Vulnerability Researcher

Delta Dental•San Francisco, CA

17h

About The Position

The Vulnerability Researcher is responsible for analyzing systems, software, architectures, and strategies to discover impactful, unknown vulnerabilities and security weaknesses, including those affecting AI/ML systems and AI-enabled technologies and services. This work proactively identifies classes of vulnerabilities and exploitation opportunities that inform mitigation strategies and secure design. The role involves performing manual source code review, binary analysis, vulnerability assessments, dynamic testing, threat modeling, and security architecture review. The researcher conducts ongoing analysis of real-world adversaries, exploitation methods, and emerging attack surface and offensive security techniques to guide research priorities. Development of custom tooling and automation is required to augment manual vulnerability discovery.

Requirements

7+ years of work experience in the Cyber Security industry
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Management Information related field, or equivalent work experience
Understanding of all phases of adversary emulation operations including reconnaissance, social engineering, exploitation, post-exploitation, covert techniques, lateral movement, and data exfiltration
Extensive experience in offensive cybersecurity roles, such as red teaming, penetration testing (e.g., web, infrastructure, cloud), and purple team exercises in cloud and on-prem environments
A robust understanding of contemporary security theory and application exploitation techniques and attack vectors (including the vulnerability lifecycle and scanning methodologies (SAST, DAST, IAST, RASP))
Experience developing and managing testing methodologies that adhere to common security guidelines such as OWASP and frameworks such as NIST 800 or MITRE ATT&CK
A solid understanding of computer architecture and organization with respect to binary analysis and exploitation
Ability to analyze, create, and debug shellcode and other low-level exploits
Experience developing custom security (either offensive or defensive) software in one or more compiled languages
Demonstrated abilities to reverse engineer binaries, enumerate vulnerabilities in compiled software, and provide working exploits (e.g., CVEs, public acknowledgements, or ability to demonstrate on demand)
Familiarity with automated security analysis and fuzzing tools (e.g., AFL and Peach)
Demonstrated ability to discover vulnerabilities via static analysis and source code review
A working understanding of key programming languages and frameworks (e.g., Java, Node.js, Python, JSP, etc.), including the ability to pick up new languages quickly, understand the security implications of those languages, and enumerate vulnerabilities in custom-developed software packages that leverage those languages
Familiarity with scripting/programming of Python, PowerShell, or C# with the ability to create and customize tools
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (technical writing, documentation development, process mapping, and visualization)
Must be able to communicate technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences effectively and communicate well with people in various positions, roles, and levels
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to examine issues strategically and analytically
Ability to interact well with co-workers and outside contacts; ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Ability to work on multiple, simultaneous initiatives and prioritize workload to meet commitments
Self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency, an adaptive mindset, and a demonstrated propensity to learn quickly

Responsibilities

Conducts research to identify highly impactful, unknown vulnerabilities in a wide variety of applications and technologies, including AI-enabled applications and services
Performs vulnerability assessments using industry best practices on various environments, including web applications, APIs, and cloud infrastructure
Develops and manages testing methodologies that adhere to common security guidelines and NIST standards
Conducts an evaluation of cloud security configurations, identifies prevalent vulnerabilities in cloud security controls, and improves and maintains cloud testing standards
Provides detailed reports with proof of vulnerabilities, guidance, and advice to support customer teams through vulnerability remediation
Develops and communicates comprehensive and accurate reports and presentations for client stakeholders including technical staff and executive leadership
Maintains communication with management regarding development within assigned responsibilities and performs special projects as required
Researches and develops innovative techniques, tools, and methodologies for vulnerability research and red team activities
Develops leadership-level communications, including management-specific metrics, white papers, procedures, thought position papers, etc.
This list is not all-inclusive, and you are expected to perform other cybersecurity-congruent duties as requested or assigned