Senior Security Researcher

LLNL•Livermore, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

We have an opening for a Senior Security Researcher to lead efforts to develop techniques and tools for red teaming in support of the defense of critical infrastructure systems and Federal networks. You will lead and support a range of highly complex security research and red teaming projects, developing and deploying innovative methods to emulate cyber-adversary behavior to help develop tools used to defend critical U.S. infrastructure and networks. Your expertise will drive the evolution of advanced cyber capabilities, threat analysis, and mitigation strategies for operational technology and industrial control systems. This position is programmatically in Global Security’s Energy and Homeland Security (E) Program and administratively in the Global Security Computing Applications Division (GS-CAD) within the Computing Directorate. This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level. You will Guide and support advanced cyber research projects leveraging creative and automated methods to identify vulnerabilities in software, firmware, and operational technology systems. Collaborate in the development of technical requirements for red team operations, penetration testing, and adversarial simulation capabilities at LLNL. Analyze and assess novel software, firmware, and malware to uncover weaknesses, malicious behavior, and potential attack vectors, creating repeatable workflows to support future red team engagements. Conduct in-depth source code, binary, and firmware analysis to identify exploitable vulnerabilities and develop proof-of-concept exploits and mitigations. Participate in the design and implementation of new tools and techniques for vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and adversary emulation to advance the understanding and mitigation of threats to operational technology. Identify emerging threats and opportunities for enhancing cyber defense and red team capabilities, helping shape the technical direction of LLNL’s cybersecurity initiatives. Engage with sponsors and stakeholders to develop new program growth opportunities, contribute to research proposals, and ensure alignment with mission objectives. Drive and execute innovative ideas and approaches to meet sponsor and project needs in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Mentor and collaborate with team members, utilizing your technical expertise to attract and retain projects, programs, and funding. Perform other duties as assigned Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level Direct technical tasks for a portfolio of highly complex technical tasks and projects that consistently require the application of creativity and innovation; set broad research/project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for Laboratory, self and/or others wielding extensive influence with senior management and policy makers. Provide highly innovative solutions to abstract complex problems/ideas, convert them into useable algorithms/software modules, and provide solutions that require in-depth analysis of multiple factors and the creative use of established methods. Develop new ideas, modify approaches, and redefine requirements that significantly impact major Laboratory programs, set high-level goals, and contribute to the revolutionary advancement of knowledge.

Requirements

Ability to maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Bachelor's degree with significant focus in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Significant experience leading program analysis of source code, binaries, or firmware.
Experience in the use of 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.
Significant experience communicating technical information across multi-disciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts, advising senior management, and applying interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
Advanced knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies in red teaming and penetration testing.
Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
Ability to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities, along with the demonstrated ability to approach difficult problems with enthusiasm and creativity and to effectively change focus when necessary.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information to multi-disciplinary teams and non-cyber experts and advise senior management and/or external sponsors and proficient interpersonal skills.
Expert-level experience and ability to plan the integration and implementation of new programs and/or operational best practices.
Expert-level project leadership experience and ability to apply, lead and develop cutting-edge principles and research, working independently while effectively managing concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities.
Substantial experience creating technical direction and vision, writing research proposals, and securing sponsor funding.
Extensive experience in and knowledge of at least one of the following subject areas: Instruction set architectures, Reverse engineering intermediate languages, Firmware analysis and extraction, and/or Operational technology implementation.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree with significant focus in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a related technical field.
Knowledge of one or more of the following computer science disciplines: embedded systems, scientific data analysis, machine learning, systems programming, software engineering, formal verification methods, and high performance computing.
Experience with industrial control systems software and hardware.
Ability to secure sponsor funding through winning proposals and sponsor relationships.
Previous experience working Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, a utility, manufacturing, or hardware/software company, or a cybersecurity firm.

Responsibilities

Guide and support advanced cyber research projects leveraging creative and automated methods to identify vulnerabilities in software, firmware, and operational technology systems.
Collaborate in the development of technical requirements for red team operations, penetration testing, and adversarial simulation capabilities at LLNL.
Analyze and assess novel software, firmware, and malware to uncover weaknesses, malicious behavior, and potential attack vectors, creating repeatable workflows to support future red team engagements.
Conduct in-depth source code, binary, and firmware analysis to identify exploitable vulnerabilities and develop proof-of-concept exploits and mitigations.
Participate in the design and implementation of new tools and techniques for vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and adversary emulation to advance the understanding and mitigation of threats to operational technology.
Identify emerging threats and opportunities for enhancing cyber defense and red team capabilities, helping shape the technical direction of LLNL’s cybersecurity initiatives.
Engage with sponsors and stakeholders to develop new program growth opportunities, contribute to research proposals, and ensure alignment with mission objectives.
Drive and execute innovative ideas and approaches to meet sponsor and project needs in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Mentor and collaborate with team members, utilizing your technical expertise to attract and retain projects, programs, and funding.
Perform other duties as assigned
Direct technical tasks for a portfolio of highly complex technical tasks and projects that consistently require the application of creativity and innovation; set broad research/project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for Laboratory, self and/or others wielding extensive influence with senior management and policy makers.
Provide highly innovative solutions to abstract complex problems/ideas, convert them into useable algorithms/software modules, and provide solutions that require in-depth analysis of multiple factors and the creative use of established methods.
Develop new ideas, modify approaches, and redefine requirements that significantly impact major Laboratory programs, set high-level goals, and contribute to the revolutionary advancement of knowledge.