Chief Engineer, AI Cyber Capabilities (Equity)

Snatch UP Jobs; New York (NY); On-site; USD 230,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Job summary

Zealot Labs in New York, NY, is seeking a Head of Engineering to own the technical direction and execution of the engineering organization. This on-site role offers high ownership and meaningful equity as part of a fast‑moving, security‑focused startup.

You will lead a team of elite researchers and engineers, set standards and culture, and work directly with founders to translate strategic objectives into practical engineering outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven technical leadership in cyber R&D, vulnerability research, Windows internals research, embedded R&D, or implant development.
• Background in offensive security research at NSA/USCYBERCOM or defense contractors.
• Hands-on credibility earned through work, not titles.
• Ability to recruit, retain, and develop elite technical talent.
• Strong judgment on technical risk, prioritization, and resource allocation.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical direction and execution of the engineering organization.
• Lead, grow, and manage a team of security researchers and engineers building AI-driven cyber capabilities.
• Set engineering standards, priorities, and culture across the company.
• Drive architecture decisions across the platform from firmware emulation to effects delivery.
• Work directly with the founders to translate strategic objectives into engineering reality.

Skills

Technical leadership

Offensive security

Credibility

Talent development

Risk judgment

Job description

Zealot Labs in New York, NY, is seeking a Head of Engineering to own the technical direction and execution of the engineering organization. This on-site role offers high ownership and meaningful equity as part of a fast‑moving, security‑focused startup.

You will lead a team of elite researchers and engineers, set standards and culture, and work directly with founders to translate strategic objectives into practical engineering outcomes.