Offensive Security Engineer, Penetration Testing

About Stripe

Stripe is a financial infrastructure platform for businesses. Millions of companies-from the world's largest enterprises to the most ambitious startups-use Stripe to accept payments, grow their revenue, and accelerate new business opportunities. Our mission is to increase the GDP of the internet, and we have a staggering amount of work ahead. That means you have an unprecedented opportunity to put the global economy within everyone's reach while doing the most important work of your career.
About the team

The Proactive Threat team is responsible for offensive security assessments and penetration testing focused on product security. We proactively identify vulnerabilities in Stripe's web applications, APIs, and innovative technologies like AI/LLM before they impact our users or the business. The team is distributed with members primarily working in the United States, and we collaborate with teams across the globe to ensure a secure environment for Stripe and our products.
What you'll do

As an Offensive Security Engineer, your primary responsibility will be to simulate the behaviors and techniques of real-world adversaries to identify and mitigate security risks in Stripe's offerings. You will lead engagements, apply advanced testing methodologies, and provide actionable insights to product teams to ensure a robust security posture prior to product launches.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive offensive security assessments across various environments, including web applications, APIs, and other technical products, while providing technical expertise in network protocols, operating systems, and web application security.
• Develop and utilize custom testing methodologies, scripts, and tools to enhance offensive security workflows.
• Identify nuanced vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard Stripe's services and operations.
• Collaborate effectively with fellow security team members and cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate security risks and vulnerabilities, driving improvements in the security of our products.
• Lead offensive security projects and mentor junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the team.
• Produce clear and concise reports on assessment findings, including testing plans, engagement models, risks, and actionable remediation recommendations.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest security threats, vulnerabilities, and attack methods, acting as the subject-matter expert and primary contact for stakeholder teams invested in offensive security programs and Stripe-wide security initiatives.
• Champion quality standards within the team, ensuring best practices are implemented and maintained.

Who you are

We're looking for someone who meets the minimum requirements to be considered for the role. If you meet these requirements, you are encouraged to apply. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.
Minimum requirements

• 5+ years of experience in offensive security, penetration testing, or a related field.
• Proven knowledge of web application security vulnerabilities, including OWASP Top 10 and ASVS.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Ruby, and GoLang, along with script development for automation.
• Familiarity with web security testing tools like Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, and similar solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce concise reports that clearly communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to think creatively and approach problem-solving with a holistic view of risk in complex environments.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience conducting offensive security in the fintech or financial sectors, or relevant security consulting experience.
• Familiarity with exploiting vulnerabilities and conducting vulnerability research, including CVE assignments.
• Certifications such as PNPT, BSCP, OSCP, CPTS, OSWE, OSCE, OSEP, OSED, CRTO, cloud certifications, and similar.
• Contributions to open-source security projects or active participation in the security community (e.g., writing blogs, presenting at conferences).
• Ability to lead critical projects independently while thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.