Staff Windows Detection Engineer / Malware Researcher

The main responsibilities of a Staff Windows Detection Engineer at SentinelOne include detecting new malwares and exploits using our AI-powered Endpoint platform. You'll be involved in the entire detection process, from reverse engineering samples to designing new detection methods and implementing them into our products. You'll also develop internal research tools and innovate ways to prevent exploitation attacks, thereby enhancing the security of millions of Windows endpoints.

Candidates applying for the Staff Windows Detection Engineer position at SentinelOne should have proven experience with reverse engineering x86/x64 binaries and several years of experience in malware analysis, both static and dynamic. Strong expertise in C and/or C++, excellent understanding of Windows Internals, and proficiency with analysis tools like IDA and WinDBG are also essential for success in this role.

While prior kernel development experience is advantageous for the Staff Windows Detection Engineer position at SentinelOne, it is not mandatory. The primary focus is on malware analysis and reverse engineering skills, and candidates equipped with those competencies will be considered effectively, even without kernel experience.

SentinelOne offers a comprehensive benefits package for its Staff Windows Detection Engineers, including flexible working hours, a hybrid/remote work model, generous vacation policies, a global parental leave program, stock options, and extensive wellness benefits. In addition, there are allowances for home office setups and internet, along with a range of professional development support.

The team culture at SentinelOne is collaborative and values-driven, where creativity and innovative problem-solving are encouraged. As a Staff Windows Detection Engineer, you'll work alongside passionate professionals who value trust, accountability, and ingenuity, all while fostering strong friendships within the team. Celebrating results and supporting each other's growth are integral to our culture.

When discussing your experience with reverse engineering, provide specific examples of projects or challenges you've tackled. Highlight the tools you used, the types of binaries you worked on, and any relevant methodologies. Emphasize the skills you developed through this experience and how they relate to SentinelOne’s needs.

Explain your methodology for malware analysis, starting with static analysis techniques such as examining file signatures and static code analysis tools. Then, transition into dynamic analysis, illustrating how you set up sandboxes and monitoring for behavior while executing the malware. Make sure to highlight how these approaches can be applied at SentinelOne.

Share resources you use to stay informed about emerging threats, such as following cybersecurity blogs, forums, and attending conferences. Mention how you actively participate in the security community and utilize platforms that track malware outbreaks, emphasizing how these practices enhance your effectiveness as a Staff Windows Detection Engineer.

Use a specific incident to illustrate your problem-solving skills. Discuss the context, the challenge you encountered, the steps you took to investigate and resolve the issue, and the outcome. Be sure to relate it back to the core competencies necessary for the Staff Windows Detection Engineer role.

Outline your process for developing detection methods, starting with research and sample collection. Explain how you analyze behaviors and patterns to inform your detection strategies, and how you collaborate with the team at SentinelOne to implement these methods effectively into the product.

Discuss your favorite tools such as IDA, WinDBG, and SysInternals, explaining why each is important to your process. Highlight specific features and functionalities that aid in malware analysis, ensuring that you connect this back to how these tools can be leveraged at SentinelOne for superior threat detection.

Provide a detailed account of a specific instance where your research directly influenced the creation of a detection capability. Discuss the approach you took, the obstacles faced, and how your findings were validated and implemented, emphasizing the positive impact it had on security.

Discuss your strategies for managing time effectively under pressure. You could mention prioritizing tasks, setting clear milestones, and utilizing collaboration tools to ensure the team works efficiently together. Highlight any examples from previous projects where you met deadlines successfully.

Share your passion for cybersecurity and malware research, focusing on what drives you to tackle these challenges. It could be the thrill of solving complex puzzles, a commitment to protecting organizations from cyber threats, or an interest in technology innovation. Connecting your motivations to the mission at SentinelOne can be very impactful.

Reflect on current trends and challenges in cybersecurity, such as the rise of ransomware, increasing sophistication of attacks, and regulatory compliance. Discuss how these challenges shape your work and the importance of teams like SentinelOne in addressing these issues effectively.