As a Security Engineer at HCLTech, your day-to-day responsibilities will vary depending on your specific project assignment, but they generally encompass a mix of proactive engineering, continuous monitoring, and collaborative remediation.

You will be responsible for executing vulnerability scans across applications, networks, and cloud environments, analyzing the raw outputs, and filtering out false positives. A significant portion of your time will be spent authoring detailed security assessment reports that translate technical risks into business impacts. You will act as a trusted advisor to software development and infrastructure teams, providing them with clear, step-by-step remediation guidance to patch identified vulnerabilities.

In addition to vulnerability management, you will actively manage identity and access systems, ensuring that SAML configurations, PKI certificates, and secrets are securely maintained and renewed. You will also monitor security logs through SIEM platforms like Microsoft Sentinel, tweaking detection rules to reduce alert fatigue while ensuring that potential security incidents are quickly identified, investigated, and contained.

To be competitive for the Security Engineer position at HCLTech, you should possess a strong blend of technical expertise, practical experience, and professional certifications.

• Must-have technical skills – Strong hands-on experience with vulnerability scanning tools (such as Nessus, Qualys, or Rapid7) and application security testing tools (such as Burp Suite). Deep understanding of web application security protocols, SAML, and PKI.
• Nice-to-have technical skills – Experience configuring and writing KQL queries for Microsoft Sentinel or other enterprise SIEM tools. Familiarity with cloud security controls in AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Experience level – Typically 2 to 5 years of dedicated experience in security engineering, application security, or vulnerability management.
• Soft skills – Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to present technical findings to clients and work collaboratively with cross-functional, global engineering teams.
• Certifications – Industry-recognized certifications such as CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CompTIA Security+, Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500), or security-related AWS certifications are highly valued and can significantly accelerate your progression in the hiring process.

Q: How difficult is the Security Engineer interview at HCLTech? A: The overall difficulty is generally rated as average. While the technical questions focus heavily on core security fundamentals (like OWASP Top 10, SAML, and vulnerability scanning), the process also places a strong emphasis on foundational aptitude and communication skills through the initial online assessments.

Q: What is the Versant test, and how should I prepare for it? A: The Versant test is an AI-powered assessment that evaluates your English communication skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The best way to prepare is to practice speaking clearly, reading passages aloud at a moderate pace, and listening to conversational English to practice repeating sentences accurately.

Q: Will I have to do a live coding or algorithm round? A: Generally, no. Unlike pure software engineering roles, the Security Engineer interview at HCLTech focuses on security concepts, tool configurations, and system design rather than complex algorithmic coding. However, basic scripting knowledge (like Python or PowerShell) is highly beneficial.

Q: Are certifications mandatory to get hired? A: While not strictly mandatory, having relevant security certifications (like CEH, Security+, or cloud security credentials) is highly advantageous. They demonstrate your commitment to the field and help validate your foundational knowledge during both the HR screening and client-led technical rounds.

To maximize your chances of securing an offer, keep these highly practical, HCLTech-specific tips in mind during your preparation:

• Master your project details: Be prepared to discuss your past projects in detail. Interviewers will ask what tools you used, why you chose them, and how you measured the project's success. Ensure you can explain your exact contributions clearly.

• Practice communicating findings: Since client-led interviews are common, practice explaining complex security vulnerabilities (like XSS or SQLi) in simple, non-technical terms. Show that you can partner with developers rather than just acting as a gatekeeper.

• Brush up on SIEM and Cloud basics: Even if your primary background is in application security, having a working knowledge of cloud environments and SIEM platforms like Microsoft Sentinel will make you stand out as a well-rounded security professional.

The Security Engineer role at HCLTech offers an incredible opportunity to work at the forefront of cybersecurity, protecting critical global infrastructures and helping enterprise clients navigate complex threat landscapes. By successfully navigating this interview process, you will position yourself to join a highly collaborative, global team of security professionals where you can continuously expand your technical expertise.

To ensure your success, focus your preparation on mastering core application security concepts, understanding key identity and infrastructure protocols like SAML and PKI, and refining your communication skills for the Versant and client-led evaluation rounds. Approach each stage with confidence, structured thinking, and a client-focused mindset.

The compensation data shown above reflects the competitive market rates for security professionals. At HCLTech, your final offer package will be determined based on your performance throughout the interview rounds, your relevant certifications, and your overall years of experience. To explore more detailed interview experiences, practice questions, and peer insights, you can review additional resources on Dataford to help you feel fully prepared on interview day. Good luck!