AI Security / Biosecurity Engineer, RAND CAST

RAND; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 262,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in San Francisco is seeking an AI Security/Biosecurity Engineer to tackle pressing national security challenges. The role involves developing and securing complex systems in a fast-paced environment, requiring expertise in backend engineering and data management. Candidates should have relevant degrees and a strong foundation in AI security, with opportunities for hybrid and remote work. A competitive salary range of $118,500 - $261,400 is offered, along with excellent benefits.

Benefits

Health insurance coverage

Life and disability insurance

Paid time-off

Qualifications

• Experience working in a fast-paced, autonomous environment.
• Advanced knowledge of integrating Large Language Models into workflows.
• Background in biosecurity or AI security preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and secure complex systems under high-stakes conditions.
• Ownership of critical, sensitive data infrastructure.
• Engagement in ongoing technical projects across AI security and biosecurity.

Skills

Software engineering focus on backend engineering and/or data engineering

Building robust systems with a security-first mindset

Operating, monitoring, and deploying systems on cloud infrastructure

Excellent communication skills

Fluency with MS Office suite

Education

PhD in relevant field

Master’s degree with 3+ years experience

Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years experience

Job description

Job Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Overview

The RAND Center on AI, Security, and Technology (RAND CAST) is seeking technically excellent and mission-driven AI Security / Biosecurity Engineers to work across a number of our most critical and fast-paced AI security and biosecurity workstreams.

RAND CAST works on pressing national security challenges related to emerging technologies. Our areas of focus include AI security, compute, biosecurity and bioresilience, and the intersection of AI and biotechnology.

Emerging technologies, especially AI and biotechnology, have many promising beneficial and defensive applications. Given their dual-use nature, they also present a number of new security challenges. RAND CAST explores ambitious technical and policy approaches to solving these complex problems. We are a team of world‑class technical and policy analysts, engineers, and scientists giving decision‑makers the objective insights they need to navigate global emerging threats.

Position Description

We are looking for individuals who are driven by a bias for action; capable of developing and securing complex systems under high‑stakes and fast‑paced conditions; and can act as an owner, not just a contributor, with end‑to‑end ownership of critical, sensitive data infrastructure in a highly autonomous environment.

We have a number of ongoing technical projects across our AI security and biosecurity teams. Candidates will discuss initial projects with program leads as part of the interview process.

Qualifications

Required:

• Professional experience in software engineering with a focus on backend engineering and/or data engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to build robust and technically complex systems with a security‑first mindset.
• Experience operating, monitoring, and deploying systems using modern cloud infrastructure.
• Preference for working in a fast‑paced, autonomous environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Fluency with MS Office suite.

Preferred:

• Advanced knowledge of integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) into workflows.
• Background in biosecurity, dual‑use technology, or AI security and misuse.
• Ability to scope cross‑functional projects with internal customers and own their execution.
• Experience with distributed data processing platforms.

Education Requirements

PhD in Biological Sciences, Computational Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Information Technology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Engineering and Public Policy, Technology and Policy, National Security Policy, Policy Analysis, Political Science, International Relations, or similar is required.

OR

Master’s degree in the fields listed above with 3+ years of professional experience, is required.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in the fields listed above with at least 5+ years of professional experience, is required.

Master’s or PhD preferred.

Term

This position is structured as a two‑year appointment with options to later extend the initial appointment and explore other opportunities for growth.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred.

Location

We are hiring for this position in San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on‑site options. Fully remote work will also be considered.

Salary Range

$118,500 - $261,400

Technical Resident, Associate II = $118,500 - $171,900

Technical Resident, Specialist = $146,200 - $211,900

Visiting Technical Expert = $167,300 - $261,400

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). This position may be eligible for additional compensation. In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time‑off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer