Senior Security Researcher

Job description

Company Description Join us and make YOUR mark on the World! Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact. Job Description We have multiple openings for a Senior Research Scientist to lead efforts to develop techniques and tools for cybersecurity in support of the defense of critical infrastructure systems and Federal networks. You will lead and support a range of highly complex projects at the intersection of cybersecurity, operational technology, machine learning, and AI, developing and deploying innovative methods to emulate adversarial behaviors 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 industrial control systems. These positions are in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate, in support of Global Security’s Energy and Homeland Security (E) program. These positions 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 Lead and support advanced cybersecurity-related research projects leveraging creative and automated methods to identify vulnerabilities, discover malicious behaviors and tools, and advance the state of the art in securing operational technology systems. Collaborate in the development of technical requirements for data collection and adversarial simulation capabilities at LLNL. Analyze and assess novel attacks to uncover TTPs, potential weaknesses, malicious behavior, and potential attack vectors with the aim of creating repeatable workflows to support the program’s mission. Work closely with interdisciplinary project scientists and engineers in the scope, planning, and formulating modeling/simulation efforts for physical, engineering, and computational systems. Develop, implement, validate, and document specialized analysis software tools and models as required and use them to inform understanding and mitigation of threats to operational technology. Identify emerging threats and opportunities for enhancing cybersecurity 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 highly complex projects which consistently require the application of creativity and innovation; set broad research/project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for Laboratory and others wielding extensive influence, such as senior management, industrial partners, 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. Qualifications Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience. Advanced experience leading cybersecurity and/or applied AI research efforts. Advanced experience with building systems with AI tool pipelines and frameworks. Experience in malware analysis, network analysis, host forensics or some combination of these skill areas and related tools. Ability to communicate technical information across multi-disciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts, advising policy management, and applying interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment. Advanced knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies in both AI and cybersecurity. Ability and desire to serve as a subject matter expert in applied AI to cybersecurity. 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. Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level Highly advanced 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. Advanced experience creating technical direction and vision, writing research proposals, and/or securing sponsor funding. Significant experience in and knowledge of at least one of the following subject areas: network protocol analysis, cybersecurity data science, reverse engineering, and/or operational technology implementation. Highly advanced knowledge and experience in developing and applying advanced statistical/machine learning models and/or LLM tooling. Qualifications We Desire Ability to engage in creative and competitive proposal processes and leverage sponsor relationships to secure new funding. Master’s degree or PhD with significant focus in cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, or data science/machine learning. Knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: embedded systems, scientific data analysis, systems programming, software engineering, agentic frameworks, and high-performance computing. Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of the following machine learning techniques: data science, diffusion models, time series analysis, deep learning, and large language models. Experience with industrial control systems software and hardware. Previous experience working Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, utilities, manufacturing, or a cybersecurity firm. Pay Range $175,530 - $267,060 Annually $175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level $210,630 - $267,060 Annually for the SES.4 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 employee’s 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-Hybrid Position Information This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates. 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 https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values Security 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 External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor. Wireless and Medical Devices Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices. If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings. How to identify fake job advertisements Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. 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