Build and enhance Kasada’s virtual machine and compiler chain to strengthen anti-bot defenses. Responsibilities include optimizing compiler stages, translating security research into practical solutions, researching new obfuscation techniques, and contributing to architecture discussions. The role requires deep compiler and AST knowledge, TypeScript or JavaScript experience, strong debugging and communication skills, and collaboration across product and engineering teams.
About Kasada
Join us in stopping bad bots, for good! Kasada protects millions of online users everyday. Founded to stop automated bot attacks, we believe the internet should be a safe place for everyone. Bad bots are highly destructive. They take over accounts, steal content, overload systems and infrastructure and cause billions of dollars in damages every year. Seeking to restore trust in the internet, Kasada stops bots at the very first request including those that have never been seen before.
We’ve grown from a few friends working out of a shipping container under the Sydney Harbour Bridge to now operating globally, we’re spread across the world protecting some of the most well-known brands on the face of the earth.
We’re an innately curious team that’s not afraid to bring bold ideas to create better ways of solving problems. We’re looking for people who are passionate about solving some of the most difficult and pressing cybersecurity issues, while having fun doing it!
Kasada has an exciting opportunity to join our team responsible for defending our customers against automation.
This is a role where you will get the opportunity to apply your apply your knowledge in compiler theory. Kasada uses novel obfuscation techniques that involve custom languages and virtual machines. You will be researching ways to leverage these and invent new ones to prevent attachers from getting the upper hand. As a member of our Engineering team, you will be able develop new creative innovations to our Virtual Machine and compiler and establish yourself as a leader in the growing field of cyber security.
As a Senior Software Engineer (compiler focused) you will get to work deeply within our VM compiler working on all aspects of the compiler chain.
What you will be doing
- Building and enhancing our Kasada Virtual Machine
- Building and optimising different stages of our compiler chain
- Using proof-of-concept work from our security research and turning it into practical solutions that enhance our bot defences
- Perform research in collaboration with product and engineering teams
- Contributes to architecture design discussions in how we can build efficient solutions
What you will bring
- At least 3 years experience working in a Senior Software Engineering role
- Understanding of compiler architecture
- Experience working with compilers
- Experience with ASTs
- TypeScript / JavaScript experience
- A great ability to communicate highly technical concepts to non-technical audiences
- Strong debugging skills and willingness to delve into unknowns
- Understanding of writing user based tests
- Knowledge of browsers including backwards compatibility
- Cybersecurity experience
- Client based testing experience
- Babel experience
- VM experience
We don’t expect you to meet everything below, but we do look for candidates eager to develop in areas where they have less experience
Highly desirable
What you will be working with
- NodeJS
- TypeScript
- JavaScript VMs
- Buildkite
- AWS
- Docker
The Benefits of Being a Kasadian
We’re committed to making Kasada a place where you can do the best work of your career — and feel supported while doing it. We foster an inclusive, highly collaborative environment grounded in our core values, and we’ve built our benefits to help you thrive both inside and outside of work.
• A stake in Kasada’s global success through equity/stock options
• Support for growing families, including generous parental leave and resources before, during, and after leave
• Wellbeing support to help you grow and recharge, including access to our EAP with confidential counselling for you and your loved ones
• Birthday leave
• Wellness leave
• Annual company offsites to connect, collaborate, and celebrate together
• A dog-friendly HQ in Sydney
What’s Next?
If this sounds interesting, hit the Apply button and one of our team will be in touch for an exploratory, confidential conversation. Our hiring process is designed to be thoughtful, efficient, and transparent — so everyone can make an informed decision about whether Kasada is the right next step.
When applying, you’re welcome to share the pronouns you use and any adjustments you may need during the interview process — we want you to feel set up for success in every conversation.
One Last Thing…
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds are less likely to apply unless they meet every requirement. If this role excites you and you think you could add value, we’d love to hear from you — even if you don’t tick every box. We value diverse perspectives and welcome different paths and experiences.
Please note: Kasada is an E-Verify employer (US-based applicants only).
Kasada Melbourne, Victoria, AUS Office
222 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, Australia, 3000
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