills:Make sure to highlight your security engineering background in your application. We want to see how you've built controls and not just documented them. Share specific examples of your cloud security experience, especially with AWS!
Emphasise Secure-by-Design Thinking:Since we're all about secure-by-design principles, let us know how you've implemented these in past projects. We love seeing candidates who can integrate security into the development process, so don't hold back on those details!
Keep It Clear and Concise:When you're writing your application, remember to communicate your security risk knowledge in plain language. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your expertise.
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’re considered for this exciting role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zinc
✨Know Your Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your security engineering knowledge, especially around cloud security and secure-by-design principles. Be ready to discuss specific frameworks and how you've implemented security controls in past roles.
✨Showcase Your AI Tool Experience
Since this role involves securing AI tools, highlight any relevant experience you have with AI-native systems or LLM-based technologies. Prepare examples of how you've approached security in these contexts to demonstrate your fit for the position.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to influence without authority, so practice explaining complex security concepts in plain language. Think about how you can convey security risks and solutions effectively to non-technical stakeholders during the interview.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
Zinc values a strong security culture, so be prepared to discuss how you've influenced security practices in previous roles. Share examples of how you've fostered a security mindset within teams, even when you didn't have direct authority.
