a16z Senior Security Researcher
Summary
Senior Security Researcher at TENEX.AI studies emerging cyber threats, builds detections, and translates findings into customer protection using AI-native MDR tools and cloud security expertise.
Company Overview:
TENEX is an AI-native, automation-first, built-for-scale Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider. We are a force multiplier for defenders, helping organizations enhance their cybersecurity posture through advanced threat detection, rapid response, and continuous protection. Our team is composed of industry experts with deep experience in cybersecurity, automation and AI-driven solutions. Backed by leading investors, we are rapidly growing and seeking top talent to join our mission of revolutionizing the AI-Native MDR landscape.
We’re a fast growing startup backed by industry experts and top tier investors led by Crosspoint Capital Partners and also backed by Shield Capital, DTCP (formerly Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners), Deepwork Capital, and the Florida Opportunity Fund. Seed round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). As an early employee, you’ll play a meaningful role in defining and building our culture. Get in on the ground floor. We’re a small but well-funded team that just raised a substantial round – joining now comes with limited risk and unlimited upside.
Culture is one of the most important things at —explore our culture deck at to witness how we embody it, prioritizing the irreplaceable collaboration and community of in-person work.
About the Opportunity:
The research is what sets a disruptive MDR apart, and at TENEX it drives everything we detect. As Senior Security Researcher, you’ll study emerging adversary behavior, build the detections and tooling that catch it, and translate research into real customer protection. This is a deep-technical individual-contributor role with influence across the whole SOC and the room to become a founding technical voice as we scale.
What You’ll Do:
Research emerging threats. Investigate adversary tradecraft, malware, and attack techniques across cloud and endpoint.
Turn research into detections. Build detection logic and tooling that operationalizes your findings.
Publish and share intelligence. Communicate findings to internal teams and, where appropriate, customers.
Partner across business units. Work with Detection Engineering, Forward Deployment, and Software Engineering to ship research-driven capabilities.
Help set the research agenda. Shape what TENEX investigates next as a senior technical voice.
What You Bring:
At least 6 years in security research, threat intelligence, or detection engineering.
Deep expertise in adversary techniques, malware analysis, or reverse engineering.
Strong cloud security knowledge (AWS, GCP, and/or Azure).
Ability to translate complex research into clear guidance for technical and customer audiences.
Bonus Points:
Published research, CVEs, or conference talks.
Experience in an MDR/MSSP environment.
Detection-as-code or automation background.
Education & Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Relevant certifications such as GREM, OSCP, GCIH, or GCFA are a plus.
Why Join Us?
Opportunity to set the threat-research direction at an MDR company changing the space, with the influence and growth of a founding technical voice.
Collaborate with a talented and innovative team focused on continuously improving security operations.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
A culture of growth and development, with opportunities to expand your knowledge in AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.