Security Engineer- Crypto High Frequency Trading - Oxford Knight

Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain security controls across Linux-based trading and research environments.
• Lead efforts in system hardening, network segmentation, identity management, and incident response.
• Develop and manage detection, monitoring, and alerting systems for system and crypto-specific threats.
• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments, threat modeling, and penetration testing across infrastructure and smart contract interfaces.
• Secure integration points between on-prem, cloud, and crypto custody systems (e.g. HSMs, MPC wallets).
• Collaborate with developers to ensure security best practices in code, build pipelines, and container environments.
• Investigate security incidents and perform forensic analysis when required.
• Automate routine security operations using Python, Bash, or Ansible.
• Manage compliance and operational controls for key exchanges, APIs, and wallets used in trading operations.

Required Qualifications

• 3-15 years of experience in security engineering or systems administration in Linux environments (Rocky Linux preferred).
• Deep understanding of network security, firewalling, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.
• Proven experience with cloud security (AWS preferred), including IAM, key management, and VPC hardening.
• Strong knowledge of Linux hardening, system logging, patch management, and secure automation.
• Strong scripting and automation skills in Python, Bash, or Ansible.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of crypto-specific attack surfaces - exchange API security, private key management, and wallet infrastructure.
• Deep understanding of private key management:
• + Best practices for storage, encryption, retrieval, signing, and generating private keys
• + Familiarity with hardware wallets and multi-sig solutions such as Gnosis Safe and Squads
• + Best practices for cold storage
• Familiarity with the programming model of the primary blockchains including EVM and Solana
• + Understanding of Solidity (and/or Vyper) programming.
• + Familiarity with common vulnerabilities (e.g. reentrancy, integer overflows, flash loan exploits, front-running/MEV, access control flaws).
• + Experience conducting audits or using automated tools (Slither, MythX, Echidna, Foundry).
• + Ability to reason about state changes, upgradeability, and complex financial logic in contracts.

Blockchain & Protocol Layer Knowledge

• Understanding how Ethereum and Solana work at the consensus and execution layer.
• Awareness of cross-chain bridges, their security assumptions, and risks.
• Ability to evaluate protocol designs (DEXes, lending platforms, stablecoins) for systemic weaknesses.
• Experience securing blockchain nodes, custody systems, or trading bots.
• Background in low-latency or high-performance trading environments.
• Experience conducting security audits, code reviews, or penetration testing in production environments.
• Awareness of relevant compliance frameworks (SOC2, ISO 27001) in trading or financial contexts.

Soft Skills & Culture Fit

• Analytical and methodical problem-solver with a proactive mindset.
• Comfortable in high-pressure, real-time trading environments.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across infrastructure, trading, and software teams.
• Desire to continually improve and automate - security as code mindset.
• A close-knit team that values:
• High ownership and initiative
• Curiosity, intellectual honesty, and rapid learning
• Clear, direct communication
• Working together toward shared goals - no ego, no politics
• Hiring people who love building, solving, and improving - and who want to learn from and contribute to a team of exceptional peers.

Compensation & Benefits

• Very competitive compensation, with strong upside based on contribution and performance
• Competitive holiday allowance
• Free daily Deliveroo lunch
• High-spec office and technology
• Team socials
• Global company offsites and development opportunities

Contact

George Hutchinson-Binks

(+44) 07885 545220