Principal Application Security Engineer

Barracuda; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity (non-qualifying options)

High-quality health benefits

Retirement Plan with employer match

Career-growth opportunities

Flexible Time Off & PTO

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Barracuda is seeking a Principal Application Security Engineer to shape and lead our AppSec program. As the most senior member of the team, you will mentor colleagues, influence security strategy, and partner with product, engineering, and platform teams to embed security across the development lifecycle.

You will drive proactive guardrails, perform hands-on security assessments, and guide threat modeling and risk-based decisions across cloud-native workloads.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading product-focused Application Security programs.
• Hands-on security assessments, pen-testing, and secure coding reviews.
• Experience implementing threat modeling and risk-based decisions.

Responsibilities

• Shape, grow, and lead Barracuda’s Application Security program.
• Mentor team members and influence security direction across initiatives.
• Embed security across the development lifecycle with automation.
• Partner with product, platform, and engineering teams to drive security initiatives.

Skills

AppSec program leadership

Threat modeling

Penetration testing

Code review

Automation in security

Cross-functional collaboration

Excellent communication

Mentorship

Job description

Come join our passionate team! Barracuda is a leading cybersecurity company providing complete protection against complex threats. Our platform protects email, data, applications, and networks with innovative solutions, and a managed XDR service, to strengthen cyber resilience. Hundreds of thousands of IT professionals and managed service providers worldwide trust us to protect and support them with solutions that are easy to buy, deploy, and use.

We know a diverse workforce adds to our collective value and strength as an organization. Barracuda Networks is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to equal employment opportunity and equitable compensation regardless of race, gender, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.

Role Overview

As a Principal Application Security Engineer, you will be tasked with shaping, growing, and leading Barracuda’s Application Security program. Additionally, as the most senior member of the AppSec team, you will have the opportunity to provide mentorship to other team members and have a say in the direction of the overarching security program and initiatives.

Core Requirements

• 8-10+ years in product-focused AppSec: Able to move orgs from reactive pen-test/documentation-heavy to proactive guardrail-driven programs. Has a track record of embedding security across the development life cycle and reducing late-stage findings via automation and developer enablement.
• Strong understanding of modern AppSec and ProdSec concepts: Deep practical (hands‑on) knowledge of core security concepts across AppSec, ProdSec, and Cloud.
• Experience building/growing AppSec and ProdSec programs: Hands-on experience building or growing modern AppSec/ProdSec programs in a product environment.
• Hands-on experience owning long-term initiatives: Experience and a proven track record of owning workstreams, initiatives, or impactful project scope over an extended (year+) period.
• Proficient in Threat Modeling: Can facilitate lightweight, feature-level threat models, drive risk-based discussions, and flag high-risk changes across a broad spectrum of tech stacks and product designs.
• Hands-on security assessment experience: Has strong hands-on experience performing application penetration tests, conducting security-focused source code reviews, driving risk rating and vulnerability management processes.
• Programming proficiency: Proficient in at least two programming languages (TypeScript/JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, Go, etc.). Able to review code and provide framework-specific remediation guidance.
• Strong communication and presentation skills: Able to provide concise and practical developer-friendly guidance. Can partner with product, platform, and engineering leads to drive security initiatives. Comfortable leading short, outcome-focused design review discussions and security trainings.

Ideal Candidate Also Has

• A strong sense of ownership and community within the team
• Ability to build automation and successfully leverage AI to facilitate daily tasks
• Hands‑on experience building production‑grade software
• Experience working cross‑functionally with technical and non-technical teams

Nice-to-have

• Applicable certifications such as OSCP, OSCE, OSWE, etc.
• Previous management/leadership experience
• Excited and passionate about application security and software development.

What You’ll Get From Us

A team where you can voice your opinion, make an impact, and where you and your experience are valued. Internal mobility – there are opportunities for cross training and the ability to attain your next career step within Barracuda.

• Equity, in the form of non-qualifying options
• High-quality health benefits
• Retirement Plan with employer match
• Career-growth opportunities
• Flexible Time Off and Paid Time Off benefits
• Volunteer opportunities