Security Researcher

LLNL•Livermore, CA

2d•$146,340 - $222,564•Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is hiring a Security Researcher to support development of techniques and tools for red teaming in defense of critical infrastructure systems and Federal networks. The role contributes to moderately complex to complex security research and red teaming projects, applying innovative methods to emulate cyber-adversary behavior and developing tools to defend U.S. infrastructure and networks. The work advances cyber capabilities, threat analysis, and mitigation strategies for operational technology and industrial control systems. The position is programmatically within the Strategic Threat Analysis and Response (STAR) organization and administratively within the Global Security Computing Applications Division (GS-CAD), Computing Directorate. The position may be filled at SES.2 or SES.3 depending on knowledge and related experience. At SES.3, responsibilities include guiding complex technical projects and contributing to research direction, project planning, technical strategy, and cybersecurity research capabilities. This is a Career Indefinite or At Will appointment, with a flexible-term or career-indefinite position type. The work is onsite, as indicated by the posting’s #LI-Onsite designation, and may involve working in Limited Areas where personal and/or laboratory mobile and wireless devices are restricted, depending on job duties. The role requires the ability to maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation. The posted annual salary range is $146,340–$222,564, with separate ranges of $146,340–$185,544 at SES.2 and $175,530–$222,564 at SES.3. External applicants selected for the position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.

Requirements

Ability to maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
Bachelor’s degree focused significantly on cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Broad experience performing program analysis of source code, binaries, or firmware.
Broad experience using hardware or software debuggers, static disassemblers and decompilers (such as IDA Pro), common binary file formats, dynamic analysis tools, software bills of materials, and/or network analysis tools.
Broad experience communicating technical information across multidisciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts, and collaborating effectively in a team environment.
Comprehensive knowledge of state-of-the-art red teaming and penetration testing technologies.
Proficient analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to develop creative solutions to moderately complex to complex problems.
Ability to manage concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities, approach difficult problems with enthusiasm and creativity, and change focus when necessary.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills for team collaboration and presenting and explaining technical information to multidisciplinary teams and non-cyber experts.
At SES.3, advanced experience contributing to complex cybersecurity research projects and applying technical methods to challenging problems.
At SES.3, ability to work independently on assigned technical tasks while managing competing priorities and adapting to changing requirements.
At SES.3, advanced experience communicating technical concepts, collaborating across disciplines, and supporting project planning or research proposals.
At SES.3, advanced knowledge of one or more specialized areas, such as instruction set architectures, reverse engineering, firmware analysis and extraction, or operational technology implementation.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD focused significantly on cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a related technical field.
Knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: embedded systems, scientific data analysis, machine learning, systems programming, software engineering, formal verification methods, or high-performance computing.
Experience with industrial control systems software and hardware.
Experience contributing to research proposals, sponsor engagements, or funding opportunities.
Experience working in the Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, a utility, manufacturing, a hardware/software company, or a cybersecurity firm.

Responsibilities

Provide solutions to cyber research projects using creative and automated methods to identify vulnerabilities in software, firmware, and operational technology systems.
Contribute to technical requirements for red team operations, penetration testing, and adversarial simulation capabilities at LLNL.
Analyze software, firmware, and malware to identify weaknesses, malicious behavior, and potential attack vectors, and develop repeatable workflows for red team engagements.
Contribute to source code, binary, and firmware analysis to identify vulnerabilities and support proof-of-concept exploits and mitigations.
Participate in designing and implementing techniques for vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and adversary emulation to improve understanding and mitigation of operational technology threats.
Monitor emerging threats and opportunities to enhance cyber defense and red team capabilities.
Collaborate with sponsors and stakeholders on program growth opportunities, research proposals, and alignment with mission objectives.
Contribute to innovative approaches that meet sponsor and project needs in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Collaborate with team members and contribute technical expertise to project and program activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
At SES.3, guide completion of complex technical projects and contribute to research direction, project planning, and technical strategy.
At SES.3, develop practical tools or software to address challenging cybersecurity problems.
At SES.3, collaborate on technical approaches, requirements, and project goals addressing evolving Laboratory and sponsor needs.
At SES.3, engage with project teams and external stakeholders to advance cybersecurity research and capabilities.