Security Researcher

About the role

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 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Master’s 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

$146,340 - $222,564 Annually

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually at the SES.2 level

$175,530 - $222,564 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 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-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 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. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.