Security Engineer II, Engineering

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’ Ecosystem Security Team is dedicated to improving the security and quality of engineering standards essential to the open-source ecosystem's longevity. Our team seeks a security-focused software developer to engage with Open Source communities and projects on behalf of our commercial, governmental, and non-profit clients. Among the many areas you may contribute are Open Source packaging, applied cryptography, authentication and authorization systems, and standard library and language development for major programming languages.

This is an engineering position where the focus is to integrate novel features into production systems. It does not involve direct operations like service monitoring and maintenance. Software development will be primarily in Python, with frequent Rust and occasional opportunities to work in C, C++, Go, and Ruby. In addition to software maintenance and development, the role involves frequent creative and analytic challenges to design features and reviewing existing implementations with a critical lens. 

You will work with a remote team of 2-4 people in roughly 4-8 week development cycles. Technical leads will assign responsibilities to you and other team members, and you will develop proofs of concept, prototypes, and enhancements to existing tools in support of a project's goals. You will have opportunities to work for various clients throughout a typical year, and will engage with both clients and Open Source communities directly. Frequent communication with team members and clients is expected, and writing and presenting about your work publicly is encouraged and incentivized.

This position may be fully remote or based in our offices in Brooklyn. Conference attendance and travel to team offsites are encouraged but not required.

What You’ll Achieve

• Contributing fixes and enhancements to large cross-platform codebases.
• Designing and building solutions that balance performance, security, and functionality requirements.
• Describe and explain technical concepts to clients, community, and co-workers.
• Root-cause analysis and debugging on low-level technical issues.
• Directly speaking daily with your team, typically within core hours, and coordinating asynchronously outside of core hours to organize tasking.
• Interpreting customer requirements, decomposing tasks, and making engineering estimates.

What You’ll Bring

• Previous experience with Open Source projects or communities. Experience leading or contributing significant features to Open Source projects is a plus.
• 3+ years of experience in professional software development in one or more of the following domains: Open Source packaging, applied cryptography, authentication and authorization systems, or standard library and language development for major programming languages.
• Proficiency in application and library development in Python, with systems and network experience as a plus. Experience in Go, Rust, C, and C++ is a plus.
• Ability to work remotely and independently to set goals and find solutions.
• Related development experience in security monitoring, security testing, security response, vulnerability research, cryptography engineering, or other security roles is a plus.
• Composure speaking or writing directly to customers to give progress status reports and solicit feedback and new requirements.

Reporting Manager: Engineering Director

The base salary for this full-time position ranges from $126,000 to $176,000, 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.

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.
• $5,000 relocation assistance for moves to New York City, supporting 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.
• Opportunity to participate in Project Wren, promoting environmental responsibility and carbon footprint offset.

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.