AI Security Specialist – Cybersecurity

About the role

Our client, an AI security platform, is seeking an AI / Security Specialist to strengthen its product and accelerate go‑to‑market activities. You will work directly with the founder in a fast‑moving, early‑stage environment, turning AI security concepts into production‑ready controls that protect databases from malicious AI agents.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and harden AI‑driven security controls for real‑time database interaction.
• Develop threat and anomaly detection models, focusing on LLM security and prompt‑injection mitigation.
• Deploy applied machine‑learning solutions in production and maintain security analytics pipelines.
• Perform risk assessments where AI agents interact with systems, data and databases.
• Provide comprehensive audit logging, policy enforcement, and incident response support.

Required profile

• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in AI security or related fields.
• Self‑starter with strong ownership mentality, able to work independently in a lean startup.
• High integrity, sound judgement and pragmatic problem‑solving skills.
• Comfortable adapting quickly to shifting priorities and collaborating closely with founders.

Required skills

• Threat detection
• Anomaly detection
• LLM security
• Prompt‑injection mitigation
• Machine learning in production environments
• Security analytics
• Detection engineering
• Security monitoring
• Risk assessment for AI‑driven systems

What we offer

• Full‑time independent contractor role in an innovative AI security startup.
• On‑site work in Cape Town with direct access to senior leadership.
• Opportunity to shape a cutting‑edge product and influence market strategy.