Security Researcher

We have an opening for a Security Researcher to support efforts to develop techniques and tools for red teaming in support of the defense of critical infrastructure systems and Federal networks. You will contribute to moderately complex to complex security research and red teaming projects developing and applying innovative methods to emulate cyber-adversary behavior and help develop tools used to defend critical U.S. infrastructure and networks. Your expertise will support the advancement of cyber capabilities threat analysis and mitigation strategies for operational technology and industrial control systems. This position is programmatically in the Strategic Threat Analysis and Response (STAR) organization 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 

• 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.
• Under limited direction analyze software firmware and malware to identify weaknesses malicious behavior and potential attack vectors developing repeatable workflows to support red team engagements.
• Contribute to source code binary and firmware analysis to identify vulnerabilities and support the development of proof-of-concept exploits and mitigations.
• Participate in the design implementation and techniques for vulnerability assessment penetration testing and adversary emulation to improve understanding and mitigation of threats to operational technology.
• Monitor emerging threats and opportunities to enhance cyber defense and red team capabilities.
• Collaborate with sponsors and stakeholders to support program growth opportunities research proposals and alignment with mission objectives.
• Contribute to the development and execution of innovative approaches to 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

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level 

• Guide the completion of complex technical projects and contribute to research direction project planning and technical strategy.
• Provide solutions to challenging cybersecurity complex problems and translate concepts into practical tools or software.
• Collaborate in the development of technical approaches requirements and project goals to address evolving Laboratory and sponsor needs.
• Engage with project teams external stakeholders to advance cybersecurity research and capabilities.

Qualifications :

• Ability to maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors 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.
• Broad experience performing program analysis of source code binaries or firmware.
• Broad 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.
• Broad experience communicating technical information across multi-disciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts and collaborating effectively in a team environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies in red teaming and penetration testing.
• Proficient analytical problem-solving and decision-making skills to develop creative solutions to moderately complex 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.
• Proficient 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.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced experience contributing to complex cybersecurity research projects and applying technical methods to solve challenging problems.
• Ability to work independently on assigned technical tasks while managing competing priorities and adapting to changing requirements.
• Advanced experience communicating technical concepts collaborating across disciplines and supporting project planning or research proposals.
• Advanced knowledge of one or more specialized areas such as instruction set architectures reverse engineering firmware analysis and extraction or operational technology implementation.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters or PhD 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.
• 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 or hardware/software company or a cybersecurity firm.

Pay Range

$146340 - $222564 Annually

$146340 - $185544 Annually at the SES.2 level

$175530 - $222564 Annually at the SES.3 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employees position within the salary range will be based on several factors including but not limited to specific competencies relevant education qualifications certifications experience skills seniority geographic location performance and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information :

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite or At Will appointment. Lab employees and external candidates may be considered for this position.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit  Clearance

  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

  Pre-Employment Drug Test

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time