Head of Adversarial Research

TENEX is an AI-native, automation-first Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider. We help organizations enhance their cybersecurity posture through advanced threat detection, rapid response, and continuous protection. Our team consists of industry experts with deep experience in cybersecurity, automation, and AI-driven solutions. Backed by leading investors such as Crosspoint Capital Partners, Shield Capital, DTCP, Deepwork Capital, and the Florida Opportunity Fund, we are rapidly growing and seeking top talent to join our mission. As an early employee, you’ll play a key role in defining and building our culture. Explore our culture at culture.tenex.ai.

About the Role

TENEX is disrupting the MDR space by combining AI-native automation with human-led expertise. As the Head of Adversarial Research, you will build and lead the elite research arm of our organization. Your work will track in-the-wild campaigns, dismantle advanced malware, and analyze emerging threat actor toolkits. Your research will directly power our detection engineering teams and establish TENEX as an authoritative voice in the cybersecurity community.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the team: Recruit, mentor, and direct a world-class team of adversarial researchers, reverse engineers, and threat intelligence analysts.
• Track the threat landscape: Continuously monitor, analyze, and document advanced threat actor campaigns, novel toolkits, TTPs, and malware variants.
• Drive detection innovation: Perform deep-dive adversarial research—including adversary emulation and malware analysis—to uncover new attack vectors and partner with Detection Engineering to translate findings into high-fidelity, AI-driven detections.
• Publish and present: Author high-impact blogs, whitepapers, and technical reports on novel findings. Represent TENEX at premier cybersecurity conferences and industry events.
• Partner across the business: Act as the ultimate escalation point for complex threat analysis, collaborating with the SOC, Incident Response, and Software Engineering teams to ensure our AI models and analysts are equipped with the latest intelligence.

Requirements

• 7+ years in cyber threat intelligence, adversarial research, reverse engineering, or offensive security, with at least 2+ years in a leadership or team-building role.
• Deep understanding of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, threat actor methodologies, and the cybercrime ecosystem.
• Hands-on expertise analyzing malware, exploit kits, and adversary infrastructure.
• A proven track record of published research, public speaking, or community contributions (blogs, CVEs, conference talks).
• Ability to translate highly technical, complex threat data into actionable detection logic and clear executive summaries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong scripting/development skills (Python, Go, C/C++) for automating malware analysis or building custom research tools.
• Prior experience building a research or intel function within an MDR, MSSP, or high-growth startup environment.
• Experience leveraging AI/Machine Learning for threat intelligence and pattern recognition.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Relevant advanced certifications are highly preferred (e.g., GREM, GCTI, OSCE, OSCP, or similar).

Benefits

• Opportunity to build and shape a critical department from the ground floor at a disruptive, well-funded MDR company.
• Directly impact the effectiveness of our AI-native platform by driving the intelligence that fuels our detections.
• Competitive salary, equity, and benefits package.
• A culture of growth, technical excellence, and collaboration, with the freedom to pursue groundbreaking research in emerging technologies.