Ecolab

Director of Security Engineering

Ecolab$137K — $206K *
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field; equivalent experience may suffice.
  • 12+ years in cybersecurity, security architecture, or engineering with a focus on vulnerability management.
  • 5+ years in leadership roles managing multi-team security functions at the senior level.
  • Successful track record in delivering security initiatives such as hardening programs and platform deployments.
  • Experience managing large teams (15+) including varied technical roles and disciplines.
  • Background in establishing new teams, particularly in exposure management or vulnerability operations.
  • Ability to deliver cross-functional programs to remediation compliance outcomes without direct authority.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the creation and enforcement of security architecture standards and compliance across multiple platforms.
  • Make strategic decisions regarding the security technology stack, including endpoint, cloud, and network security.
  • Direct the operationalization of Continuous Threat Exposure Management, overseeing a team in various attack surface areas.
  • Define and implement a structured CTEM cycle focusing on discovery, mobilization, and remediation tracking.
  • Ensure SLA enforcement for vulnerability remediation across infrastructure and application teams.
  • Oversee daily operations of security engineering, including platform maintenance and incident response.
  • Coordinate cross-functional initiatives across multiple technical teams, ensuring timely delivery of security projects.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
  • Opportunities for professional development and continued education.
  • Flexible working arrangements including remote options.
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedules.
  • Supportive organizational culture promoting team engagement and growth.
Full Job Description

Job Summary: The Director of Security Engineering is responsible for leading enterprise security architecture, engineering, and exposure management programs. This role provides leadership for the technical security posture of a global Fortune 500 environment, owning the proactive side of security: architecture decisions, platform engineering, security standards enforcement, vulnerability and exposure management, and the initiatives that harden the environment before threats land.

The Director of Security Engineering leads architecture and engineering teams across endpoint, cloud, network, data protection, collaboration, and OT security while building a new Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) capability. The role combines strategic direction, platform and tooling decisions, cross-functional initiative delivery, and organizational leadership to drive measurable posture improvement across the enterprise.

What You Will Do:

Technical Security Posture and Architecture

  • Own security architecture standards, benchmarks, and compliance posture for the enterprise aligned to CIS Benchmarks, NIST CSF 2.0, and platform hardening requirements.

  • Make platform and tooling decisions across the security technology stack including endpoint, cloud, network, data protection, and collaboration security.

  • Lead security solution selection, evaluation, and implementation for new capabilities across multi-cloud, on-premises, and OT environments.

  • Guide zero-trust architecture implementation including network segmentation, conditional access enforcement, and least-privilege design patterns.

  • Drive security configuration standards and compliance across Azure, AWS, GCP, on-premises infrastructure, and industrial control system environments.

Exposure Management and CTEM

  • Stand up and operationalize the Continuous Threat Exposure Management function, directing a team of exposure analysts across infrastructure, cloud, application, and external attack surface domains.

  • Define and operationalize the CTEM cycle: discovery, prioritization (exploitability-weighted), mobilization, validation, and remediation tracking.

  • Establish and enforce vulnerability remediation SLAs with infrastructure, platform, and application teams across the enterprise.

  • Build executive-facing exposure reporting and risk quantification tied to business outcomes.

  • Drive convergence of vulnerability scanning, cloud security posture management, and attack surface management into a unified exposure view.

Engineering Operations and Platform Management

  • Oversee day-to-day security engineering including platform maintenance, incident support, approval workflows, and operational stability across the security tooling portfolio.

  • Manage the solution review and re-attestation process for enterprise technology including vendor evaluations and M&A security assessments.

  • Drive automation of manual security processes including approvals, compliance checks, and configuration auditing.

  • Partner with Observability and Automation teams on SIEM integration, security automation playbooks, and compliance dashboards.

  • Translate governance and compliance requirements from GRC into implemented technical controls, deploying and configuring security platforms to monitor and enforce policy compliance across the enterprise.

  • Oversee OT security assessments across global manufacturing sites, ensure regulatory compliance (NIS2, CFATS), and drive network segmentation programs for industrial environments.

Initiative Delivery and Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Organize and prioritize work across multiple concurrent workstreams spanning endpoint hardening, cloud exposure remediation, network benchmarking, data protection, and OT security.

  • Use modern tools including AI assistants (Claude, Copilot) to accelerate planning, analysis, documentation, and decision-making across the team.

  • Present program status, roadmaps, and investment cases to executive leadership with clarity and confidence.

  • Drive cross-functional initiatives requiring coordination across infrastructure, networking, cloud platforms, and application teams.

Organizational and People Leadership

  • Lead and develop a distributed security organization consisting of managers, architects, and engineers across multiple technical domains.

  • Build organizational clarity across architecture, engineering, and the new exposure management function.

  • Provide leadership in talent development, succession planning, coaching, performance management, and team engagement.

  • Manage staffing strategy across full-time employees, partners, and contingent resources to meet delivery needs.

