How to Hire a DevSecOps Engineer

Hiring Guide for DevSecOps Engineers

Table of contents

Introduction

DevSecOps Engineers are responsible for ensuring that security is embedded into the DevOps process. They work to identify security risks, design and implement security controls, and automate security processes. Hiring the right DevSecOps Engineer is critical to ensure that an organization's DevOps process is secure, efficient, and effective.

Why Hire

DevSecOps Engineers are a critical component of any modern software development team. Without a DevSecOps Engineer, security risks may go undetected, and security controls may not be implemented in a timely and efficient manner. Hiring a DevSecOps Engineer can help to prevent security breaches, reduce the costs associated with security incidents, and improve the overall security posture of an organization.

Understanding the Role

Before beginning the hiring process for a DevSecOps Engineer, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the role. The responsibilities of a DevSecOps Engineer may vary depending on the organization, but some common tasks include:

• Collaborating with development and operations teams to identify security risks
• Designing and implementing security controls
• Automating security processes
• Conducting security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Monitoring security incidents and responding to security incidents
• Staying up-to-date with the latest security trends and best practices

Sourcing Applicants

Finding qualified candidates for a DevSecOps Engineer position can be challenging. One way to source applicants is to use job boards such as infosec-jobs.com. This website specializes in information security jobs and is an excellent resource for finding DevSecOps Engineers.

Other ways to source applicants include:

• Posting job ads on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media platforms
• Reaching out to DevSecOps Engineers on LinkedIn
• Recruiting from hackathons and other events

Skills Assessment

When assessing the skills of DevSecOps Engineer applicants, it is essential to focus on both technical and soft skills. Some critical technical skills for a DevSecOps Engineer include:

• Knowledge of DevOps principles and practices
• Familiarity with Cloud computing platforms and infrastructure-as-code tools
• Understanding of software development languages such as Python, Java, and Ruby
• Experience with security tools such as vulnerability scanners and Intrusion detection systems
• Strong knowledge of security best practices, standards, and regulations

Soft skills that a DevSecOps Engineer should possess include:

• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with development and operations teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously

Interviews

Conducting interviews is critical to assess an applicant's experience, knowledge, and fit with the organization. When conducting an interview for a DevSecOps Engineer, it's essential to ask both technical and behavioral questions. Some sample questions include:

Technical Questions: - Can you walk me through a time when you identified and mitigated a security risk in a DevOps environment? - What Automation tools have you used to implement security controls? - How have you implemented security within a CI/CD pipeline? - Can you discuss how you stay up-to-date with the latest security trends and best practices?

Behavioral Questions: - How do you handle conflicting priorities between security and development teams? - Can you discuss a time when you had to communicate security risks to non-technical stakeholders? - How do you handle stress and handle tight deadlines? - Can you discuss a time when you had to learn a new technology or tool quickly?

Making an Offer

When making an offer to a successful DevSecOps Engineer candidate, it is essential to consider the current market for salaries and benefits. Competitive salary and benefits packages will attract the best candidates. Other considerations when making an offer include:

• Negotiating salary and benefits
• Clearly outlining job responsibilities and expectations
• Discussing opportunities for career growth and development

Onboarding

Once a DevSecOps Engineer has accepted an offer, it's time to plan for onboarding. Successful onboarding sets the tone for a positive and productive work experience. Some critical tasks to consider during onboarding include:

• Introducing new hires to the team and the organization's culture
• Providing access to necessary tools and technology
• Outlining the organization's security policies and procedures
• Providing training on tools, processes, and procedures

Conclusion

Hiring a DevSecOps Engineer is essential for organizations that want to embed security into their DevOps process. By following this comprehensive guide, you can source and assess the best candidates for the position. Additionally, using resources like infosec-jobs.com can help find qualified candidates and job description examples. By making an informed hiring decision and providing successful onboarding, you can set up a DevSecOps Engineer for success and improve the security posture of your organization.