Staff Security Engineer at Lightspark

Los Angeles, California, United States

Lightspark Logo
$230,000 – $270,000Compensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Fintech, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, PaymentsIndustries

Requirements

  • 8+ years of security engineering experience spanning application security, infrastructure/cloud security, and secure software development
  • Strong background in software engineering with proficiency in at least one programming/scripting language (e.g., Python, Go, Java, C/C++)
  • Deep knowledge of security fundamentals: secure coding, encryption, authentication, access control, and vulnerability management
  • Experience leading technical application and infrastructure security initiatives, blockchain/crypto security is a plus
  • Familiarity with industry standards/frameworks (e.g., OWASP, NIST, ISO 27001) and their application in blockchain/financial ecosystems
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills; able to operate as both a hands-on engineer and a technical leader
  • A CS degree or equivalent background is welcome, but diverse paths—especially from non-traditional or crypto-native security backgrounds—are valued

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical security strategy: Shape the security vision across application, infrastructure, and crypto domains, balancing innovation and a fast development culture with pragmatic risk management
  • Build secure-by-default frameworks: Design and implement tools, libraries, and systems that embed security into products and infrastructure from the ground up
  • Perform deep technical reviews: Audit designs and codebases (with emphasis on blockchain/crypto components), identify vulnerabilities, and guide teams in secure design and development
  • Mentor and guide teams: Provide technical leadership and mentorship on secure development practices, encryption, authentication, access control, and crypto-specific security
  • Strengthen detection & response: Partner with operations teams to enhance monitoring, incident investigation, and response—particularly around blockchain and code-level threats
  • Champion security culture: Lead training and awareness programs to up-level security knowledge across engineering, with a focus on blockchain and secure coding
  • Stay ahead of threats: Track emerging risks, attack vectors, and technologies in both traditional and crypto ecosystems, recommending strategies for continuous improvement

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

BlockchainCryptographyEncryptionAuthenticationAccess ControlSecurity AuditsApplication SecurityInfrastructure SecuritySecure DevelopmentVulnerability AssessmentDetection EngineeringBitcoin

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for the Staff Security Engineer position?

The salary range is $230K - $270K.

Is this a remote position or does it require working from the office?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What skills and experience are required for this role?

Candidates need 8+ years of security engineering experience in application security, infrastructure/cloud security, and secure software development, proficiency in at least one programming language like Python, Go, Java, or C/C++, and deep knowledge of security fundamentals including secure coding, encryption, authentication, access control, and vulnerability management. Experience with blockchain/crypto is also required.

What is the company culture like at Lightspark?

Lightspark emphasizes balancing innovation and a fast development culture with pragmatic risk management, while championing a security culture through training, awareness programs, and mentorship across engineering teams.

What makes a strong candidate for this Staff Security Engineer role?

A strong candidate has 8+ years of experience across security domains, software engineering proficiency, deep security knowledge, and blockchain/crypto expertise, with the ability to lead strategy, mentor teams, and build secure frameworks.

Lightspark

Facilitates Bitcoin transactions via API and SDKs

About Lightspark

Lightspark focuses on facilitating Bitcoin transactions for businesses by providing an API and Software Development Kits (SDKs) that integrate with the Lightning Network. This technology allows for faster and cheaper cross-border payments by identifying efficient routes for transactions. Unlike competitors, Lightspark's service-based model enables businesses to leverage Bitcoin without needing deep technical expertise. The goal is to streamline payment processes, making them more efficient and cost-effective.

Los Angeles, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2022Year Founded
$1.3MTotal Funding
SEEDCompany Stage
Fintech, Crypto & Web3Industries
51-200Employees

Risks

Increased competition from fintech companies like Strike and OpenNode.
Regulatory scrutiny in the US and EU could impact cryptocurrency transactions.
Technological vulnerabilities in the Lightning Network may affect Lightspark's reputation.

Differentiation

Lightspark offers a robust API and SDKs for Bitcoin integration on the Lightning Network.
The company provides a dashboard for tracking and managing Bitcoin transactions efficiently.
Lightspark's Universal Money Address (UMA) enhances global payment solutions for businesses.

Upsides

Partnerships with Bitso and Foxbit expand Lightspark's reach in Latin America.
Introduction of Spark and UMA boosts Lightspark's product offerings and market appeal.
Strategic expansion into Africa with Yellow Card highlights growth in emerging markets.

Land your dream remote job 3x faster with AI