R&D Associate

We are seeking an R&D Associate to expand Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) science depth and R&D capabilities in cyber-physical security. This position resides in the Cyber Sensing and Analytics Group in the National Security Sciences Directorate at ORNL.

About the role

The need for secure embedded devices and software has grown rapidly across the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), and related Intelligence Community (IC) mission areas. This role focuses on leading-edge R&D in cyber-physical systems to create secure and resilient embedded devices.

Responsibilities

• Perform leading-edge R&D in cyber-physical systems to create secure and resilient embedded devices.
• Work collaboratively with R&D staff in cybersecurity, cyber-physical security, advanced manufacturing, sensing, and data analytics to achieve R&D objectives.
• Promote ORNL and partners' research and development capabilities as they apply to the national security community.
• Maintain knowledge currency of national-level cyber-physical security for embedded device research and development requirements.
• Assist in the generation of plans, proposals, budgets, and strategy for programs, applications, and issues.
• Provide scientific and technical advice for relevant national-level R&D challenges and ORNL programs.
• Identify and articulate ORNL capabilities and customer requirements to internal and external technical audiences, leadership, and sponsors.
• Maintain awareness and understanding of open relevant research conducted throughout the DOE complex and the world.

Requirements

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: cyber-physical systems security, advanced manufacturing technologies and processes, control systems, sensors, micro-controllers, and embedded devices.
• Proficient researcher, practitioner, and/or developer of tools and techniques relevant to secure and resilient cyber-physical systems.
• A fundamental understanding of methods, tools, and operational applications, and the ability to apply cyber-physical systems security technical knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to acquire new knowledge and learn new skills, along with superior interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to proactively work independently and as a member of a team.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.
• Familiarity with static and dynamic binary analysis techniques (e.g., fuzzing) and reverse engineering (e.g., Ghidra or Ida Pro).
• Experience auditing source code and disassembly to identify and characterize vulnerabilities.
• Familiarity with embedded systems.
• Prior use and familiarity with web or network-related tools, e.g., Burp Suite and Wireshark (a plus).
• Demonstrated desire and ability to acquire new knowledge and learn new skills.
• Participation in capture-the-flag events or cyber challenge events (a plus).

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy, including passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. You may also be subject to random polygraph testing.
• This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year (this includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws).

Benefits

• Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance, Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance, Employee Discounts
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors.