Software Engineer II

Who We Are

Ready to make a real impact in cybersecurity? At Critical Start, we're not just protecting organizations; we're redefining how it's done. We're a team united by an inspiring purpose: to stop breaches, simplify security, and shape the future of cyber defense. If you're passionate about cutting-edge technology, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want your work to truly matter, you've found your home.

We deliver 24x7 AI-accelerated, human-validated detection, investigation, and response across IT and OT. This means we cut through the noise, investigate real threats, and take trusted, SLA-backed action—all powered by the brightest minds and the latest AI. Since 2012, we've been helping organizations outpace evolving attacks with faster response, fewer escalations, and measurable risk reduction.

Innovation isn't just a buzzword here; it's our DNA. We pioneered the first MOBILESOC app for on-the-go detection and response, infused AI into automated alert resolution to eliminate noise, and slashed investigation time by an astounding 99.3%. We're transforming how security teams work, and you could be a part of it. From AI-assisted triage to analyst copilots that elevate human expertise, we combine machine intelligence with human judgment to deliver outcomes our customers trust.

If you're looking for a high-trust, high-impact team where your ideas are amplified by AI and valued by colleagues and customers alike, Critical Start is the place for you. Come build the future of cybersecurity with us.

Want to hear from our team? Watch these videos to gain insights into life at Critical Start or check out our Glassdoor reviews for an inside look.

Who You Are

We are seeking a Software Engineer II to join the Critical Start Technologies Private Ltd. team, operating under the Critical Start umbrella, for our India operations. As a Software Development Engineer II, you will play a crucial role in our development team. Your daily tasks involve translating clear and unambiguous requirements into code, with a primary focus on releasing new features and resolving bugs. You will contribute to one or two sub-components of the overall system and work closely with a Senior Developer or Engineering Manager. This role offers an opportunity to develop new microservices, enhance your coding skills, and gain valuable insights into architectural concepts. Critical Start Teams take full ownership for delivering high-quality solutions and continually improving team performance. Team members are expected to be versatile, display personal leadership qualities, be skilled at working through ambiguity, and enthusiastically deliver delightful solutions for end users, while continuously pushing technology forward.

What You Will Be Doing?

As a Software Development Engineer II, your daily responsibilities involve translating well-defined requirements into code. Your main focus includes contributing to the release of new features, resolving software issues, and similar tasks. Additionally, you will work on one or two sub-components of the overall system. Collaboration with a Senior Developer or Engineering Manager will provide you with the opportunity to create new microservices, enhance your coding skills, and gain insights into architectural concepts.

Our technology stack primarily relies on Python/Django for day-to-day programming, chosen for historical reasons. We make use of standard tools like Postgres, Memcached, RabbitMQ, and Elasticsearch. AWS is our primary infrastructure platform, and we generally rely on their services. While we prefer existing solutions, we may develop our own tools as needed. Deployment in both development and production environments is mainly conducted using Docker. We place a strong emphasis on API design and writing maintainable code, and you can expect to engage in regular feedback discussions to promote continuous improvement.

Leverages GenAI tools / Copilot for writing unit & integration tests and also leveraging it for developer automation. Strong focus on delivering your work with high quality.

What You Will Bring?

Required Qualifications:

• 2–5 years of professional experience in Python/Django development, with strong familiarity in writing code that follows Pythonic and Django standards.
• Practical experience building and maintaining production applications, including proficiency with unit testing and awareness of its limitations.
• Backend development expertise with Python, Celery, and microservices, plus working knowledge of RabbitMQ, PostgreSQL, and ElasticSearch.
• Strong understanding of data structures and algorithms, applied in an industry setting.
• Experience working in an Agile environment, with proficiency in Git workflows (pull requests, branching, reviews).
• Skilled in Django QuerySets and form validation.
• Basic knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, with the ability to set up and maintain them.
• Comfortable working with Docker technologies, including Dockerfiles and docker-compose.
• Proficiency with Unix shell commands and command-line operations (not expected to serve as a system administrator).
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Adaptability in working with multiple programming languages or frameworks, with demonstrated ability to learn and transition effectively.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possession of a Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or a related technical field.
  
  

What It's Like Working Here

Imagine a dynamic, enjoyable, and rewarding work environment. We are professionals, and the work we do holds immense significance, like saving our customers from potential disasters. However, we believe in not taking ourselves too seriously.

Prefer a casual dress code every day? No problem, as we find comfort enhances our thinking.

What does our Compensation and Benefits package entail?

• Competitive salary
• Statuary PTO (Paid Time Off) policy
• Depending on the role, you may work in the office, remotely, or adopt a hybrid work model.
  
  

We prioritize your privacy and security. Please note that Critical Start will never request financial information or sensitive personal data during the interview process. If you encounter any suspicious requests, do not respond and contact us directly at recruiting@criticalstart.com. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and trustworthy hiring experience.

Critical Start welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. One of our core values is to “Do what’s best for our employees,” and that starts with the hiring process by finding the best candidates and providing an environment that upholds equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants, strictly prohibiting any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy encompasses all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Mental And Physical Requirements

It's important to note that specific physical and mental requirements may vary depending on the nature of the office job, organization, and individual responsibilities.

Physical:

• Stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Constantly operate a computer.
• Occasionally you may be required to move equipment or other items up to 20 lbs.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
  
  

Mental:

• Must be able to apply established protocols in a timely manner.
• Make timely decisions in the context of workflow.
• Ability to complete tasks and perform in situations requiring speed deadlines, or productivity quota.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in high stress situations.
• Ability to simultaneously address multiple complex problems.
  
  

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to visit our career site and apply for the position: https://www.criticalstart.com/careers/