Head of Security & Trust Engineering - job 1 of 2

As the Head of Security & Trust Engineering at EarnIn, your primary responsibilities include defining and executing comprehensive security strategies, building and leading high-performing teams, overseeing advanced threat detection and incident response, and ensuring that all products meet strict security standards. Additionally, you will mentor staff, manage budgets, and collaborate across various teams to foster a security-first culture.

To qualify for the Head of Security & Trust Engineering position at EarnIn, candidates should have over 10 years of progressive leadership experience in cybersecurity, particularly in the fintech sector. A deep understanding of security frameworks, cloud security, and product engineering is essential. Preferred certifications include CISSP, CISM, or GIAC, along with a proven track record of delivering customer-centric products.

The Head of Security & Trust Engineering plays a vital role in product security at EarnIn by ensuring that all products undergo rigorous security evaluations and integrate security practices throughout the development lifecycle. This includes identifying vulnerabilities early and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, thereby protecting both the company's and customers' interests.

The work environment for the Head of Security & Trust Engineering at EarnIn is dynamic, innovative, and collaborative. This role involves fostering a culture of security, working closely with cross-functional teams, and navigating challenges presented by the fast-paced fintech industry, while leading a globally distributed team effectively.

The Head of Security & Trust Engineering significantly impacts the EarnIn community by ensuring that all financial interactions are secure and trustworthy. This role is crucial in maintaining user confidence and integrity, allowing community members to access their earnings safely and without fear of fraud or loss.

When discussing your experience leading a cybersecurity team, focus on specific achievements, your leadership style, and how you foster a culture of accountability and continuous learning. Mention how you inspired your team to implement innovative security strategies effectively and handle complex challenges.

Highlight your familiarity with security frameworks such as NIST, ISO, and SOC2. Share examples of how you've implemented these frameworks to improve security processes, enhance compliance, and ensure a robust security posture for previous organizations.

Discuss your approach to integrating security into the product development lifecycle. Emphasize the importance of working closely with product teams and conducting thorough security assessments at each phase. Providing examples of your proactive efforts to detect and mitigate risks will demonstrate your practical knowledge.

When discussing strategies for threat detection and incident response, focus on the technologies and methodologies you employ. Examples could include implementing automated monitoring tools, developing incident response plans, and fostering cross-team collaboration for efficient threat mitigation.

When answering this question, choose a relevant real-world challenge and describe it in detail, explaining the steps you took to analyze, address, and resolve the issue. Emphasize your decision-making process and the lessons learned from the experience.

Share the resources you rely on to stay current, such as industry publications, webinars, training certifications, or participating in cybersecurity communities. Highlighting your commitment to lifelong learning demonstrates your dedication to maintaining a leading-edge skill set.

Discuss your experience with implementing security measures in cloud environments, describing specific tools and strategies you've used for securing cloud infrastructure. Emphasize how you've balanced security with scalability and innovation.

Explain the initiatives you've implemented or participated in to lead a culture of security awareness. This may include training programs, establishing clear security policies, and emphasizing accountability at every level of the organization.

Highlight the importance of compliance in your security strategy by discussing how you align security initiatives with existing regulatory frameworks, and the processes you implement to ensure ongoing compliance throughout the organization.

Describe how you prioritize the professional growth of your team through mentorship, coaching, and promoting continuous learning opportunities. Sharing specific strategies for employee development will illustrate your commitment to building the team's capabilities.