Success at Aviva requires a blend of technical readiness and clear, concise communication. Your interviewers are looking for evidence that you can translate your past experiences into tangible outcomes that align with the company’s security posture.

Role-Related Knowledge – You must be prepared to discuss the specific tools and methodologies you have mastered. Interviewers will look for depth; be ready to explain the "why" behind your technical choices, not just the "how."

Problem-Solving Ability – Aviva values engineers who can deconstruct complex problems into manageable parts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly articulate the impact of your actions.

Communication and Stakeholder Influence – Security is a team sport at Aviva. Demonstrate your ability to work with developers, product managers, and operations teams. Show that you can be a facilitator of secure progress rather than a blocker.

The interview journey at Aviva typically begins with an initial screening call from an HR representative or a recruiter. This stage is designed to confirm your professional background, gauge your motivation, and ensure your salary expectations align with the role. Following the screen, candidates usually move into technical and behavioral assessments, which may be conducted by a mix of hiring managers and peer engineers.

The process is generally structured to be efficient, but it can occasionally be slower than expected. You should anticipate a mix of virtual interviews and, in some cases, in-person meetings at major hubs like London or Bristol. The philosophy is heavily focused on finding candidates who can hit the ground running while fitting into the collaborative culture of the organization.

The timeline above represents a standard progression from application to potential offer. Candidates should treat each stage as a distinct opportunity to demonstrate their expertise, keeping in mind that technical rounds may involve multiple interviewers. Use this structure to pace your preparation, ensuring you have enough time to review both your technical CV points and your behavioral case studies.

Technical Proficiency

This area assesses your core security engineering skills. Strong candidates provide concrete examples of tools used and specific outcomes achieved.

Be ready to go over:

• Network and Infrastructure Security: Understanding of firewalls, IDS/IPS, and cloud-native security groups.
• Incident Response: Your methodology for detection, containment, and post-mortem analysis.
• Compliance and Regulation: Familiarity with data protection standards relevant to the financial sector.

Advanced concepts:

• Zero Trust architecture implementation.
• Automated security testing in CI/CD pipelines.
• Threat modeling for microservices-based applications.

Example scenarios:

• "Walk us through how you would secure a cloud-based application against a DDoS attack."
• "What is your approach to patch management in a large, distributed environment?"

As a Security Engineer, your primary objective is to harden the environment while enabling business velocity. You will be responsible for deploying, managing, and monitoring security controls across Aviva’s digital estate. This involves working closely with DevOps teams to integrate security into the CI/CD pipeline, ensuring that "security by design" is not just a concept, but a daily practice.

You will also spend significant time investigating potential threats and participating in incident response efforts. This requires a high degree of collaboration with cross-functional teams to resolve vulnerabilities without disrupting service. You will act as a technical advisor, providing guidance on best practices and helping to evolve the security strategy in line with emerging industry threats.

A successful candidate for this position should demonstrate a solid foundation in both security theory and practical application. While you do not need to be an expert in every technology, you must show an aptitude for learning and a commitment to security excellence.

• Must-have skills:

  • Proven experience in a security-focused engineering or operations role.
  • Strong understanding of common attack vectors and mitigation strategies.
  • Proficiency in at least one scripting language (e.g., Python, Bash, or PowerShell).
  • Ability to work effectively in a hybrid or remote team environment.

• Nice-to-have skills:

  • Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or cloud-specific security credentials.
  • Experience with SIEM tools and security automation.
  • Background in financial services or other highly regulated industries.

Q: How long should I spend preparing for my interviews? A: Dedicate at least 10–15 hours to reviewing your past projects and brushing up on core security concepts. Focus on being able to explain your technical decisions clearly and concisely.

Q: What is the best way to stand out during the interview? A: Demonstrate a "security-first" mindset that understands business context. Being able to explain why a security measure is necessary for the business—rather than just for the sake of security—will set you apart.

Q: What is the typical tone of the interviewers at Aviva? A: Most candidates describe the interviewers as professional and communicative. However, prepare for high-level technical scrutiny; if you don't know an answer, be honest, explain your logical process, and express your willingness to learn.

Q: How does the interview process vary by location? A: While the core competencies remain the same, processes may vary slightly by region. Regardless of location, ensure you are clear on your salary expectations early in the process to avoid misalignment.

• Prepare for the "CV Walkthrough": Be ready to give a 5-minute summary of your career, emphasizing security-related achievements and the impact of your work.
• Know your own resume: Do not include technologies you cannot discuss in depth. Interviewers will probe the specific tools listed on your CV.
• Structure your answers: Use the STAR method to ensure your responses are logical and highlight your individual contribution.
• Ask thoughtful questions: At the end of your interview, ask about the team’s current security challenges or how they balance security with innovation.

The Security Engineer role at Aviva offers a unique opportunity to influence the security posture of a major financial institution. By mastering your technical narrative, preparing for behavioral challenges, and maintaining a professional demeanor, you will be well-positioned to succeed in your interviews.

Take the time to reflect on your past projects and ensure you can clearly articulate your impact. With focused preparation and a proactive approach, you can navigate the process with confidence. We encourage you to use your preparation time wisely and bring your best self to the conversation. Success in this role is within reach for those who demonstrate both technical depth and a collaborative, problem-solving spirit.

The provided salary data offers insights into market expectations for this role. Use these figures as a reference point during your initial discussions with recruiters to ensure your expectations are calibrated to both your level of experience and the regional market standards.