About the Principal IT Security Engineer (AI & Adversary Defense) Role at Robert Half

Robert Half is seeking an exceptional Principal IT Security Engineer specializing in AI & Adversary Defense to join our client's innovative team in San Francisco, CA. This senior leadership position sits at the critical intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity architecture, and advanced threat detection. As AI fundamentally transforms both offensive and defensive capabilities in cybersecurity, we need a battle-tested security expert who can move beyond theoretical discussions into practical, production-hardened solutions.

The ideal candidate understands how real-world attackers leverage AI for evasion, automation, and sophistication while designing scalable security platforms that counter these threats. This role demands deep technical expertise combined with strategic vision to build resilient architectures that enhance visibility, detection, and response against AI-augmented adversaries. Join us to shape the future of enterprise security in the AI era.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Security Architecture

• Design and implement security architectures that address AI-driven threat landscape evolution
• Develop comprehensive controls for internal AI applications and infrastructure
• Lead the transition from theoretical AI risk assessments to production security implementations

Advanced Detection Engineering

• Engineer sophisticated detection strategies for AI-enhanced adversary behaviors
• Build and optimize security platforms that scale across enterprise environments
• Integrate threat intelligence with AI/ML models for proactive threat hunting

Adversary Simulation & Red Teaming

• Conduct realistic adversary simulations incorporating current AI offensive capabilities
• Emulate sophisticated attacker TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, Procedures) using AI automation
• Validate detection efficacy against evolving AI-powered attack vectors

AI Security Leadership

• Collaborate with AI/ML engineering teams to embed security throughout development lifecycle
• Mentor security practitioners on AI-adversary defense methodologies
• Drive organizational resilience against emerging AI threat scenarios

Required Qualifications

To succeed in this Principal IT Security Engineer role, candidates must demonstrate:

• 10+ years of cybersecurity experience with proven expertise in advanced persistent threats
• Deep knowledge of security platform design and operations at scale
• Hands-on experience with detection engineering, SIEM optimization, and EDR platforms
• Practical understanding of AI/ML applications in cybersecurity (both offensive and defensive)
• Expertise in adversary emulation frameworks (MITRE ATT&CK, Atomic Red Team, etc.)
• Strong architectural skills for zero trust, cloud-native security, and AI workloads
• Experience leading cross-functional security initiatives in fast-paced environments
• Excellent communication skills to translate complex threats for executive audiences

Technical Must-Haves: Python scripting, cloud security (AWS/GCP/Azure), endpoint detection, network security monitoring, threat hunting methodologies.

Why Join Us at Robert Half?

Robert Half offers more than just a job - we provide a career-defining opportunity in one of San Francisco's most innovative security teams. Enjoy $180,000 - $220,000 base salary plus substantial bonuses, comprehensive benefits including 401(k) matching, unlimited PTO, and professional growth opportunities.

Work with cutting-edge AI security challenges alongside top talent in a collaborative, high-impact environment. This role offers equity participation, wellness programs, and the chance to influence enterprise security strategy during the AI revolution. San Francisco's tech ecosystem provides unparalleled networking and innovation opportunities.

Robert Half is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.