Cybersecurity Research Engineer - Embedded Systems

Insight Global; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA, FSA, and DCFSA options

401k retirement account with employer matching

Paid sick leave and other paid time off

Job summary

A technology staffing firm is seeking a Cybersecurity Research Engineer specialized in Embedded Systems to develop and transition cybersecurity technologies from lab concepts to fieldable prototypes. This role involves collaboration with suppliers, universities, and industrial partners, managing R&D projects, and contributing to the field through publications and patents. Applicants should have strong programming skills in languages like C/C++ and Python and a background in Linux and network protocols. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.
• Strong embedded programming and software development background.
• Experience with embedded Linux and driver development.

Responsibilities

• Develop cybersecurity technologies for embedded systems.
• Collaborate with hardware suppliers and engineering teams.
• Lead small-to-medium R&D projects.

Skills

Software development for embedded systems

C/C++ programming

Python

Bash/Shell scripting

Linux OS

Network protocols

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related

Master’s with minimum 3 years of experience

Bachelor’s with minimum 5 years of experience

Tools

Linux

SCADA systems

Embedded Linux (e.g., Yocto)

RTOS (e.g., QNX, VxWorks)

Hardware-based security solutions

Job description

Cybersecurity Research Engineer – Embedded Systems

As a Lead Cybersecurity Engineer – Embedded Systems, you will be responsible for the transition of breakthrough cybersecurity technologies from lab concepts to fieldable prototypes that protect critical industrial and defense systems. You’ll collaborate across businesses, suppliers, universities, and industrial partners; lead technical work scopes and small-to-medium R&D projects; and contribute to the broader community through publications, patents, and open‑source engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Work with businesses to develop and transition cybersecurity technologies for embedded systems from early‑stage lab demonstrations to fieldable prototypes.
• Work with hardware suppliers and engineering tool providers to identify the best solutions for the most challenging industrial and defense applications.
• Collaborate with universities, industrial consortiums, commercial partners, and others to advance the state of the art in OT cybersecurity for embedded systems.
• Lead and manage small‑to‑medium‑size R&D projects or tasks.
• Publish technical papers, file patents, and contribute to open‑source communities.
• Assist with the development of new business opportunities by contributing to or leading external proposals.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciplines OR master’s degree in computer science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciplines with a minimum of 3 years of industry experience OR bachelor’s degree in computer science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciplines with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience.
• Strong background in software development for embedded systems such as computer architecture, Linux OS, network protocols.
• Strong embedded programming skills such as C/C++, Python, Bash/Shell.
• Experience with Linux security and Linux driver development.
• Experience with Industrial protocols such as Modbus/TCP, Modbus RTU, DNP3, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, OPC UA/DA, BACnet, IEC 60870‑5‑104, IEC 61850, MQTT, CAN/CANopen.
• Experience with SCADA architectures such as PLCs/RTUs/HMIs, Historians, Fieldbus, edge gateways, DMZ patterns.
• Experience with OT network design such as Purdue Model, segmentation, VLANs, firewalls, zero‑trust in OT.
• Experience with OT security standards and practices such as IEC 62443, NERC CIP, NIST 800‑82, SBOM, secure firmware updates.
• Experience with Monitoring and remote access such as Passive asset discovery, protocol‑aware IDS, secure vendor access, MFA in OT environment.
• Experience with Deterministic networking and timing concepts such as QoS, PTP, TSN considerations in safety‑critical systems.
• Experience with device hardening including pen testing.
• Experience with hardware‑based security (e.g., HSM, TPM, ARM TrustZone, Secure Boot, etc.).
• Working knowledge of cryptographic algorithms, protocols, or standards (e.g., TLS, X.509).
• Experience with embedded development in an RTOS environment (e.g., QNX, VxWorks, etc.).
• Experience with embedded Linux (e.g., Yocto) and firmware development.

Compensation: $90k – $150k. Exact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education.

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 31st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Industries

Services for Renewable Energy