AI Security - Senior Staff Security Engineer

Job Description

Who we're looking for

We are in search of an AI Security - Senior Staff Engineer to join our dynamic team, focusing on AI safety and cybersecurity. Ideal candidates will be deeply passionate about AI security, possess a strong background in offensive security techniques, and be eager to take on challenges related to AI-driven cybersecurity threats. We value individuals who are adept in both traditional security approaches and the unique challenges posed by AI and ML technologies.

What you'll be doing

• Identifying and evaluating offensive security capabilities within AI frontier models, particularly in relation to adversarial cybersecurity operations.

• Developing and refining AI model evaluations to assess potential security risks, employing advanced ML and AI techniques.

• Building and maintaining scalable systems and processes to support AI safety evaluations and threat mitigation strategies.

• Collaborating with multi-functional teams, including researchers, ML engineers, and security experts, to develop and implement best-in-class security solutions for AI systems.

• Proactively identifying and mitigating Responsible AI vulnerabilities within large-scale AI systems.

• Researching emerging threats and developing new methodologies to enhance AI safety and security.

What you bring to the role

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Cyber Operations/Cybersecurity, AI, or a related field, with 5+ years of relevant experience.

• Strong expertise in offensive security, adversary tactics, vulnerability research, and exploit development.

• Hands-on experience with AI/ML technologies, including proficiency in Python, Rust, Go, and ML frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras.

• Demonstrated experience in red-team and penetration testing engagements.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical findings to diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field and/or relevant certifications in cybersecurity or AI.

• Experience with ML research engineering, ML observability, and large language model-enabled applications.

• Familiarity with societal aspects of AI deployment and responsible AI principles

• Familiarity with agent-based systems, automated planning, and AI development simulation models.

• Proven track record in applying AI/ML methods to cyber domain problems.

Where We Work:

In this role, you’ll work primarily remotely with the support of a dynamic and caring team. We’ll provide you with the digital tools and experiences to be together–even when we’re apart. Being digital first doesn’t mean we’re digital only. You’ll also have the flexibility to join us at a Zendesk workspace, in one of our Zendesk offices or our flex office spaces. We will bring our people together on occasion to connect, collaborate, learn, or celebrate in person.

Zendesk software was built to bring a sense of calm to the chaotic world of customer service. Today we power billions of conversations with brands you know and love.

Zendesk believes in offering our people a fulfilling and inclusive experience. Our hybrid way of working, enables us to purposefully come together in person, at one of our many Zendesk offices around the world, to connect, collaborate and learn whilst also giving our people the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week.

The US annualized base salary range for this position is $177,000.00-$265,000.00. This position may also be eligible for bonus, benefits, or related incentives. While this range reflects the minimum and maximum value for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations, the offer for the successful candidate for this position will be based on job related capabilities, applicable experience, and other factors such as work location. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only (or OTE for commissions based roles), and do not include bonus, benefits, or related incentives.

The intelligent heart of customer experience
Zendesk software was built to bring a sense of calm to the chaotic world of customer service. Today we power billions of conversations with brands you know and love. We advocate for digital first customer experiences—and we stick with it in our workplace. Over 5,000 employees worldwide are collaborating from kitchen tables, home offices, coworking spaces, and Zendesk workspaces to make one team.

Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer. If you are based in the United States and would like more information about your EEO rights under the law, please click here.

Zendesk endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans pursuant to applicable federal and state law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit this application, complete any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please send an e-mail to peopleandplaces@zendesk.com with your specific accommodation request.