Application Guide

How to Apply for AI Security Engineer - Red Team

at Lakera AI

🏢 About Lakera AI

Lakera AI specializes in AI security, focusing on protecting large language models and AI systems from emerging threats. As a remote-first company operating in the cutting-edge AI security space, they offer the opportunity to work on novel security challenges that few companies are addressing at this scale. Their focus on red teaming AI systems specifically positions them uniquely in the security landscape.

About This Role

This AI Security Engineer - Red Team role involves proactively identifying vulnerabilities in AI/LLM systems through offensive security testing. You'll develop specialized methodologies for testing AI applications and work directly with engineering teams to implement security improvements. The role is impactful because you'll be securing AI systems that are increasingly critical to business operations while staying ahead of rapidly evolving AI-specific threats.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve designing and executing security tests against AI models, analyzing results for novel vulnerabilities, and collaborating with engineering teams to prioritize and implement fixes. You'll likely spend time researching emerging AI attack vectors, developing custom testing tools, and documenting findings to improve the organization's overall security posture against AI-specific threats.

🎯 Who Lakera AI Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on experience with red team operations or penetration testing, particularly against complex software systems
  • Possesses specific knowledge of AI/ML security vulnerabilities (e.g., prompt injection, model extraction, data poisoning, adversarial examples)
  • Demonstrates experience developing custom security testing methodologies rather than just using standard tools
  • Shows ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams to translate security findings into actionable improvements

📝 Tips for Applying to Lakera AI

1

Highlight specific AI/ML security projects in your resume, especially those involving red teaming or penetration testing of AI systems

2

Demonstrate knowledge of Lakera AI's focus areas by mentioning relevant AI security frameworks or attack vectors in your application

3

Showcase experience with both traditional security testing AND AI-specific testing methodologies

4

Emphasize remote collaboration experience since this is a fully remote position with a US-based team

5

Include concrete examples of how you've worked with engineering teams to implement security improvements based on your findings

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with AI/ML system security testing and red team operations', "Examples of how you've developed or adapted security testing methodologies for novel systems", 'Your approach to collaborating with engineering teams to implement security improvements', 'Knowledge of emerging AI threats and how you stay current in this rapidly evolving field']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Lakera AI's specific focus areas within AI security (check their website, blog, or whitepapers)
  • Recent AI security incidents or vulnerabilities that would be relevant to their work
  • The specific types of AI/LLM systems they likely protect based on their client base or public information
  • Their engineering culture and how security integrates with development processes

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk through a specific AI/LLM security testing methodology you've developed or used
2 How would you approach red teaming a production LLM application for vulnerabilities?
3 Describe a time you discovered a novel vulnerability in an AI system and how you communicated it to engineering teams
4 What emerging AI threats are you most concerned about, and how would you test for them?
5 How do you balance thorough security testing with the fast-paced development cycles typical in AI companies?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on traditional application security without addressing AI/ML-specific vulnerabilities
  • Presenting generic security testing experience without examples specific to complex or novel systems
  • Failing to demonstrate how you stay current with rapidly evolving AI security threats and techniques

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Lakera AI!