Early-Career RD Cybersecurity - OT Cyber, Hybrid

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas.

About the role

Conduct applied research in OT cybersecurity to understand vulnerabilities of programmable devices that interact with the physical world and develop creative, effective solutions to address existing and emerging threats. You will partner with other organizations to provide high-quality computer security research and development in support of Sandia's national security missions.

• Perform vulnerability assessments
• Develop and implement defensive measures for critical OT systems and devices
• Evaluate new, groundbreaking information assurance technologies
• Research, develop, and implement technology solutions to improve OT systems
• Support the development of innovative cyber systems
• Propose new research internally and externally
• Present and demonstrate your work to customers
• Integrate technologies into partner environments

The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work and must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the assigned work location when necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Clearance

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Graduate degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Forensics, Mathematics, or a directly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation)
• Experience in one or more of the following: reverse engineering, software vulnerability assessment, web application assessment, computer networking, computer architecture, compilers, or similar computer security topics
• Proficiency in scripting or high-level programming
• Familiarity with secure-system design principles and information assurance principles
• Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to develop technical ideas and results and present them in oral and written form concisely
• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field, with a focus on cybersecurity related course work or experience
• Interest in researching, designing, and implementing OT cybersecurity solutions that enhance national security
• Evidence of high academic achievement
• Experience in OT device vulnerability analysis, OT system security, or OT cybersecurity policy
• Platform security, hardware design and embedded systems security, and OT
• Application of A.I. tools to solve cybersecurity problems
• Multiple programming languages, including low-level languages
• Operating system development, hypervisor development, device driver development, firmware development, operating system internals, or similar system software experience
• Understanding of current and proposed advanced CPU features
• Experience with static and dynamic software analysis or debugging tools
• Active DOE/DOD Q clearance or equivalent; Active SCI or ability to obtain

Benefits

• Challenging work with impact contributing to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers and some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements, including 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance, and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance

*Benefits vary by job classification.

Pay

Salary range is estimated at $102,400 - $199,700. Actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

About our team

The Computer Systems Security Analysis R&D department focuses on computer system security surety and assessment of new technologies relating to IT and OT, including software systems, computing systems, networks, and architectures. Topical areas include information assurance, digital forensics, cryptography, control systems analysis, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, secure architecture design, network analysis, and operational technology and industrial control systems.

Team members may work on-site, telecommute with occasional on-site visits, or work remotely from other states with occasional travel to New Mexico.