Director of Research – Cybersecurity

Hitachi•Santa Clara, CA

1d•$167,300 - $200,000•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Research will serve as the primary liaison between Hitachi's global Research & Development organization and industry partners, government agencies, academic institutions, consortia, and standards bodies across the United States and the Americas. This position reports to the Director of the Hitachi America R&D Security Innovation Lab. As a member of the Security Innovation Lab, the Director of Research will contribute to the intellectual leadership that informs Hitachi's business, product, and social initiatives. Leveraging a deep understanding of emerging cybersecurity trends and regional security challenges, the individual will help guide strategic decision-making and innovation across the organization. The Director will have two primary areas of focus: 1. Represent Hitachi's interests by actively participating in and contributing to selected emerging cybersecurity initiatives, research programs, industry collaborations, and related projects. 2. Engage and communicate regularly with headquarters and regional R&D and cybersecurity teams, including senior executives, to provide strategic insights, status updates, and analysis on key projects, emerging trends, and cybersecurity-related topics. Topics may include a wide range of interactions with regulatory and other government bodies, analysis of technical and political trends, membership in consortia and standards bodies, and attention to other areas that may affect the company. The successful candidate will be a strategic senior subject matter expert with the ability to operate independently across day-to-day activities and long-range planning initiatives. Responsibilities include influencing strategy and policy development, providing expert guidance on emerging issues, and potentially leading and managing a team. Core competencies for this role include deep technical expertise, knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, strategic planning, relationship management, leadership, effective communication, and the ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize complex information. The successful candidate will be skilled at leading cross-functional teams and building productive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Representing Hitachi as a thought leader is a significant aspect of this position. The Director will be expected to deliver presentations at industry events, conferences, and internal forums, demonstrating both individual expertise and Hitachi's leadership in cybersecurity and innovation. The role also requires the preparation of periodic reports and the semiannual compilation of research findings, analyses, and supporting materials in accordance with Hitachi R&D practices. As with all regional R&D roles at Hitachi, effective collaboration with colleagues in Japan is essential. Success in this role requires strong cross-cultural communication skills and a commitment to understanding Japanese business practices and cultural norms. This cultural awareness is critical for fostering productive relationships, preventing misunderstandings, and supporting Hitachi's global business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required with study of a related technical field; masters or PhD preferred. Work experience may substitute for specific academic credentials.
12+ years of professional work experience in cybersecurity (or a related field) with at least 5 years in a management, policy, or senior technical position.
Existing network of cybersecurity and industry contacts.
Strong cybersecurity and technical background with an understanding of the broad range of adjacent political and social issues.

Nice To Haves

Masters or PhD preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify promising areas of emerging cybersecurity innovation and research.
Provide expertise in key research areas to R&D and Hitachi businesses and act as a resource for diverse internal and external audiences
Participate in teams for projects, consortia, working groups and similar as identified by research sponsors, R&D and Hitachi management.
Enhance Hitachi’s reputation as a cybersecurity and industrial technology innovator
Publicize Hitachi research and innovations, potentially including internal and external presentations, authoring research papers, posting on social media, interviews, sitting on/moderating expert panels, etc.
Delivering research work products as agreed. Typically these include A monthly report of research activity and news areas of interest
A twice-annual compilation of research materials and findings for delivery to the research sponsor.
Participation in previously agreed activities such as conferences, workgroups, etc.
Participating in Security Innovation Lab, HAL R&D, Hitachi R&D, and Hitachi Ltd. activities and providing expertise as needed