Security Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer contrib.

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, invites applications for a software/security research staff position focused on digital forensics, incident response, and investigations supporting US Government stakeholders. The role emphasizes solving technical challenges across systems and networks.

Candidates should have a strong background in UNIX/Linux, network protocols, and secure software development, with willingness to travel 10% and the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in CS or related field with required years of experience (8/5/2 respectively).
• Willingness to travel to customer sites, conferences, and offsite meetings (10%).
• Background investigation and ability to obtain/maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze security-relevant software and systems for national security projects.
• Reformulate open questions, devise creative solutions, and deliver rigorous prototype implementations.
• Communicate findings clearly in discussions, presentations, and formal reports.

Skills

Internet protocols

Systems programming

Unix/Linux

Security vulnerabilities

RF/SDR

Education

BS degree in CS or related field

MS in CS or related field

PhD in CS or related field

Job description

Join a dynamic team of motivated individuals with deep collective experience throughout digital forensics, incident response, investigation, operations, and academic research.

We seek individuals with strong interest in understanding and resolving technical challenges in the national security space.

Our group focuses on applied research into the functionality of emerging and already ubiquitous technologies at all constituent logical layers, from component-level aspects through system and software implementation to communication protocols. Concurrent with achieving this understanding, we examine the variation between expected and actual functionality that results from real-world implementation. Finally, in support of stakeholders throughout the US Government, we reason about and advise on the implications of our findings.

Qualified individuals will have a strong aptitude to reformulate open questions; devise creative solutions; deliver concise, rigorous prototype implementations; and clearly articulate this process in discussions, presentations, and formal reports. Recent examples of our work have included novel approaches to analyzing network traffic, exploit development, and software implementation of novel file and format extraction techniques.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Deep technical knowledge of and experience with fundamental Internet protocols and functionality
• Systems-level programming experience
• Strong experience with UNIX/Linux
• Familiarity with current hardware and software vulnerabilities and mitigations
• Experience with RF and SDR technologies

Requirements

• BS degree in Computer Science or related quantitative discipline, with eight (8) years of relevant professional experience, or MS in the same with five (5) years of relevant professional experience, or PhD in the same with two (2) years of relevant professional experience.
• Willingness to occasionally travel to customer sites, conferences, and offsite meetings (10%)
• You will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance

Benefits

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function: Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type: Staff – Regular

Full time

Salary

More Information

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance