Tech Lead - Data Scientist
Obsidian Security is a global leader in cyber security protecting the SaaS and non-human identity layer modern enterprises run on — from Salesforce and Snowflake to the AI agents now deployed inside them. The Obsidian Security platform gives unified visibility into every human and machine identity, app, and integration across their SaaS estate, detects identity-based and supply chain attacks in real time, and enforces least-privilege access before it's exploited. Trusted by major Fortune 500 companies T-Mobile, Workday, Snowflake, and S&P Global, Obsidian ranked No. 95 on the 2025 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™, growing nearly 1000% from 2021–2024 — helping CISOs turn an unmonitored attack surface into one they can govern with confidence. Obsidian has also been recognized by Forbes as America's Best Startup Employers in 2026.
In August 2026, Obsidian raised $85 million in Series D financing led by Crescent Cove Advisors, with participation from existing investors including Greylock Partners, Menlo Ventures, Norwest Venture Partners, IVP, Wing Ventures, and GV — pushing Obsidian's valuation to $1.1 billion, crossing into unicorn status. Obsidian is using the funding to deepen its R&D in agentic AI security and extend its platform as the standard for governing what AI agents can access and do inside third-party applications.
With global momentum, a growing partner ecosystem including SentinelOne, Databricks, and Google Cloud, and fresh capital from its Series D behind it, Obsidian is scaling rapidly toward long-term growth and IPO readiness.
Tech Lead – Data Scientist
About the Role
We are looking for a Technical Lead to drive the development of Obsidian's core ontology that powers our groundbreaking unified security config analysis, AI security, and threat detection product.
- Scale this ontology as part of a team of 3-6 software engineers and data scientists to cover hundreds or thousands more enterprise application platforms. Drive automation of repeatable R&D subtasks.
- Become an expert on foundational identity, authentication, authorization, network, and data security concepts. An unhealthy dose of curiosity about the design and administration — technology, people, and process — of complex application platforms such as GitHub, Salesforce, and Workday is a must. You will love exploring rabbit holes into esoteric domain knowledge related to these topics.
- Formulate security problems as data and ML problems, constantly addressing and refining the customer outcome in collaboration with top-flight security teams from Global 1000 companies.
What We’re Looking For
- 6+ years of experience in data science, machine learning, or applied research, preferably with 2+ years in a technical leadership role.
- A track record of shipping production ML or data systems at scale — ideally systems involving ontologies, knowledge graphs, entity resolution, or semantics over heterogeneous data sources.
- Expert-level proficiency in Python and modern ML/data tooling.
- Working knowledge of core security domains, or a strong ability to learn.
- Experience formulating fuzzy business or security problems as concrete ML/data problems:
- able to decompose ambiguous, ambitious problems into well-scoped subproblems and design experiments with statistical rigor.
- comfortable being scrappy and diving deep into vendor documentation, APIs, and audit logs to find the necessary data sources
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage credibly with technical security practitioners at large enterprises.
Employee Benefits
Our competitive benefits packages are designed to support our employees' well-being, both at work and at home. Our US based employees enjoy:
- Competitive compensation with equity and 401k
- Comprehensive healthcare with dental and vision coverage
- Flexible paid time off and paid holiday time off
- 12 weeks of new parent or family leave
- Personal and professional development resources
For more details on our US benefits, or for information on our international benefits, please see here.
Pay Transparancy
Please note that the base pay range is a guideline and for candidates who receive an offer, the base pay will vary based on factors such as work location, as well as the knowledge, skills and experience of the candidate. In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is eligible for equity awards and may be eligible for sales commission or incentive compensation based on the role or function within the company.
At Obsidian, we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and hire for talent, passion, and compassion. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to submit satisfactory proof of identity and legal authorization. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please contact accommodations@obsidiansecurity.com
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Obsidian’s Applicant Privacy Policy.
Employee Benefits:
Our competitive benefits packages are designed to support our employees' well-being, both at work and at home. Our US based employees enjoy:
- Competitive compensation with equity and 401k
- Comprehensive healthcare with dental and vision coverage
- Flexible paid time off and paid holiday time off
- 12 weeks of new parent or family leave
- Personal and professional development resources
For more details on our US benefits, or for information on our international benefits, please see here.