Security Associate, M&A & Partnerships

The Team

We are a small, M&A-focused Security and IT team that consistently punches above our weight while operating within Kraken’s broader Security organization. We represent Security and IT throughout M&A transactions and collaborate with partners across HR, Engineering, Legal, Vendor Management, Finance, Compliance, Business Operations, and other teams.

While diligence work is confidential, the team embraces hyper-transparency post-close, fostering open dialogue and candid discussions while staying adaptable to the evolving landscape of the crypto industry.

The Opportunity

• Security Diligence: Conduct due diligence on the security and IT components of potential acquisitions, partnerships, and vendor engagements. Evaluate the cybersecurity posture, IT infrastructure, and technology stack of target companies.
• Security and IT Integration: Lead integration of IT systems and security practices for acquired companies. Coordinate cross-functional efforts to ensure integration while maintaining Kraken’s security standards.
• Technical Project Execution: Drive unique security and IT workstreams across M&A transactions. Advocate for technical actions, rationalize technology stacks, and align acquired environments with Kraken’s security architecture.
• Cross-Team Coordination: Partner with Security, IT, Engineering, Corporate Development, and Product leaders to align on requirements, timelines, and execution plans.
• Process Improvement & Tooling: Continuously improve internal workflows through automation, AI-enabled tooling, and consistent reporting mechanisms.

Skills you should HODL

• 4+ years of experience in security, engineering, IT, technical PM, or M&A integration roles
• 2+ years executing or defining technical scopes of work in consulting or client-facing environments
• Broad experience across Security, IT, and Engineering disciplines
• Deep expertise in at least one of these areas:
  • Identity & Access Management (IAM)
  • IT Systems Management
  • Software Engineering
  • Application Security
  • DevOps / SRE
  • Vulnerability Management
  • Technical Project Management
  • Security Architecture
  • Cloud & Datacenter Security
• Demonstrated ability to design or execute technical architecture plans that support business goals
• Experience leveraging automation and AI to improve technical workflows
• Working knowledge of audit and compliance frameworks
• Strong understanding of IT systems, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity principles
• Familiarity with regulatory and legal considerations related to IT and cybersecurity
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with diverse technical and business stakeholders

Nice to haves

• Prior experience in cryptocurrency or fintech
• Experience working with globally distributed remote teams
• Deep listening and empathy for team dynamics
• Bias for action and results over rigid processes
• Strategic mindset with the ability to zoom in on tactical details
• Curious, low ego, highly collaborative, open to lessons learned
• Systems thinker who sees patterns and opportunities across silos
• Experience creating unique technical scopes of work for complex initiatives