  • Oversee third-party vendors and consulting partners supporting security programs and services.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.

  • 12+ years of progressive experience in cybersecurity, security architecture, security engineering, or vulnerability management.

  • 5+ years of leadership experience managing multi-team security functions at the Senior Manager or Director level.

  • Demonstrated success delivering security initiatives through teams: hardening programs, platform deployments, and posture improvements completed on schedule.

  • Experience managing 15+ person organizations including managers, architects, and engineers with varied technical specializations.

  • Experience building new functions or teams, particularly in exposure management, vulnerability operations, or CTEM disciplines.

  • Background in cross-functional program delivery, driving remediation and compliance outcomes through teams not under direct reporting authority.

Technical and Functional Qualifications:

  • Strong knowledge of cloud security architecture across Azure, AWS, and GCP including CSPM/CNAPP platforms, container security, and cloud-native controls.

  • Strong knowledge of network security including next-generation firewalls, secure web gateways, network segmentation, DNS security, and zero-trust network access.

  • Experience with endpoint security platforms (EDR), endpoint hardening, and CIS benchmark implementation at enterprise scale.

  • Knowledge of data protection platforms (DLP), data classification, insider threat programs, and unstructured data controls.

  • Strong knowledge of vulnerability and exposure management: scanning platforms, CTEM frameworks, attack surface management, exposure prioritization, and remediation SLA governance. Qualys experience strongly preferred.

  • Knowledge of OT/ICS security including network segmentation for industrial environments, asset discovery, and regulatory frameworks (NIS2).

  • Familiarity with security architecture frameworks: CIS Benchmarks (multi-platform), NIST CSF 2.0, and zero-trust architecture principles.

  • Comfort with security automation platforms (SOAR) and AI-assisted workflows for accelerating team productivity and decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in a Fortune 500, global, manufacturing, or industrial environment with complex, heterogeneous technology estates.

  • Prior experience standing up a CTEM, exposure management, or vulnerability operations function.

  • Familiarity with M&A security assessment processes and integrating acquisitions.

  • Background in OT/ICS security for manufacturing environments.

  • Familiarity with platforms such as Wiz, Zscaler, Palo Alto, Elastic, Armis, Qualys, or Swimlane.

  • Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or technical certifications in cloud security, network security, or vulnerability management.

Leadership Competencies

  • Organized and decisive leader who manages multiple concurrent workstreams and makes priority calls under competing demands.

  • Delivery-oriented with a track record of driving initiatives to completion through teams: milestones hit, SLAs enforced, projects closed.

  • Strong presenter who communicates technical security posture, risk, and investment needs to executive audiences clearly and confidently.

  • Skilled at influencing without authority, driving remediation and compliance outcomes through infrastructure, platform, and application teams.

  • Builder mentality: energized by standing up new capabilities while keeping existing operations running smoothly.

Additional Information

  • Travel up to 10% may be required for site assessments, team collaboration, and vendor engagements.
  • The role may require coordination across global teams, including off-hours support for key initiatives, escalations, or major incidents.

About Ecolab

Ecolab provides comprehensive solutions, data-driven insights, and personalized service to customers in the food, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial markets in more than countries to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability.

Ecolab Careers

Join Ecolab's dynamic team today and be part of a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions. At Ecolab, we are committed to advancing technologies and driving innovation that makes the world cleaner, safer, and healthier.

Work You’ll Do

At Ecolab, you will find job opportunities that promise robust growth and development in a culture that fosters leadership, innovation, and diversity. Our team is composed of over 48,000 dedicated professionals who lead the industry in delivering efficient solutions and services to our customers worldwide.

Professional Growth and Development

Embark on a career path that empowers your ambition. Ecolab offers a myriad of career advancement opportunities supported by comprehensive training programs and professional development courses. Our commitment to your growth is paralleled by our dedication to innovation and excellence in every aspect of our business.

Inclusive and Supportive Culture

Ecolab’s culture thrives on teamwork, respect, and diversity. We believe in creating an inclusive environment that values each individual’s unique background and perspectives. Diversity training and leadership programs are integral parts of our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Whether you're starting your career or looking to make a change, Ecolab offers a range of employment and internship opportunities that can help you harness your skills and achieve your professional goals. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and engaging, ensuring that all candidates are given the opportunity to showcase their strengths.

Benefits and Networking

Joining Ecolab means more than just employment; it’s an opportunity to be part of a global network of industry leaders and innovators. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, including health, life, and dental insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. We also encourage our team to connect and collaborate through various professional networking events.

Explore Job Opportunities

Are you ready to make a significant impact? Explore the various positions available at Ecolab, from entry-level roles to executive positions. Tailor your resume and prepare for interviews with our career experts who are here to support you every step of the way.

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Learn more about Ecolab
Size
47,000 employees
Market Cap
$41 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$1.2 billion
Founded
1923
5 Year Trend
-0.6%
Revenue
$11.7 billion
NASDAQ

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