Senior Security Researcher

LLNL•Livermore, CA

3d•$175,530 - $267,060•Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is hiring a Senior Security Researcher to lead and support complex security research and red-teaming projects focused on defending critical infrastructure systems and Federal networks. The role develops and deploys innovative methods to emulate cyber-adversary behavior and advances cyber capabilities, threat analysis, and mitigation strategies for operational technology and industrial control systems. Programmatically, the position is in the Strategic Threat Analysis and Response (STAR) organization and administratively in the Global Security Computing Applications Division (GS-CAD) within the Computing Directorate. The position may be filled at either the SES.3 or SES.4 level, based on the candidate’s knowledge and related experience. SES.4 adds responsibilities for directing a portfolio of complex technical work, setting research vision and strategy, influencing technical direction, developing innovative solutions to abstract problems, and advancing major Laboratory programs. The role requires eligibility to maintain a U.S. Department of Energy Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. This is a Career Indefinite or At Will appointment and is listed as a Flexible Term or Career Indefinite position.

Requirements

Ability to maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
Bachelor’s degree with significant focus in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Significant experience leading program analysis of source code, binaries, or firmware.
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.
Significant experience communicating technical information across multidisciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts, advising senior management, and collaborating effectively in a team environment.
Advanced knowledge of state-of-the-art red-teaming and penetration-testing technologies.
Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills for developing creative solutions to complex problems.
Ability to manage concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities, approach difficult problems with enthusiasm and creativity, and change focus when necessary.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, explain technical information to non-cyber experts, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors; proficient interpersonal skills.
At SES.4: Expert-level experience planning the integration and implementation of new programs and/or operational best practices.
At SES.4: Expert-level project leadership and ability to apply, lead, and develop cutting-edge principles and research while working independently and managing concurrent priorities.
At SES.4: Substantial experience creating technical direction and vision, writing research proposals, and securing sponsor funding.
At SES.4: Extensive experience and knowledge in at least one of these areas: instruction set architectures, reverse engineering intermediate languages, firmware analysis and extraction, 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 these computer science 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.
Ability to secure sponsor funding through successful proposals and sponsor relationships.
Previous experience working for the Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, a utility, a manufacturing organization, a hardware or software company, or a cybersecurity firm.

Responsibilities

Guide and support advanced cyber research projects using creative and automated methods to identify vulnerabilities in software, firmware, and operational technology systems.
Collaborate on technical requirements for red-team operations, penetration testing, and adversarial simulation capabilities at LLNL.
Analyze novel software, firmware, and malware to identify weaknesses, malicious behavior, and attack vectors, and create repeatable workflows for future red-team engagements.
Conduct source-code, binary, and firmware analysis to identify exploitable vulnerabilities and develop proof-of-concept exploits and mitigations.
Participate in designing and implementing tools and techniques for vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and adversary emulation focused on operational technology threats.
Identify emerging threats and opportunities to enhance cyber defense and red-team capabilities, helping shape LLNL cybersecurity initiatives.
Engage with sponsors and stakeholders to develop program growth opportunities, contribute to research proposals, and align work with mission objectives.
Develop and execute innovative approaches to meet sponsor and project needs in a changing threat landscape.
Mentor and collaborate with team members and use technical expertise to attract and retain projects, programs, and funding.
Perform other duties as assigned.
At the SES.4 level, direct technical tasks across a portfolio of highly complex projects; set broad research vision and strategy and influence technical direction for the Laboratory, colleagues, senior management, and policymakers.
At the SES.4 level, develop innovative solutions to abstract complex problems, translate them into usable algorithms or software modules, and analyze multiple factors using established methods creatively.
At the SES.4 level, develop new ideas, modify approaches, redefine requirements that affect major Laboratory programs, set high-level goals, and contribute to advances in knowledge.