Senior Cyber AI Engineer

LLNL; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 267,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DOE Clearance Support

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a Senior Cyber AI Engineer to lead cybersecurity and AI research for protecting critical infrastructure and federal networks. The role sits in the Computational Engineering Division, collaborating across cyber and OT domains.

You will drive adversarial simulations, tool development, and threat analysis, mentoring teams and shaping program direction in a dynamic, mission-focused environment in Livermore, CA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Advanced experience leading cybersecurity and AI research efforts.
• Experience in malware analysis, network analysis, host forensics or related tools.
• Ability to communicate complex tech to multi-disciplinary teams and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead cybersecurity and AI research projects for critical infrastructure protection.
• Develop data collection requirements and adversarial simulation capabilities.
• Analyze attacks to identify TTPs and weaknesses; create reproducible workflows.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers on modeling, simulation, and OT/ICS needs.
• Develop and document specialized analysis software tools.
• Identify emerging threats and help shape LLNL cybersecurity directions.
• Engage sponsors to develop growth opportunities and proposals.

Skills

Cybersecurity leadership

Applied AI research

Malware/network analysis

Communication across teams

Threat modeling & simulation

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity/CS/IT/CE

Advanced degree (Preferred) in cybersecurity or data science

Tools

AI tool pipelines

ML frameworks

Job description

• Job Code 2: SES.4 Science & Engineering MTS 4
• Employee Referral Bonus: Not applicable
• Job Code 1: SES.3 Science & Engineering MTS 3
• Pre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
• Pre-Placement Medical Exam: Not applicable
• Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information access (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have multiple openings foraSenior Cyber AI Engineerto lead efforts to develop techniques and tools for cybersecurity in support of the defense of critical infrastructure systems and Federal networks. You will lead and support a range of highly complex projects at the intersection of cybersecurity, operational technology, machine learning, and AI, developing and deploying innovative methods to emulate adversarial behaviors to help develop tools used to defend critical U.S. infrastructure and networks. Your expertise will drive the evolution of advanced cyber capabilities, threat analysis, and mitigation strategies for industrial control systems. These positions are in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate, in support of Global Security’s Energy and Homeland Security (E) program.

These positions will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Lead and support advanced cybersecurity-related research projectsleveraging creative and automated methods to identify vulnerabilities, discover malicious behaviors and tools, and advance the state of the art in securing operational technology systems.
• Collaborate in the development of technical requirementsfor data collection and adversarial simulation capabilities at LLNL.
• Analyze and assess novel attacksto uncover TTPs, potential weaknesses, malicious behavior, and potential attack vectors with the aim of creating repeatable workflows to support the program’s mission.
• Work closely with interdisciplinary project scientists and engineers in the scope, planning, and formulating modeling/simulation efforts for physical, engineering, and computational systems.
• Develop, implement, validate, and document specialized analysis software tools and models as required and use them to inform understanding and mitigation of threatsto operational technology.
• Identify emerging threats and opportunitiesfor enhancing cybersecurity capabilities, helping shape the technical direction of LLNL’s cybersecurity initiatives.
• Engage with sponsors and stakeholdersto develop new program growth opportunities, contribute to research proposals, and ensure alignment with mission objectives.
• Drive and execute innovative ideas and approachesto meet sponsor and project needs in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
• Mentor and collaborate with team members,utilizing your technical expertise to attract and retain projects, programs, and funding.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Direct technical tasks for highly complex projects which consistently require the application of creativity and innovation; set broad research/project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for Laboratory and others wielding extensive influence, such as senior management, industrial partners, and policy makers.
• Provide highly innovative solutions to abstract complex problems/ideas, convert them into useable algorithms/software modules, and provide solutions that require in-depth analysis of multiple factors and the creative use of established methods.
• Develop new ideas, modify approaches, and redefine requirements that significantly impact major Laboratory programs, set high-level goals, and contribute to the revolutionary advancement of knowledge.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced experience leading cybersecurity and/or applied AI research efforts. Advanced experience with building systems with AI tool pipelines and frameworks.
• Experience in malware analysis, network analysis, host forensics or some combination of these skill areas and related tools.
• Ability to communicate technical information across multi-disciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts, advising policy management, and applying interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Advanced knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies in both AI and cybersecurity.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities, along with the demonstrated ability to approach difficult problems with enthusiasm and creativity and to effectively change focus when necessary.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information to multi-disciplinary teams and non-cyber experts and advise senior management and/or external sponsors and proficient interpersonal skills.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Highly advanced project leadership experience and ability to apply, lead and develop cutting-edge principles and research, working independently while effectively managing concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities.
• Advanced experience creating technical direction and vision, writing research proposals, and/or securing sponsor funding.
• Significant experience in and knowledge of at least one of the following subject areas: network protocol analysis, cybersecurity data science, reverse engineering, and/or operational technology implementation.
• Highly advanced knowledge and experience in developing and applying advanced statistical/machine learning models and/or LLM tooling.

Qualifications We Desire

• Ability to engage in creative and competitive proposal processes and leverage sponsor relationships to secure new funding.
• Master’s degree or PhD with significant focus in cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, or data science/machine learning.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: embedded systems, scientific data analysis, systems programming, software engineering, agentic frameworks, and high-performance computing.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of the following machine learning techniques: data science, diffusion models, time series analysis, deep learning, and large language models.Experience with industrial control systems software and hardware.
• Previous experience working Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of War, utilities, manufacturing, or a cybersecurity firm.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $267,060 Annually

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level

$210,630 - $267,060 Annually for the SES.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. Also, you must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.If you are selected, we willinitiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

CaliforniaPrivacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here .

By clicking the link above or any third-party link within this posting, you are leaving this site and going to a third-party website where the third-party website's terms and privacy policy apply.