AI Applications Engineer

AI & Application Security Engineer Remote (Central Time Zone preferred) | Contract-to-Hire Summary We're seeking an AI & Application Security Engineer to build and lead a modern application security function from the ground up. This is a high-impact, hands-on role for someone who thrives in fast-moving environments, partners closely with developers, and enjoys shaping how security is embedded into cloud-native and AI-assisted software development. Overview In this role, you'll define secure development guardrails, mature SAST and DAST capabilities, and help govern the use of AI coding tools across a growing engineering organization. You'll work across AWS-hosted applications, APIs, and SaaS integrations, balancing speed, innovation, and risk while helping establish security standards that scale. Responsibilities • Build, operate, and mature SAST, DAST, secrets scanning, and dependency review programs • Define and enforce secure development guardrails for AI-assisted coding tools and workflows • Review application, API, and AI-generated code for vulnerabilities and insecure patterns • Lead API and integration security assessments, including auth, authorization, and data exposure • Partner with engineering teams to embed security throughout the SDLC and CI/CD pipelines • Support secure design reviews for cloud-native and prototype-to-production solutions • Collaborate with cloud teams on AWS security fundamentals (IAM, secrets, logging, networking) • Produce security standards and audit-ready documentation aligned to common frameworks • Mentor developers and security team members on secure coding and AI usage practices Qualifications • 5–7 years of experience in Application Security, Security Engineering, or DevSecOps • Hands-on experience with SAST, DAST, and application security tooling in production environments • Strong understanding of API security and common application attack vectors • Experience governing or securing AI-assisted development tools (e.g., code generation, LLM workflows) • Working knowledge of AWS security fundamentals • Experience embedding security controls into modern SDLC and CI/CD pipelines • Strong communication skills and a collaborative, developer-first mindset • Ability to operate in ambiguity and help build processes from scratchNice to have: experience with SaaS integration security, common AppSec tools, regulated environments, or Microsoft/M365 security. The salary range for this position is 60/hr to 65/hr. Benefits available to contract/temporary professionals, include medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit https://roberthalf.gobenefits.net/ f for more information. Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI to find you great job matches faster.