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Senior Detection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Detection Engineer

OR · Remote

$104K - $143K/yr

As a Senior Detection Engineer, you'll be a technical anchor on the team: developing high-fidelity detection logic, hunting for novel attacker techniques, and raising the bar for how we think about ...

As a Senior Detection Engineer, you'll be a technical anchor on the team: developing high-fidelity detection logic, hunting for novel attacker techniques, and raising the bar for how we think about ...

Collaborate cross-functionally with DevOps and Security Engineering teams to adapt detection logic to infrastructure changes before security blind spots can emerge. * Leverage AI and LLMs as force ...

Lead detection engineering for Fluidstack's IT surface, including cross-domain detections where IT bridges OT or physical surfaces. * Author and tune production detections as code, with peer review ...

Senior Detection Engineer

Charleston, WV · Remote

$117K - $160K/yr

Collaborate cross-functionally with DevOps and Security Engineering teams to adapt detection logic to infrastructure changes before security blind spots can emerge. * Leverage AI and LLMs as force ...

The Senior Threat Detection Engineer at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) leads the engineering, creation, and tuning of advanced detection capabilities. This role bridges threat hunting, data engineering ...

The Senior Threat Detection Engineer at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) leads the engineering, creation, and tuning of advanced detection capabilities. This role bridges threat hunting, data engineering ...

Senior Threat Detection Engineer

Austin, TX

$103K - $142K/yr

The Senior Threat Detection Engineer at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) leads the engineering, creation, and tuning of advanced detection capabilities. This role bridges threat hunting, data engineering ...

Senior Threat Detection Engineer

Chicago, IL

$107K - $147K/yr

The Senior Threat Detection Engineer at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) leads the engineering, creation, and tuning of advanced detection capabilities. This role bridges threat hunting, data engineering ...

Senior Threat Detection Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

The Senior Threat Detection Engineer at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) leads the engineering, creation, and tuning of advanced detection capabilities. This role bridges threat hunting, data engineering ...

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Senior Detection Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior detection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior detection engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Detection Engineer vs Security Analyst?

AspectSenior Detection EngineerSecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, Cybersecurity, or related; certifications like CISSP, GIACBachelor's in CS, Cybersecurity, or related; certifications like CompTIA Security+
Work EnvironmentDevelops detection tools, analyzes security data, creates detection rulesMonitors security alerts, investigates incidents, reports findings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, financial institutions, cybersecurity firmsIT departments, government agencies, large enterprises

While both roles focus on security, Senior Detection Engineers primarily develop and refine detection systems, whereas Security Analysts monitor and respond to security incidents. The Senior Detection Engineer role is more technical and development-oriented, while Security Analysts focus on incident response and analysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Detection Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Senior Detection Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of cybersecurity principles, threat detection methodologies, and experience with incident response, often supported by a degree in computer science or related certifications like CISSP or GIAC. Proficiency in SIEM platforms (such as Splunk or Sentinel), scripting languages (like Python), and EDR/XDR tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and respond to evolving threats. These capabilities are crucial for proactively identifying and mitigating security risks to protect organizational assets.

Can you make 300k in cyber security?

Senior Detection Engineers in cybersecurity can potentially earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries or senior roles. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise, with some professionals earning this level through bonuses and stock options.

What is a Senior Detection Engineer?

A Senior Detection Engineer is a cybersecurity professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining systems that detect threats and malicious activities within an organization's network. They create and refine detection rules, analyze security alerts, and work closely with incident response teams to mitigate risks. Senior Detection Engineers also lead efforts to improve detection capabilities by researching new attack techniques and developing advanced monitoring solutions. Their expertise helps organizations proactively defend against evolving cyber threats.

What does a senior detection engineer do?

A senior detection engineer designs, develops, and implements security detection systems to identify and respond to cyber threats. They analyze security data, create detection rules, and use tools like SIEM platforms to monitor network activity, often leading incident response efforts and mentoring junior team members.

What are some common challenges a Senior Detection Engineer faces when developing and tuning detection rules?

A Senior Detection Engineer often encounters challenges such as balancing detection accuracy with false positive rates, staying ahead of evolving threat landscapes, and ensuring detection rules adapt to new attack techniques. They must also collaborate closely with other security teams to understand operational impacts and validate the effectiveness of their rules in real-world scenarios. Regular communication, continuous learning, and iterative testing are crucial to overcoming these challenges and maintaining a robust security posture.

How much do detection engineers make?

Detection engineers typically earn a median salary ranging from $90,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior detection engineers with specialized skills in cybersecurity tools and threat detection may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Detection Engineers in cybersecurity or threat detection roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly at large tech or security firms.
More about Senior Detection Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Detection Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Detection Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Detection Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Detection Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Detection Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Detection Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Detection Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Senior Detection Engineer

Senior Detection Engineer

Instacart

OR • Remote

$104K - $143K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Instacart rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 62 rated delivery companies


Job description

Overview

Instacarts Detection Engineering team sits at the core of our Security organization, building and operating the systems that identify, surface, and respond to threats across one of North America's largest grocery technology platforms. We own the full detection lifecycle - from telemetry collection and signal design to automated response - across a complex, cloud-native environment spanning endpoint, cloud, container, and SaaS.

As a Senior Detection Engineer, you'll be a technical anchor on the team: developing high-fidelity detection logic, hunting for novel attacker techniques, and raising the bar for how we think about coverage, quality, and scale. You'll work closely with Engineering, Red Team, Incident Response, Fraud, and Trust & Safety to ensure our detections reflect real-world adversary behavior - not just signatures.

We operate with a detection-as-code mindset: everything we build is versioned, tested, and deployed through repeatable pipelines. We care deeply about reducing noise, improving analyst efficiency through automation and SOAR, and continuously evolving our coverage as the threat landscape shifts.

If you're energized by hard forensic problems, enjoy translating attacker TTPs into durable detection logic, and want to help shape the future of a growing security function, this role is for you.

About the Job
  • Develop, tune, document, and maintain detection logic across multiple log sources including endpoint, cloud, container, and SaaS products.
  • Assist in cyber forensic investigations across a variety of log sources
  • Optimize log ingestion pipelines and telemetry collection to ensure high-quality, actionable security data while managing volume and cost
  • Design and build SOAR playbooks and automation workflows to streamline detection triage, enrichment, and response actions
  • Mentor junior security analysts and detection engineers on threat hunting methodologies, detection logic development, and investigation techniques
About You

Minimum Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in a detection engineering, incident response, or offensive security role.
  • Experience with 1 or more public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • Deep understanding of attacker TTPs across modern zero trust environments, including identity compromise, token theft, and abuse of trust boundaries
  • Proficient understanding of macOS internals and telemetry available to identify macOS specific threats
  • Experience implementing detection-as-code workflows including version control, peer review processes, automated testing, and CI/CD deployment pipelines
  • Basic proficiency with Python, Golang, or other programming languages
  • Relevant certifications: GCFA, GCFE, GNFA, GREM, OSCP, GCIA, or similar

Preferred Qualifications

    • Background in offensive security or red teaming
    • Knowledge of machine learning for threat detection

#LI-Remote


What Instacart employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Instacart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Instacart, based in San Francisco, CA, US, operates within the retail industry, specifically grocery delivery and pick-up service. It is recognized as a pioneer in this field, delivering fresh groceries from local stores directly to customers' doors. The company, which launched its services in 2012, continues to pioneer change in the online grocery shopping sector through its commitment to cutting-edge technology, new business ideas, and dedicated service.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2012