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Principal Security Research Engineer

Location: Austin, TX, Remote

Department : Security Research

Reports to: VP of SpyCloud Labs

Company Mission: SpyCloud is dedicated to making the internet a safer place by disrupting the criminal underground. Our solutions thwart cyberattacks originating from stolen credentials, access details, and PII, protecting over 2 billion accounts daily. Join SpyCloud to be at the forefront of cybersecurity and grow your career while contributing to a fantastic mission.

What You’ll Do: The Principal Security Research Engineer is responsible for building automation and internal tooling to facilitate the collection of recaptured third-party breach and malware data. This role, within SpyCloud Labs, supports a hybrid workforce and focuses on improving data acquisition processes and workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

Data Collection and Targeting:

• Support teams in targeting and collecting recaptured underground data.
• Build pipelines to acquire data from various sources and integrate them into SpyCloud's recaptured data workflow.

Performance Indicators:

• Successful targeting and collection of relevant underground data.
• Efficient and reliable data acquisition pipelines integrated into the workflow.

Subject Matter Expertise and Documentation:

• Serve as the subject matter expert on Security Research Engineering and data acquisition processes.
• Document activities clearly to support the data analysis process.

Performance Indicators:

• High-quality documentation supporting data analysis.
• Recognition as a subject matter expert within the team.

Workflow and Pipeline Improvement:

• Continuously improve the recaptured data workflow and ETL pipelines.
• Collaborate effectively with the Security Research Engineering Coordinator.

Performance Indicators:

• Enhanced efficiency and reliability of the data workflow and ETL pipelines.
• Positive feedback from the Security Research Engineering Coordinator and team.

Communication and Reporting:

• Communicate effectively within the SpyCloud Labs team and with various business leaders.
• Deliver periodic updates on the progress of research and data collection efforts.

Performance Indicators:

• Clear and effective communication with team members and business leaders.
• Regular, insightful updates on research progress and data collection.

Security Research and Mentorship:

• Participate in security research, investigating threat actors, malware, and other critical areas.
• Mentor junior security researchers and engineers, providing code reviews and professional development guidance.

Performance Indicators:

• High-impact security research contributing to SpyCloud's priorities.
• Positive development and performance of junior researchers and engineers.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Experience:
• 5+ years in a Senior or Principal role within cybersecurity research.
• 6-8 years of professional experience as a Python developer.
• Proven experience in acquiring and processing malware-exfiltrated data.
• Experience using data science to analyze datasets for detecting fraud or cyberthreats.
• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, in Math, Science, Engineering, or Business fields.
• Skills:
• Strong understanding of the criminal underground and data trading on the clearnet, deep, and dark web.
• Self-directed with the ability to identify and deliver tasks independently.
• Critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Highly self-directed, empathetic, curious, and flexible.
• Ability to manage multiple contexts as business needs change.

Nice to Have:

• Experience working with large enterprises in delivering security analytics products.
• Proficiency with databases (relational or NoSQL) and designing efficient database architecture.

Performance Indicators:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement long-term plans for data acquisition and security research.
• Execution Excellence: Strong focus on delivering high-quality results.
• Collaboration: Building strong relationships and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Innovation: Driving continuous improvement in data workflows and research methodologies.
• Customer Focus: Deep understanding of customer needs and commitment to delivering value through research.

Expected Outcomes:

• Efficient and effective data acquisition processes supporting SpyCloud's mission.
• Continuous improvement in data workflow and ETL pipelines.
• High-impact security research and strong mentorship contributing to team growth and success.

We are not currently sponsoring Visas for candidates.

Benefits + Perks

We also look to ensure all SpyCloud employees have the support and benefits they need to stay focused on the mission. In addition to our engaging workspace in South Austin, flexible and remote-friendly work options, and competitive salary package, we also offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

401(k)

Health, Vision and Dental Insurance

Generous PTO Plan

In-office meals provided

Who We Are

SpyCloud is a place for innovative, collaborative and problem-solvers to thrive. Individually we’re amazing but together, we’re unstoppable. We celebrate diversity and various perspectives and aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action “at will” employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. SpyCloud complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Our culture is something really special. We support a truly worthy and serious mission, but we have fun doing it together. If you are driven, inventive, and collaborative, you’ll fit right in. To learn more and see insights on your company’s exposed data, visit spycloud.com.

SpyCloud expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment. Improper interference with the ability of SpyCloud's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

SpyCloud shares the right to work and participates in the E-Verify program in all locations.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us.

SpyCloud’s Recruitment Policy: We will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with SpyCloud to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing SpyCloud should email careers@spycloud.com.

Compensation Transparency Policy: At SpyCloud, we believe in transparency and fairness in compensation. We strive to ensure that all employees are fairly compensated for their contributions, and we openly discuss our compensation philosophy and structure. We are committed to providing competitive salaries and benefits packages to attract and retain top talent, and we encourage open dialogue and feedback regarding compensation matters.