Principal Security Engineer, Detection & Response

To be considered for the Principal Security Engineer, Detection & Response position at Roblox, you'll need at least 8 years of experience in a security detection and response team. Candidates should have niche expertise in proactive alert development and a strong understanding of automation, detection engineering, and threat modeling. Familiarity with technologies such as SIEM, SOAR, UEBA, and experience responding to high-severity investigations are also essential.

As a Principal Security Engineer at Roblox, you'll be responsible for developing an alerting system to protect our intellectual property, conducting investigations, and collaborating with multiple teams. Your primary focus will be on maturing the detection and response program, conducting threat hunts, and enhancing the overall security posture to safeguard millions of users effectively.

The work culture at Roblox emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and employee well-being. As a Principal Security Engineer, you’ll be part of a dynamic team that values innovative security practices and fosters continuous improvement in processes. Roblox offers flexible work options, excellent benefits, and an environment where your contributions directly impact the safety and creativity of our vibrant community.

Roblox offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes industry-leading compensation, medical, dental, and vision coverage, a rewarding 401k program, and flexible vacation policies. Additionally, our in-office perks include catered lunches, fully stocked kitchens, an onsite fitness center, and a flexible work policy that promotes work-life balance.

The Principal Security Engineer plays a crucial role in Roblox's mission to connect a billion people safely and positively. By developing robust security measures and responding to threats, you'll help create a trusted environment where creativity thrives and users can engage with one another without concerns about safety.

For a Principal Security Engineer at Roblox, valuable skills include expertise in programming languages such as Python or Bash for automation, strong knowledge of detection engineering techniques, and experience with high-severity investigations. Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across various teams are also critical for this role to drive effective security initiatives.

The interview process for the Principal Security Engineer position at Roblox typically involves a series of interviews that assess both technical expertise and communication skills. You may be asked questions about your experience in detection and response, your technical skills, and scenarios that evaluate how you handle security challenges. Be prepared to discuss your approaches to collaboration and leadership in previous roles.

When developing an alerting system, I prioritize understanding the assets that need protection, and I implement a risk-based approach to identify potential threats. I utilize various security technologies like SIEMs to analyze behavior patterns, establish meaningful thresholds for alerts, and ensure that the system is agile enough to adapt to emerging threats.

In my previous roles, I have actively engaged in threat hunting by analyzing logs from endpoint detection and response tools, looking for anomalies and indicators of compromise. My approach combines both automation and manual investigation techniques to proactively identify and mitigate potential threats before they escalate.

I stay current with security trends by continuously engaging with the cybersecurity community through forums and webinars, subscribing to relevant publications, and participating in workshops. I also follow thought leaders on social media platforms and consistently evaluate emerging technologies and threats that may affect my organization.

In the event of a high-severity incident, I would follow an established incident response plan, gather relevant stakeholders, and ensure clear communication. I would prioritize containment, eradication, and recovery while documenting the process for future reference. Post-incident, I would conduct a thorough retrospective to improve our response processes.

Effective incident response relies on a combination of tools. I find SIEM for log aggregation and analysis indispensable, along with endpoint detection tools for real-time visibility. Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) platforms enhance efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, allowing security teams to focus on high-priority incidents.

In a past role, I noticed that our incident response times could be improved. I initiated the development of runbooks and playbooks detailing response procedures, which streamlined communication and ensured team members were aligned during incidents. The result was a significant decrease in response time, allowing us to handle threats more effectively.

I have extensive experience automating security workflows using Python and other scripting languages. I have built custom scripts for alerting, threat detection, and remediation processes, as well as utilized tools such as SOAR platforms to reduce manual workload and improve our overall response capabilities.

Collaboration is crucial during security incidents. I ensure that communication channels remain open and clear, bringing in necessary stakeholders such as legal, IT, and management. I promote a culture of transparency and engagement, making sure all parties understand their roles and responsibilities during the resolution process.

Metrics are vital for informing the effectiveness of our security posture. I regularly develop metrics around monitoring, detection, response times, and overall incident management. These insights guide strategic decisions and help prioritize resources in scaling our security efforts, ensuring we remain proactive against emerging threats.

In my previous experiences, I have worked with various endpoint detection technologies, implementing solutions that focus on real-time monitoring and behavioral analysis. I prioritize selecting the best tools that offer visibility into endpoint activities, allowing for swift detection of anomalies and rapid response to potential threats.