Founder-led · technically screened
Security is a scarce, high-stakes hire. We screen security engineers for real, applied judgement — threat modelling, secure design and pragmatic risk trade-offs — not just certifications, so you get someone who makes the product safer without blocking it.
Every candidate is technically assessed by us, people who have done the job, before you spend a minute interviewing.
Not sure which fits? Talk to us and we’ll recommend the right approach.
Base ranges benchmarked to our placement data at venture-backed startups and scale-ups; equity and bonus sit on top. Where a role shares the software-engineer ladder, the bands below are the reference we use. For the full picture, see our salary benchmarks.
| Level | London | Berlin | Amsterdam | New York |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | £85k–£120k | €85k–€120k | €80k–€115k | $150k–$200k |
| Staff / Principal | £120k–£150k | €115k–€145k | €110k–€140k | $190k–$240k |
Salary data reviewed July 2026.
FAQ
Applied security judgement over certifications: threat modelling, secure design, the common vulnerability classes, and the pragmatism to reduce real risk without blocking delivery. We assess this with realistic scenarios and enough coding to work inside the product.
Yes, across the security spectrum — application/product security, cloud security, and detection & response — plus compliance-heavy roles in regulated sectors like fintech. We scope the brief so the screen matches the role.
Demand far outstrips supply of engineers who combine security depth with real software skills, especially in regulated domains, so the market pays a premium. We help you scope the role so you hire the right level, not the most expensive one.
Tell us what you’re hiring for and we’ll come back with a plan, and usually a technically screened shortlist faster than you’d expect.