GenAI Security - Principal Security Research Engineer

Elastic, the Search AI Company, enables everyone to find answers in real time using all their data at scale. The Elastic Search AI Platform, used by more than 50% of the Fortune 500, provides cloud-based solutions for search, security, and observability.

As a Principal Security Research Engineer on the Threat Research and Detection Engineering (TRaDE) team, you will shape detection capabilities of Elastic Security, focusing on AI security. You will work hands-on with detection engineering and threat research, validating detection methods and creating reliable detection content.

• Design and carry out security tests for GenAI applications, agentic systems, and LLM-backed products, covering prompt injection, indirect injection, retrieval poisoning, tool misuse, sensitive data extraction, and unsafe delegation.
• Investigate new multi-domain threat vectors and attack methodologies, translating them into security protections such as detection rules.
• Create and present findings to enhance team knowledge and community awareness.
• Apply AI-assisted techniques to expand coverage and accelerate validation, including developing new capabilities and Elastic AI workflows.

• Experience with endpoint data and detection engineering, including GenAI pitfalls.
• Hands-on experience using LLM tools for security testing, research, or daily tasks.
• Understanding of LLMs, including context windows, tool use, RAG, and agentic chaining.
• Knowledge of AI testing tools or frameworks (e.g., Garak, PyRIT, PromptBench, Inspect AI) is a plus.
• Experience with AI-assisted development tools and modern AI/ML frameworks.
• Ability to transition between projects, work autonomously, and present findings to technical audiences.
• Experience with Elastic Security Solution and query languages (EQL, KQL, ESQL) is a bonus.
• Experience with penetration testing or vulnerability assessments, Red Team experience valuable.
• Understanding of OWASP Top 10 and OWASP LLM Top 10 or MITRE ATLAS.

Base salary only, no variable compensation. Typical starting salary range: $159,800—$252,800 USD. In select locations (Seattle WA, Los Angeles CA, San Francisco Bay Area CA, New York City Metro Area), alternate range: $191,900—$303,500 USD. Eligible for Elastic's stock program and 401k match up to 6%.

• Health coverage for you and your family in many locations
• Flexible locations and schedules
• Generous vacation days
• Donation match up to $2000
• Up to 40 hours volunteer time
• Minimum 16 weeks parental leave

Apply via the job posting at Elastic Careers.