Director, Cyber Security Detection Engineering

Strategy and planning: Develop and maintain detection engineering area plans aligned to Cyber Operations strategy; set direction and goals with autonomy across data engineering, detection development, purple teaming, and automation functions.

Performance and tiers: Define and review reporting and team targets; align objectives to detection outcomes, coverage improvements, and operational efficiency.

Talent and capability: Lead inclusive recruitment; build career paths and targeted upskilling in detection development, threat hunting, cloud security, OT/ICS detection, and SOAR/AI through multi-functional, regional, and external partnerships.

Detection engineering lifecycle: Proven leadership across detection development, testing, deployment, and tuning at enterprise scale; deep understanding of detection logic design, coverage mapping, and efficacy validation.

Threat detection frameworks: Extensive knowledge of MITRE ATT&CK, Cyber Kill Chain, and detection engineering methodologies; experience mapping organisational coverage and prioritising development based on threat intelligence.

Purple team operations: Experienced in designing and accomplishing adversary emulation exercises; skilled in translating purple team findings into actionable detection improvements and coverage enhancements.

Automation and AI: Experience operationalizing modern detection platforms (SIEM, XDR, SOAR) including integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning models, and agentic features to enable detection at scale.

Data engineering and platforms: Proficient with data pipeline architecture, log aggregation, normalisation, and query optimisation; solid grasp of data quality requirements for effective detection.

Cloud, identity, and endpoint detection: Deep understanding of detection approaches across multi-cloud environments, identity systems, endpoints, and network infrastructure; familiar with cloud-native security services and integration patterns.

Manufacturing Operational Technology/Industrial Control Systems: Coordinating detection engineering in industrial/OT environments with safety, availability, and production continuity considerations; knowledge of industrial protocols and OT-specific threats.

Education: Bachelor's degree in information security, computer science, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Enterprise-scale detection leadership: Over 5 years managing detection engineering or security operations in enterprise-sized organisations, commanding capabilities across hybrid cloud, on-premises, and OT environments.

Global coordination with distributed teams: Experience integrating and working alongside global, 24×7, geographically dispersed teams to deliver detection capabilities and support security operations missions.

Communication and facilitation: Well-developed skills to explain complex technical concepts in clear business terms; produce concise written material (executive updates, coverage reports); and lead briefings to diverse stakeholders.

Analytical decision making: Ability to analyse complex threat landscapes, assess detection gaps, and balance strategic capability development with tactical operational requirements, risk appetite, and resource constraints.

Customer orientation and cross-cultural working: Demonstrated ability to collaborate across regions and functions (GSOC, IT, Legal, GRC, business units) with a strong service approach and commitment to enabling organisational resilience.

Certifications: Security certifications preferred (e.g., CISSP, CISM, GIAC such as GCIA/GCDA/GMON; cloud certifications; ITIL).

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to encourage life-changing medicines.

In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions.

That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office.

But that doesn't mean we're not flexible.

We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility.

Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $169,320.00 - $253,980.00 USD Annual.

Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles).

offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Are you ready to bring new insights and fresh thinking to the table?

Fantastic!

We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

Apply today.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.

We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.

We follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

US?

We’re a network of high-reaching self-starters who contribute to something far bigger.

We enable AstraZeneca to perform at its peak by delivering premier technology and data solutions.

We’re not afraid to take ownership and run with it.

Empowered with unrivalled freedom.

Put simply, it’s because we make a significant impact.

Everything we do matters.

#cyber

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees.

In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics.

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.