Threat Emulation and Exploit Engineer

The Vanguard Group; Farmers Branch (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Hybrid work model

Investment in your future

Job summary

The Vanguard Group is seeking an experienced Threat Emulation and Exploit Engineer to join the Global Risk and Security team. You will lead live security incidents, perform adversary emulation, and enhance detection and response capabilities across Vanguard’s infrastructure.

You will work in a hybrid model from our U.S. offices, collaborating with IT and security teams to deliver risk-informed security controls, threat intelligence, and proactive defenses for client and crew assets.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years related work experience, with three years in red teaming, adversary emulation, or penetration testing.
• Experience conducting in-depth technical analysis of vulnerabilities across diverse platforms and technologies.
• OSCP, CRTO, or an equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and respond to escalated cyber security alerts, incidents, or investigations.
• Monitor and detect compromises, threats, and vulnerabilities in the network security landscape.
• Develop, manage, and enhance security controls (alerts, rules, policies, signatures).
• Review network environments for evolving cyber threats and provide preventive and remedial solutions.
• Conduct penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and threat modeling.
• Provide written assessments focused on threats and technologies for Vanguard Infrastructure.
• Coordinate findings with IT and business teams for prompt action.
• Mentor junior team members to grow technical skills.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Red teaming

Adversary emulation

Penetration testing

Threat modeling

Education

Undergraduate degree in a related field

OSCP/CRTO certification (preferred)

Tools

Security platforms

Job description

Global Risk and Security (GR&S) at Vanguard enables business strategy, protects client and Vanguard interests (e.g., assets and data), and stewards a strong risk culture. Our teams leverage enterprise-wide insights, deep expertise, and trusted advice so that across Vanguard leaders and crew drive faster, stronger, risk-informed decisions.

Within GR&S, the Enterprise Security and Fraud (ES&F) sub-division is responsible for the global protection of Vanguard crew, property, data, and client assets. We are the trusted advisors that protect the pride of Vanguard with state-of-the-art security and fraud capabilities. We are a world-class destination of highly engaged, passionate, and diverse talent expected to continuously learn and develop in an ever-changing security landscape.

Our crew are our greatest resource – by joining our team you will build collaborative long‑term relationships and enjoy a suite of benefits that includes comprehensive health and wellness care, work‑life balance, and an investment in your future at its core.

Threat Emulation and Exploit Engineer:

• Leads and responds to escalated cyber security alerts, cyber incidents, or related security investigations. Identifies real-time complex attack patterns and suggests mitigation strategies.
• Leads the processes, tools and measures to monitor and detect compromises, risks, vulnerabilities, network security threats, tools and tactics used by modern and emerging threat actors. Facilitates security operations and incident response technologies and methodologies.
• Develops, manages, maintains and enhances security controls (alerts, rules, policies, and signatures) for the security platforms.
• Reviews the network environment for new and evolving cyber threats and providing preventive and remedial solutions. Identifies malicious activity by performing analysis on logs, traffic flows, and other investigative detective activities.
• Conducts penetration testing, vulnerability assessments and threat modeling. Evaluates risks and makes recommendations.
• Provides written assessments focused on threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies relevant to Vanguard Infrastructure.
• Leads with IT and business teams to ensure prompt and effective distribution of findings so incidents are effectively addressed. Provides department support to the business on enterprise wide security initiatives and projects.
• Mentors junior team members to improve their technical acumen
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

What it takes:

• Minimum of five years related work experience, with three years of experience in red teaming, adversary emulation, or penetration testing.
• Undergraduate degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience conducting in-depth technical analysis of vulnerabilities across diverse platforms and technologies, including replication of known exploits and development of proof‑of‑concept exploits to validate risk and impact.
• Undergraduate degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of training and experience.
• OSCP, CRTO, or an equivalent certification preferred.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.

To work for the long‑term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in‑person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission‑driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long‑term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.