[Hiring] Senior Director - Product Security Engineering @Vertex Inc.

Role Description

The Senior Director, Product Security Engineering leads and advances Vertex's enterprise Product Security program across software engineering, application security, and secure software development practices. This role sits within the Cybersecurity organization and partners closely with Engineering, Product, and Cybersecurity leadership to embed security throughout the software development lifecycle, drive measurable security outcomes, and position the organization to address the security implications of AI-enabled development and AI-powered products.

• Lead and mature Vertex’s Product and Application Security program, embedding security capabilities into software development processes, engineering workflows, and the full software development lifecycle.
• Partner with Engineering and Product leadership to make secure development practices scalable and measurable; incorporate security requirements into product designs, engineering roadmaps, and delivery processes.
• Define and execute secure software development strategies across modern cloud and software environments.
• Establish security approaches for the safe use of AI within software engineering workflows; ensure AI-enabled products are designed and developed securely, and help the organization navigate emerging challenges from AI-assisted development and an expanding population of non-traditional developers.
• Own and evolve the Security Champions Program; lead Product Security governance, including secure development training and security enablement programs.
• Develop and communicate security program metrics and reporting to executive stakeholders; use data to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate program effectiveness.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging threats, and evolving Application Security and Product Security practices to continuously strengthen organizational security posture.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading Product Security, Application Security, and Secure SDLC programs within a technology company, with deep expertise in secure software development practices and modern engineering environments.
• Demonstrated success partnering with software engineering organizations and influencing security adoption across complex, multi-team development environments.
• Experience developing, measuring, and communicating security program effectiveness through metrics, reporting, and executive-level presentations; proven ability to collaborate across Product, Engineering, and Cybersecurity organizations.
• Knowledge of AI security considerations, including the secure adoption of AI within engineering practices and the security implications of AI-enabled products.
• Demonstrated executive presence with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership, engineering teams, and cross-functional partners.
• Proven ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on when necessary; adaptable and outcome-oriented, with the ability to reprioritize based on evolving business needs.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to drive security outcomes through influence and partnership rather than direct authority.

Requirements

• Experience leading Product Security teams and programs in SaaS or software-focused environments.
• Experience building and scaling Security Champions programs and secure development training initiatives.
• Active participation in security industry communities, forums, working groups, or conferences.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience accepted in lieu of a formal degree.

Benefits

• Base pay offered to new hires may vary based upon factors including relevant industry and job-related skills and experience, geographic location, and business needs.
• This role may be eligible for the Vertex Bonus Plan (VOB), a role-specific sales commission/bonus, and/or equity grants.