About 1Kosmos
1Kosmos is a growing startup revolutionizing identity and authentication solutions. We're seeking a hands-on security leader who thrives in a technical, fast-paced environment and is ready to build and scale our security operations from the ground up.
About the Role
We're looking for a hands-on security leader to serve as CISO. The candidate must be a highly technical, operationally focused security leader who can roll up their sleeves and directly implement security solutions while building our security posture. This role is ideal for a senior security operations professional ready to transition into strategic leadership while maintaining a deep technical involvement.
Key Responsibilities
Security Operations Leadership (Primary Focus)
- Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive security operations infrastructure
- Personally configure and deploy security tools, including endpoint protection, SIEM, and cloud security solutions
- Build and optimize security monitoring, incident response, and threat detection capabilities
- Drive automation initiatives to eliminate manual inefficiencies in security processes
Compliance and Risk Management
- Lead compliance initiatives including FedRAMP, SOC 2, and other regulatory frameworks
- Partner with business analysts to navigate regulatory requirements and audits
- Develop and maintain security policies, procedures, and documentation
- Manage security risk assessments and remediation programs
Technical Security Architecture
- Secure cloud infrastructure across AWS, Google Cloud, and other platforms
- Integrate security into CI/CD pipelines, working closely with DevOps teams
- Implement and manage security tools (CrowdStrike, etc.) across the organization
- Conduct hands-on security reviews of architecture and code
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Partner directly with development and engineering teams on secure software development
- Oversee internal IT security (smaller component of role)
- Communicate security initiatives and status to leadership and stakeholders
- Coordinate with global teams to ensure consistent security practices
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Technical Expertise
-
Minimum 7+ years in security operations with demonstrated hands-on experience
- Deep expertise in cloud security (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)
- Proven ability to personally deploy and configure enterprise security tools
- Strong understanding of modern DevOps practices and CI/CD security integration
- Experience with security automation and orchestration
Compliance and Governance
- Hands-on experience with FedRAMP certification processes
- Track record of achieving and maintaining SOC 2, ISO 27001, or similar certifications
- Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements and audit processes
Leadership and Communication
- Experience leading security initiatives in fast-growing organizations
- Strong communication skills for collaborating with global, distributed teams
- Ability to translate technical security concepts for various stakeholders
- Comfortable working in a startup environment with evolving requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Currently in a similar-sized company CISO role, or a Deputy CISO, Director of Security Operations, or similar "CISO minus one" role at a larger organization
- Experience in identity management or authentication technologies
- Background in both security operations and security engineering
- Previous startup or scale-up experience
- Located in or willing to work EST hours (strong preference for NY/NJ area)
- Public-facing CISO experience (client communications) is a plus but not required
What We're NOT Looking For
- Pure policy/governance executives without hands-on technical skills
- Traditional "big company" CISOs focused only on strategy and presentations
- Candidates who expect to delegate all technical work from day one
- Security leaders who haven't maintained current technical skills
Benefits
What We Offer
- Opportunity to build and shape security at a growing startup
- Direct impact on product and company security posture
- Collaborative environment with talented engineering teams
- Competitive compensation and equity package
- Flexible work arrangements with preference for hybrid in NY/NJ area
