Senior Cybersecurity Operations Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

8% retirement contribution

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Transit bus pass

Family Concierge access

Fitness center access

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s CERT Security Operations team in Arlington, VA seeks a Senior Cybersecurity Operations Researcher to advance national and international security capabilities. This role focuses on strategic and operational cybersecurity procedures, risk analysis, and translating complex findings for diverse audiences.

Travel up to 40%, must obtain DoD clearance, and collaborate with government, academic, and industry partners.

Qualifications

• BS with 10+ years of experience or MS with 8+ years, or PhD with 5+ years in CS/related fields.
• Willingness to travel up to 40% domestically and internationally.
• Able to obtain and maintain DoW security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analytical studies involving risk, threat, and security data.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present to leadership.
• Develop procedures to strengthen national and international security operations.
• Translate complex processes into clear technical documentation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Risk analysis

Threat assessment

Public speaking

Education

BS in CS

MS in CS

PhD in CS

Tools

Open-source security tools

Commercial SOC tools

Job description

• Direct customer engagement

The CERT Security Operations team is dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions that address critical and emerging cybersecurity challenges facing the United States Government and the international community. Our success depends on a diverse team of analysts, researchers, and engineers who are passionate about understanding emerging technologies and applying best practices to support U.S. Government defensive missions.

Our team provides technical guidance in capability and capacity development for Security Operations Centers (SOCs), National Cyber Centers, and Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs). We partner with federal agencies, academic institutions, foreign governments, private industry, and non‑profit organizations to strengthen cybersecurity operations globally.

We develop and implement strategic and operational procedures that advance the cybersecurity community’s effectiveness. Our work includes regular collaboration with sponsors and partners to design, evaluate, and improve mission performance.

Our team contributes to technical initiatives by developing and prototyping innovative methods for evaluating and measuring operational and mission success. We design and deliver training and engagement programs across National Incident Response Teams, Product Security Teams, SOCs, and enterprise incident management programs.

We are seeking a Senior Cybersecurity Operations Researcher to join our CERT Security Operations team. This role supports mission-driven cybersecurity initiatives focused on strengthening national and international security operations capabilities. The ideal candidate demonstrates interest and experience in developing and executing strategic and operational cybersecurity procedures, as well as advancing the state of the art in cyber operations research and practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and support analytical studies involving risk, threat, and security data.
• Work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams of varying experience levels.
• Apply a strong understanding of enterprise cybersecurity and technology security challenges.
• Utilize knowledge of computer network defense tools and processes, including leading commercial vendor solutions and open‑source platforms.
• Brief strategic and technical topics to senior leadership, technical and non‑technical audiences, and foreign government officials.
• Analyze current operational challenges and evolving threats facing network security and intelligence organizations.
• Apply project planning and management methodologies to support program execution.
• Engage international stakeholders with cultural awareness and professionalism.
• Produce clear, well‑structured technical documentation that translates complex processes for diverse audiences (writing sample may be requested).

Team deliverables include:

• Technical publications
• Industry and government conference presentations
• Course development and delivery
• Direct customer engagement
• Prototype tools and methodologies

Requirements

• You have BS in Computer Science or related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR a PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experience.
• You have the willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 40% on an annual basis) in support of the SEI mission.
• You will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance.

Desired Experience

• Familiarity with critical infrastructure sectors.
• Experience working within or in collaboration with a national Incident Response or Security Operations organization.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency with modern computing hardware, software, and networking technologies.
• Experience conducting research and publishing academic or technical papers.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity metrics, measurement, and assessment methodologies.
• Participation in public forums such as standards bodies, open‑source projects, or professional publications.
• Preferred certifications: CISSP, CEH, CISM, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent.

Why work here?

• Join a world‑class organization that continues to have a significant impact.
• Work with cutting‑edge technologies and dedicated experts to solve challenging problems for the government and the nation.
• Access tuition benefits at Carnegie Mellon University and other institutions for employees and their dependent children.
• Receive 8% monthly contribution for your retirement.
• Maintain a healthy work/life balance including paid parental and military leave.
• Take advantage of annual professional development opportunities.
• Qualify for relocation assistance.

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.

Location

Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff - Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

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