Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Horizon3.ai is a fast-growing remote cybersecurity company dedicated to proactively identifying and addressing exploitable attack vectors. The Engineering Manager for Rapid Response will lead and develop a team of Attack Engineers, manage vulnerability research strategies, and ensure the team is prepared to respond to emerging threats.
Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of Attack Engineers specializing in vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and exploit development
- Manage a diverse team across multiple seniority levels (from junior engineers to Principal Attack Engineers), ensuring appropriate career development, mentorship, and growth paths for each
- Set technical direction, priorities, and quality standards for vulnerability research and attack module development
- Foster a culture of continuous learning, raising the bar for offensive rigor, delivery quality, and secure software development practices
- Drive hiring and organizational scaling as the Vulnerability Research team expands
- Own the delivery strategy across vulnerability research, patch-diffing, and rapid N-Day weaponization
- Guide the development of end-to-end exploit methodologies:
- Oversee the reverse engineering of application binaries and patches (Java, C#, .NET, native binaries)
- Ensure the rapid and safe development of proof-of-concept (PoC) exploits for integration into the core product
- Oversee the acquisition and configuration of test systems for exploit development and attack scenario validation
- Ensure NodeZero capabilities remain cutting-edge by maintaining a comprehensive global view of emerging vulnerabilities and the latest threat landscape
- Create tight feedback loops to ensure reverse-engineered exploits are swiftly weaponized and integrated into NodeZero
- Manage operational cadences and ensure the team is prepared to rapidly respond to high-priority emerging vulnerabilities
Skills
- 2-3+ years of direct people management experience
- 3+ years of software development experience
- 5+ years leading offensive security, vulnerability research, or red teams
- Experience hiring and interviewing engineers
- Proven ability to balance hands-on technical depth with strategic leadership
- Strong technical writing and communication skills, capable of conveying complex exploits to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Deep expertise in vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and exploit development
- In-depth knowledge of common exploitation techniques (e.g., SQL injection, path traversal, buffer overflows)
- Strong understanding of network protocols, virtualization technologies, and their role in exploitation vectors
- Experience with reverse engineering technologies like IDA or Ghidra
- Strong background in production software engineering, ideally in Python
- Familiarity with secure software development practices, Git version control, and effective team workflows
- Ability to evaluate technical designs and ensure high-quality, production-safe software
- Experience working with database systems like Postgres or Neo4j
- Experience with vulnerability disclosure processes (e.g., published CVEs) or bug bounty programs
- Familiarity with additional programming languages such as C, C++, Rust, or Assembly
- Knowledge of containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes
- Experience working with cloud environments (AWS, etc.) and large-scale software projects
- Relevant security certifications (e.g., OSCP or equivalent) are a plus
Benefits
- Health, vision & dental insurance for you and your family
- A flexible vacation policy
- Generous parental leave
- Numerous career development opportunities
- A collaborative environment that encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking
- Work in a mix of remote and hybrid work models depending on role and location, including our Chicago office, where some roles require regular in-office presence.
- All full-time roles are eligible for an equity package in the form of stock options.
- Inclusive Team: We value diversity and promote an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.
Company Overview