About the job
Okta secures digital identities for people and AI, providing trusted infrastructure to organizations worldwide. The company’s work has a direct impact on identity protection in today’s digital world. Okta values decisive leaders who are committed to solving complex security challenges.
Role overview
The Lead Staff Detection & Response Engineer joins the Security Operations team in Vancouver, Canada. This senior role combines deep technical skill with strategic influence, shaping security decisions across teams and strengthening Okta’s global security posture. The position advances defense-in-depth initiatives and ensures security priorities align with business goals.
What you will do
- Lead threat-hunting operations: Drive advanced, hypothesis-driven investigations even when intelligence is incomplete or unclear. Develop and improve methodologies for the broader security team.
- Detection engineering: Build new detection mechanisms, solve complex querying challenges, and set standards for detection engineering across the organization.
- Architectural guidance: Design and validate preventive control chains, and help select and architect new security solutions.
- Incident response: Act as technical lead during major security incidents. Investigate threats in unconventional environments, using established frameworks and professional networks.
Global collaboration: Okta’s operations run 24/7. This role requires availability during crises outside regular business hours and involves working closely with colleagues worldwide, contributing thought leadership across the organization.

