📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Cloud Security Engineer
Company: Grindr
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Type: Hybrid (Tuesdays & Thursdays on-site)
Category: Cybersecurity
Date Posted: April 8, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Role Summary

Drive cloud security strategy and architecture for Grindr's global platform supporting over 15 million monthly active users
Secure AWS environments, infrastructure, and containerized workloads while enhancing monitoring and response capabilities
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, platform, and IT operations teams to align security practices and mentor junior staff

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to have a tangible impact on the security and privacy of a global, mission-driven organization, focusing on cloud, infrastructure, and container security.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cloud Security Strategy & Architecture: Design and implement AWS security frameworks, policies, and best practices. Collaborate with architects and leadership to embed security into cloud design and deployments.
Infrastructure & Network Security: Secure AWS environments including VPCs, firewalls, and routing. Apply controls to protect infrastructure and mitigate network risks.
Container & Kubernetes Security: Define and implement security for containerized workloads and Kubernetes clusters. Partner with DevOps to secure CI/CD pipelines.
Security Monitoring & SIEM: Manage observability and SIEM tools for real-time threat detection. Build dashboards and alerts, and support incident response through data correlation.
Incident Response & Compliance: Lead investigations and remediation efforts. Ensure ongoing compliance with standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering and operations teams to align security practices. Contribute to reviews, planning, and mentor junior staff.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Evaluate new tools and drive automation, orchestration, and visibility improvements. Maintain security documentation and playbooks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in cloud security, with a focus on AWS, to drive strategic initiatives and enhance security posture across Grindr's global platform.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

Experience: 7+ years of hands-on experience in cloud security, with extensive expertise in AWS.

Required Skills:

Proven track record in securing cloud infrastructure, networking, and containerized environments
Deep knowledge of AWS services, including IAM, EC2, VPC, S3, Lambda, CloudTrail, and other related tools
Extensive experience with SIEM, security observability platforms, and real-time threat monitoring
Solid understanding of network protocols, firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems
Experience with security frameworks, compliance standards, and industry best practices
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Preferred Skills:

Relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Security – Specialty, CISSP, or CISM
Experience with Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation) and automation tools
Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools and practices
Hands-on experience with Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms
Proven ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams, especially with Platform, DevOps, and IT Operations
Demonstrated expertise in threat modeling, penetration testing, and vulnerability management
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A for this role)

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $154,000 - $181,000 per year (Based on market research for cloud security roles in Chicago, IL)

Benefits:

Family Insurance (health, dental, and vision coverage for you and partial coverage for dependents)
Retirement Savings (generous 401K plan with 6% match and immediate vest in the U.S.)
Compensation (industry-competitive compensation and eligibility for company bonus and equity programs)
Queer-Inclusive Benefits (industry-leading gender-affirming offerings with up to 90% cost coverage, access to Included Health, monthly stipends for HRT, and more)
Additional Benefits (flexible vacation policy, monthly stipends for cell phone, internet, wellness, food, and commuting, breakfast/lunch provided onsite, and yearly travel & leisure stipend)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling and work-from-home options on days not required on-site

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on market research for cloud security roles in Chicago, IL, and reflects the high level of experience and expertise required for this position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Grindr operates in the dating app and social networking industry, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community.

Company Size: Medium-sized company with a global user base and multiple offices in the United States.

Founded: 2009 (16 years in operation)

Team Structure:

Cloud Security team, reporting to the Head of Security
Cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Platform, DevOps, and IT Operations teams
Global team with remote and on-site employees

Development Methodology:

Agile development methodologies, with a focus on continuous integration and deployment
Regular code reviews, testing, and quality assurance practices
Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management

Company Website: Grindr

📝 Enhancement Note: Grindr's company culture is driven by its mission to build the global gayborhood in your pocket, with a focus on user privacy, safety, and security.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Cloud Security Career Level: This role is at the senior staff level, focusing on strategic initiatives and driving security posture across the organization.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Security and has the opportunity to mentor junior staff and influence cross-functional teams.

Technical Impact: The Staff Cloud Security Engineer will have a significant impact on Grindr's global platform, driving security strategy and enhancing the security posture of the company's cloud and container environments.

Growth Opportunities:

Opportunities to drive innovation and continuous improvement in cloud security practices
Potential to grow into a leadership role within the Cloud Security team or expand into other areas of the organization
Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and emerging trends in cloud security

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within Grindr's Cloud Security team and the broader organization, with opportunities to drive innovation and influence strategic initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid office environment, with on-site requirements on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, United States

Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspace with a focus on cross-functional team interaction and knowledge sharing
Access to modern development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices
Flexible work arrangements and remote work options on days not required on-site

Work Schedule: Flexible scheduling with a focus on work-life balance and a results-driven approach to productivity

📝 Enhancement Note: Grindr's hybrid work environment offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility, with a focus on driving results and maintaining a strong company culture.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen (30 minutes): A brief conversation to assess communication skills and cultural fit.
Technical Deep Dive (60 minutes): A detailed discussion of the candidate's cloud security experience, with a focus on AWS, infrastructure, and container security.
On-site Interview (2-3 hours): A comprehensive assessment of the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit, including a working session and meetings with key stakeholders.
Final Review (30 minutes): A debrief with the hiring manager and key stakeholders to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and next steps.

Portfolio Review Tips (N/A for this role):

Not applicable for this role, as it focuses on cloud security strategy and architecture rather than technical implementation or project case studies.

Technical Challenge Preparation (N/A for this role):

Not applicable for this role, as it focuses on strategic initiatives and security posture rather than technical challenges or coding exercises.

ATS Keywords:

Cloud Security
AWS
Infrastructure Security
Network Security
Container Security
Kubernetes Security
Security Monitoring
SIEM
Incident Response
Compliance
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Automation
Threat Modeling
Penetration Testing
Vulnerability Management
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills

📝 Enhancement Note: The ATS keywords provided are tailored to the Staff Cloud Security Engineer role, focusing on cloud security, AWS, and related technical skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Cloud Security Engineer position at Grindr:

Submit your application through the Grindr careers page.
Tailor your resume to highlight your cloud security experience, with a focus on AWS, infrastructure, and container security.
Prepare for the interview process by reviewing Grindr's company culture, mission, and values.
Research Grindr's competition and industry trends to demonstrate your understanding of the company's position in the market and the challenges it faces.
Prepare for technical discussions by brushing up on your knowledge of AWS, cloud security best practices, and emerging trends in the field.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Grindr before making application decisions.

Staff Cloud Security Engineer