Principal Software Engineer, Data Platform

About Appgate

Appgate secures and protects an organization's most valuable assets with its high performance Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution and Cyber Advisory Services. Appgate is the only direct-routed ZTNA solution built for peak performance, superior protection and seamless interoperability. Appgate Cyber Advisory services harden your security posture and ensure business continuity. Appgate safeguards enterprises and government agencies worldwide.

As we expand our platform, we are building a Data + AI team to unlock the next generation of security solutions ranging from network observability to AI-driven threat detection, insider risk monitoring, and securing emerging Agentic AI systems.

This is a rare opportunity to join a small, private, high-impact company where your work directly shapes the strategy, architecture, and core products that will define the future of security.

The Role

We are seeking Staff and Principal Engineers who thrive in ambiguity, excel at greenfield projects, and can serve as both architects and technical leaders. You will help us build the data foundation including large-scale data pipelines and a cloud-native data lake while also laying the groundwork for advanced AI systems that can work both on the AWS cloud as well as on prem cloud agnostic environments.

These hires will be the founding team engineers dedicated to this initiative, shaping the architecture, defining the stack, and setting engineering standards for a new core capability.

Your work will directly enable AI-driven security capabilities such as:

• Network Policy Analyzer \u2013 understanding and optimizing network security policies.
• Network Observability & Monitoring \u2013 real-time visibility into network health and performance.
• AI Agents for Root Cause Analysis & Troubleshooting \u2013 self-learning systems to reduce time to resolution.
• Threat Anomaly Detection & Breach Prediction \u2013 proactive defenses based on behavioral and contextual signals.
• Insider Risk Detection \u2013 monitoring user behavior for signs of compromise or malicious intent.
• Securing Agentic AI Systems \u2013 pioneering new approaches to safeguard autonomous AI agents.

What You'll Do

• Define and build the data platform: Design and implement scalable data pipelines, event streaming systems, and a centralized data lake to unify security data sources.
• Enable AI products: Partner with AI researchers and product teams to operationalize ML/AI models on top of the data platform.
• Shape architecture: Make foundational choices on tools, frameworks, and cloud infrastructure to ensure scalability, reliability, and compliance.
• Lead and mentor: Guide engineers who are newer to modern data engineering and AI practices, helping them ramp up on cutting-edge technologies.
• Drive clarity from ambiguity: Ask the right questions, identify gaps, and translate business goals into actionable technical roadmaps.
• Influence company direction: Work closely with the CTO and leadership to align technical strategy with Appgate's vision for AI-driven security.

What We're Looking For

• Experience level: 8+ years in software/data engineering, with at least 3 years in a Staff, Principal, or Architect-level role.

• Hands-on expertise in building distributed data systems (streaming, pipelines, ETL, batch + real-time processing).

• Demonstrated ability to thrive as a self-starter, operating independently and owning delivery end-to-end.

• Strong knowledge of cloud-native platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure), containerization, and orchestration (Kubernetes).

• Proficiency with modern data technologies such as Kafka, Spark/Flink, Elastic Search, Redshift, Delta Lake, dbt, etc.

• Familiarity with AI/ML production workflows (feature stores, model deployment, monitoring).

• Track record of leading ambiguous greenfield initiatives, shaping architecture, and mentoring teams.

• Experience within the security domain (secure access, monitoring, threat detection, anomaly detection).

• Comfortable in high-growth, ambiguous environments with minimal structure.

• Based in New York City, available to work onsite 3-4 days/week at One Penn Plaza.

Why Appgate

Appgate is a dynamic, innovative, and friendly place to work. Whether it's taking ideas from our varied past experiences and applying them in different ways, or creating something completely new, we are all innovative team players who think big and want to make an impact. We strive to attract and retain talent from all backgrounds and create workplaces where everyone feels empowered to collaborate and contribute to the team.

• Impact without bureaucracy: Your decisions will directly influence product direction and company success.
• Small team, big mission: Work with world-class engineers and security experts in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Cutting-edge domain: Be at the forefront of securing the AI era, from Zero Trust to autonomous agents.
• Growth opportunity: Define best practices, shape culture, and grow into broader leadership roles.
• Location: NYC-based, with flexibility for hybrid work.
• We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package:
• Competitive salary, bonus and equity
• 401k including company match
• Full benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, and life insurance
• Flex time off Policy
• Remote Work / Home office setup stipend
• Mobile Phone Stipend
• Certification assistance program

If you're excited by the idea of building the Data + AI foundation of a next-gen network security company, we'd love to talk.