Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Research Engineer - Security Foundation Models
at Lakera AI
🏢 About Lakera AI
Lakera AI appears to be a specialized AI security company focused on developing foundation models specifically for security applications. Their mission to 'shape a more secure, intelligent world' suggests they're at the forefront of AI safety research, making them particularly attractive to engineers who want to work on cutting-edge security challenges rather than general AI applications. The remote-first structure indicates they prioritize talent over location, which is appealing for top researchers who value flexibility.
About This Role
This Senior Research Engineer role focuses specifically on security foundation models - a niche area combining AI research with security engineering. You'll be developing new approaches to make AI systems more secure and safe, working directly on implementing and deploying these systems in real-world scenarios. This position is impactful because you'll be contributing to setting new standards in AI security at a company that specializes in this exact problem space.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching new security vulnerabilities in foundation models in the morning, collaborating with security engineers to design mitigations, then working on implementing these solutions into Lakera's AI systems. You'd likely spend time reviewing security research papers, writing code to test new security approaches, and participating in cross-functional meetings to ensure security considerations are integrated throughout the development process.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Lakera AI Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years of hands-on experience building and securing AI/ML systems, with specific examples of security-focused AI projects
- Demonstrates deep technical expertise in both machine learning (particularly foundation models) and security engineering principles
- Shows experience with the full AI development lifecycle from research to deployment in security-critical environments
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams while driving technical innovation in fast-paced settings
📝 Tips for Applying to Lakera AI
Highlight specific security foundation model projects you've worked on - don't just list general AI experience
Demonstrate your understanding of AI safety challenges by referencing current research or frameworks in your application materials
Show how you've worked in cross-functional security teams - this company emphasizes collaboration
Include concrete examples of how you've contributed to 'setting new standards' in previous roles
Tailor your resume to show progression from research to deployment, as this role requires both
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with security-focused AI/ML research and how it applies to foundation models', 'Examples of successful cross-functional collaboration on security-critical AI projects', "Your philosophy on AI safety and how you've contributed to making AI systems more secure", "Why you're specifically interested in Lakera AI's mission to shape a more secure, intelligent world"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Investigate Lakera AI's specific focus areas within AI security - look for any published research, blog posts, or talks
- → Research the team members (if available) to understand their technical backgrounds and expertise
- → Understand the current landscape of security foundation models and where Lakera might fit
- → Look for any company culture indicators that suggest how they approach innovation and collaboration
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with only general AI/ML experience without specific security examples
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of the unique challenges in securing foundation models versus traditional AI systems
- Presenting yourself as purely a researcher without deployment experience, or purely an engineer without research capability
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!