Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Associate Security Engineer to join out IT team, based in A&O Shearman's Belfast office.


Information Security team - Belfast

The firms ability to keep our clients data secure is a bedrock for our reputation as a trustworthy professional services partner to many of the worlds large and prestigious organisations. Information security is not an afterthought; it is core to all that we do, to protect not only our data but that of our clients and has the unwavering support of the Board.

The in-house Information Security team is a core part of our technology services structure with mature or evolving capability across all areas of digital security and cyber defence. We align our efforts to the NIST framework and other recognised certifications including ISO27001 and SOC2 and strive to keep pace with the continually evolving threat landscape, in support of A&O Shearmans strategy to lead where global complexity creates opportunity.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to share and gain intel from the firms cybersecurity lawyers. The global team have experience advising clients on hundreds of incidents. Leveraging this experience, they feedback practical lessons learned into clients cyber risk management and incident response programmes.


What you will do

The Associate Security Engineer is a key member of the firms Information Security team, responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and maintenance of the firms security infrastructure. This role ensures that new capabilities and features are integrated securely into the firms systems. It involves a combination of hands-on engineering tasks and active participation in incident response, risk assessments, and the ongoing enhancement of security operations, including:

• Incident response expertise (in context of incidents that pertain to mobile devices): Provide support for and assistance to the global SecOps team across the incident management space, aiding, assisting and supporting triage, investigation and resolution of issues, problems, alerts and incident across the mobile estate with regard to mobile device security matters.
• Problem solving, collaboration and tenacity: Demonstrate energy and a proactive can-do attitude whilst delivering general expertise to support the mobile device security and M365 security when it related to end-user mobile devices and light weight mobile devices.

Security Engineering and Infrastructure Management

• Assist in the implementation, and maintenance of secure infrastructure across the technology estate
• Manage and optimise the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) platforms
• Monitor and resolve issues with the core technology stack.

Security Consultation and Collaboration

• Provide security engineering advice and consultation across all levels of the firm, with support from senior Security Engineering colleagues.
• Work closely with IT, MSSPs, and other internal teams to align global security efforts and ensure consistent implementation of controls.

Automation and Operational Efficiency

• Support the automation and orchestration of security processes to enhance efficiency and reduce manual workload.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls and identify areas for improvement.

Security Architecture and Strategic Development

• Assist in delivering the strategic roadmap for security engineering that aligns with broader business and IT objectives.
• Monitor the progress of ongoing projects involving Security Engineering to ensure alignment with strategic goals.

Incident Response and Vulnerability Management

• Support the enhancement of monitoring capabilities in collaboration with the broader Information Security team.
• Coordinate with Cyber Defence Operations and other teams to investigate and respond to security incidents.
• Participate in incident response activities, including technical analysis, implementation of fixes, and post-incident reviews.
• Collaborate with Vulnerability Management teams to remediate identified vulnerabilities and improve the firms security posture.

What you will have

Essential Criteria

• Hands-on experience in information technology, security operations or with at least one year spent in a Security Engineering or similar technical security role, or 3+ years in a infrastructure, operations or enpoint/sysadmin role.
• Understanding of networking and routing protocols (e.g., TCP/IP) and core services (e.g., DNS, SMTP).
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • SIEM
  • SOAR
  • Detection rules, usecases and Playbooks
  • Ansible
  • Firewall IDS/IPS
  • Windows / Linux OS
  • Cloud Security / CNAPP
  • AWS / Azure
  • Infrastructure Administration
  • Endpoint administration
  • Systems administation
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving abilities; capable of interpreting data flows, assessing security events, and drawing logical conclusions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across both technical and non-technical teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in cyber security, with a strong interest in staying current with industry trends, threats, and technologies.
• High level of personal integrity and ethical standards, with sound judgment in high-pressure or sensitive situations.

Desirable Criteria

• Bachelors degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Engineering, Technology, or a related field.
• Industry-recognised certifications such as: CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), or CompTIA Security+
• Practical experience with programming or scripting languages, particularly: Python and PowerShell

What we can offer you

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.


About A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the worlds most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the worlds leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.