Mae Pickering
Charlotte
Summary
Results-driven security leader with proven ability to build scalable processes, lead large multi-stakeholder initiatives, and drive alignment between engineering, IT, GTM, and compliance. Recognized for strengthening operational efficiency, influencing without formal authority, and delivering high-impact outcomes in fast-paced technology environments. Passionate about developing others, embedding security into business operations, and maturing programs that balance risk management with innovation.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Enterprise Security Engineer
Benchling
12.2021 - Current
- Spearheaded and owned company-wide implementation of Okta IGA product across all project lifecycle steps to create a 96% reduction in exposure risk for customer environments.
- Built deep knowledge in our relevant security controls to communicate effectively with our security compliance team and auditor while implementing Anecdotes and supporting our SOC2 and ISO audits.
- Advised IT team on security considerations for macMini imaging server lab. Ongoing partnership with IT to manage endpoint fleet with Oomnitza and Jamf.
- EntSec SME for Agentic AI Security Tiger Team to create a reusable process for reviewing inbound requests for MCPs and agents.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of risk and security posture for enterprise and SaaS applications; covering aspects of people, processes, integrations and technologies.
- Partnered with security and internal procurement stakeholders to build out and define a Vendor Management Program.
- Closed a significant knowledge gap around the role of contingent workers at Benchling and developed a comprehensive risk matrix and access request process.
- Served as secondary SME for phishing resistant rollout with Okta Fastpass.
- Engaged in strategic communication and advocacy at the executive level to drive meaningful organizational change.
- Won Benchling Leadership Principle Award 'Deliver Results.'
Sr. Security Engineer
WP Engine
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Conducted application and architectural security reviews for new and existing infrastructure.
- Triaged incoming SaaS and third party application requests and evaluated security risk as part of the Supplier Management Program.
- Performed security reviews for current applications being refactored in Kubernetes.
- Responded to over sixty-four types of security alert tickets.
- Processed incoming requests for domain validations, TXT records, CNAME records, and page rules in CloudFlare.
- Engaged with IT to head the implementation of endpoint posture management for MacOS and Windows devices.
- Established and delivered onboarding training for new hires on on-call workflows, ensuring consistent quality and readiness through structured reviews and feedback.
- Led full lifecycle management of Wordpress plugin vulnerabilities including monitoring and triage, customer-facing communications, coordination with the WordPress.org plugin team, and executive briefings on security issues.
Security Engineer II
WP Engine
04.2019 - 05.2021
- Owned vulnerability management program and handled all incoming triage work for third party vulnerabilities.
- Led security and risk assessments for requested third party applications and personnel.
- Conducted investigations into compromised and malicious customer installs.
- Established all new internal processes and procedures and provided training to new team members to achieve consistent operational excellence.
- Worked closely with Software engineering teams to research and develop secure configuration baseline documents for in-use tools and applications.
- Recognized as a contributor to the WordPress Ecosystem in WP Engine's '5 for the Future' Pledge.
Security Engineer
RetailMeNot
04.2018 - 03.2019
- Assessed security on existing infrastructure to identify, communicate, prioritize and reduce risk.
- Provided strategic and tactical security guidance for key engineering projects while driving the incorporation of new security products into existing systems.
- Championed soft-skill training and team building activities to connect and build trust across members of the security organization at RetailMeNot
- Worked closely within engineering teams to stand up a security champions program and push the usage of best practices. This included writing AWS best-practice engineering documentation and RFPs for updates to our fraud prevention teams at RetailMeNot.
- Grew a grassroots security awareness program through Tech Talks and targeted security development and testing training.
Security Engineer
Solarwinds
05.2016 - 04.2018
- Developed and documented security policies and procedures.
- Owned vulnerability management program.
- Participated in round tables and investigations for both PSIRT and CERT.
- Conducted third party vendor assessments for GDPR compliance and worked closely with the Internal Audit team.
IT Support and Security Operations Technician
LogicNow/Solarwinds
12.2015 - 05.2016
Education
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Western Governors University
01.2020
Associates Degree (AAS) - Information Systems Security
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC05.2016
Skills
- GCP
- AWS
- Nexpose
- Nessus
- Anecdotes
- Zendesk
- Zip
- 1Password
- Okta IGA
- GKE
- Okta
- Mode
- Slack
- Google Workspaces
- Tines
- DKIM
- VMWare UEM
- ChatGPT
- AWS Bedrock
- Cursor
Certification
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Systems Security Certified Practioner
- Okta Certified Professional
- GIAC Strategic Planning, Policy, and Leadership (GSTRT)
Skills
- Technical Documentation
- Proactivity
- Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Empathy
- Leadership
- Stakeholder Management
- Work Ethic
- Creativity
- Risk Analysis
- Project Management
- IAM
- Adaptibility
- Third Party Security
- Compliance
SPOKE AT
- Day of Security (07/2022) Insecure No More - The Inside Scoop on Getting Hired
- HouSecCon (04/2018) HouSecCon Diversity & Leadership Panel
Timeline
Sr. Enterprise Security Engineer
Benchling
12.2021 - Current
Sr. Security Engineer
WP Engine
05.2021 - 12.2021
Security Engineer II
WP Engine
04.2019 - 05.2021
Security Engineer
RetailMeNot
04.2018 - 03.2019
Security Engineer
Solarwinds
05.2016 - 04.2018
IT Support and Security Operations Technician
LogicNow/Solarwinds
12.2015 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Western Governors University
Associates Degree (AAS) - Information Systems Security
Wake Technical Community College
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