Senior Security Engineer, Research

Trail of Bits Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Trail of Bits Inc. is seeking a Software Security Engineer to join their Research & Engineering team. In this role, you will be at the forefront of security research and practical software development, working to create impactful security tools and frameworks. You will collaborate with experts and clients to deliver security solutions that enhance defenses against emerging threats, while pursuing your interests in an innovative environment. Candidates should have strong development skills in Rust, C++, and Python, alongside a robust understanding of security principles.

Benefits

Fully company-paid insurance packages

Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses

401(k) plan with a 5% match

20 days of paid vacation

4 months of parental leave

$1,000 Working-from-Home stipend

$750 Learning & Development stipend

Community impact contributions matching

Qualifications

• Strong software development skills with experience in Rust, C++, and Python.
• Understanding of computer security principles and secure development practices.
• Experience with AI/ML systems and secure CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement security-focused software tools and frameworks.
• Analyze complex security challenges and improve existing software.
• Collaborate with industry-leading teams for effective security solutions.

Skills

Rust

C++

Python

Go

Java

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 2012 by 3 expert hackers with no investment capital, Trail of Bits is the premier place for security experts to boldly advance security and address technology’s newest and most challenging risks. It has helped secure some of the world's most targeted organizations and devices. Our combination of novel research with practical solutions reduces the security risks that our clients face from emerging technologies. Our work helps drive the security industry and the public understanding of the technology underlying our world.

Cybersecurity preparedness is a moving target. Companies like ours are the tip of the spear in the fight against attackers. Our research-based and custom-engineering approach ensures that our client’s capabilities are at the forefront of what’s available. For companies and technologies that live and die by their security, a proactive, tailored approach is required to keep one step ahead of attackers.

Democratizing security information is essential. As part of our business, we provide ongoing informational support through blogs, whitepapers, newsletters, meetups, and open-source tools. The more the community understands security, the more they’ll understand why a company like ours is so unique and valuable.

Role

Trail of Bits seeks a Software Security Engineer within our Research & Engineering team to work at the intersection of security research and practical software development. You will design, build, and enhance security tools and frameworks across various contexts, working on projects ranging from compiler-based security tools to AI/ML security frameworks.

On any given day, you might implement security-focused software tools, contribute to open-source projects, analyze complex security challenges, or develop practical solutions for clients. Working in small teams of 2-4 people, you'll collaborate with researchers, security experts, and clients while building impactful tools.

You will have opportunities to pursue your interests while delivering practical security solutions, with software development primarily involving Rust, C++, and Python, with occasional work in Go and Java. Success is measured through impact, focusing on building tools others can use and build upon, rather than paper metrics.

What You’ll Achieve

Tool Development: Design and implement security-focused software tools and frameworks, contributing to open-source security projects and developing internal tools for practical security solutions.

Security Analysis: Analyze complex security challenges across the stack, from low-level systems to application frameworks, evaluating and improving existing software through code review and enhancement.

Implementation: Develop secure CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions integration, contributing to AI/ML security research and tooling with a focus on practical, deployable solutions.

Client Collaboration: Work directly with industry-leading teams to understand complex security challenges and implement effective solutions through deep technical analysis and recommendations.

Technical Communication: Effectively communicate technical concepts to team members, clients, and the broader security community, with opportunities to write about your work publicly.

What You’ll Bring

Development Expertise: Strong software development skills with experience in Rust, C++, and/or Python, with occasional need for Go or Java knowledge and demonstrated ability to quickly learn new programming languages, frameworks, and technologies. Experience with multiple programming languages and paradigms is highly valued.

Security Knowledge: Understanding of computer security principles, common vulnerability classes, and experience with secure development practices and building secure software. Prior contributions to open-source security tools or frameworks and participation in CTF competitions or security challenges would be beneficial.

Technical Capabilities: Root-cause analysis and debugging skills for low-level technical issues, ability to interpret requirements, decompose tasks, and make engineering estimates. Understanding of low-level systems (including memory management and OS internals), compiler technology, program analysis, or binary analysis is advantageous.

Advanced Domain Knowledge: Experience with AI/ML systems and associated security challenges is valuable, as is experience developing commercial-grade software used by the public. Experience reading, writing, and implementing academic papers demonstrates the depth of knowledge we value.

Collaboration Skills: Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team with strong written and verbal communication skills for frequent team member and client interactions. Experience in public speaking is a plus.

CI/CD Experience: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing methodologies for secure software development.

The base salary for this full-time position ranges from $170,000 to $220,000, excluding benefits and potential bonuses. Various factors influence our salary ranges, including the specific role, level of seniority, geographic location, and the nature of the employment contract. An individual's specific work location, unique skills, experience, and relevant educational background will determine the final offer within this range. The presented salary range encompasses the starting salaries for all U.S. locations. For a precise salary estimate tailored to your preferred location, please discuss it with your recruiter during the hiring process.

Trail of Bits, Inc. participates in E-Verify, the US federal electronic employment eligibility verification program. Learn more.

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Benefits, Perks & Wellness

Trail of Bits is our people, not a place. With over 100+ employees working from every time zone across the globe, our remote-first culture is built on autonomy and trust (and backed by smile-worthy benefits) for full-time employees:

Empowered Living:

• Competitive salary complemented by performance-based bonuses.
• Fully company-paid insurance packages, including health, dental, vision, disability, and life.
• A solid 401(k) plan with a 5% match of your base salary.
• 20 days of paid vacation with flexibility for more, adhering to jurisdictional regulations.

Nurturing New Beginnings:

• 4 months of parental leave to cherish the arrival of new family members.
• Our team is global and remote-first. However, if you are interested in moving to NYC, we offer $10,000 in relocation assistance to support your transition.

Work & Life Enrichment:

• $1,000 Working-from-Home stipend to create a comfortable and productive home office.
• Annual $750 Learning & Development stipend for continuous personal and professional growth.
• Company-sponsored all-team celebrations, including travel and accommodation, to foster community and recognize achievements.

Community Impact:

• Philanthropic contribution matching up to $2,000 annually.

Dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

Trail of Bits is a community of innovators, risk-takers, and trailblazers who celebrate individual differences and recognize that unique perspectives make us stronger, smarter, and more successful. We actively seeks applicants who can bring a variety of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds to the team. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sex, pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, qualified handicap, gender identity, results of genetic testing, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our team values diversity in experience and backgrounds—we do our best work when we create space for different voices and perspectives. Whatever unique experiences or skill sets you bring, we look forward to learning from each other.