Senior Security Researcher

Vectra AI; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Stock options

Retirement plan

Generous time off

Job summary

Vectra AI, a leader in AI-driven threat detection and response, seeks a Sr. Security Researcher to drive research on threats, understand network and cloud appearances, and shape product direction.

You will collaborate with data science and product teams to develop detection capabilities and validate efficacy, while exploring new threat topics and contributing to community knowledge. This hybrid role supports multiple locations and requires deep security research experience, strong programming

Qualifications

• 5+ years of attack and penetration testing experience in a network environment.
• 5+ years direct experience in security research, malware analysis, or incident response.
• Knowledge of corporate security investigation and incident response processes, along with malware detection and mitigation technologies.
• Strong programming skills with Python scripting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Research attacker TTPs to remain current as a subject matter expert within Vectra.
• Research new threat detection technologies and investigate innovative approaches to detecting attackers in customer environments.
• Collaborate across Vectra to identify, research, and develop new detection models with data science, consulting services, and product teams.
• Replicate attacker techniques and tooling to produce samples for detection development and validation.
• Pursue security topics contributing to knowledge of threats, tactics, and techniques in network, cloud, and hybrid environments.
• Provide an attackers-eye-view to evidence and educate customers on threat technicalities.

Skills

Security research

Malware analysis

Incident response

Python scripting

Attack simulation

Threat modeling

Tools

Cobalt Strike

Metasploit

Empire

Mimikatz

impacket

CrackMapExec

Job description

Vectra® is the leader in AI-driven threat detection and response for hybrid and multi-cloud enterprises. The Vectra AI Platform delivers integrated signal across public cloud, SaaS, identity, and data center networks in a single platform. Powered by patented Attack Signal Intelligence, it empowers security teams to rapidly prioritize, investigate and respond to the most advanced cyber-attacks. With 35 patents in AI-driven threat detection and the most vendor references in MITRE D3FEND, organizations worldwide rely on the Vectra AI to move at the speed and scale of hybrid attackers. For more information, visit www.vectra.ai.

• This is a hybrid role for San Jose, CA; Austin, TX; Boston, MA; or Dublin, Ireland

Position Overview

Vectra AI's Security Research Team represents the core security knowledge and research capability within the company primarily tasked with powering our leading-edge technologies and aiding customers. As a member of the Vectra AI Security Research team, you will be part of a highly experienced organization and respected authority on security threats and attack techniques.

Serving in the role of Sr. Security Researcher, you will have a direct impact on the direction of the company by researching threats, understanding how they appear on the network and in the cloud, helping technically shape the product direction. Some of the specific responsibilities include:

• Perform leading edge security research for network based threats – systems analysis, APT threat modeling, tools assessment, network/protocol analysis, etc.
• Working directly with our Data Science teams, developing detection capabilities which will be incorporated into the product
• Participate in on-going efficacy testing of our detection capabilities, producing gap analyses, attack samples, remediation recommendations, and document findings for broad use across the company

Vectra offers the opportunity to be on the leading edge of cyber security – helping us grow a world-renowned security research organization. As the researcher tasked with inventing and improving security detection technologies, you will be an integral part of our success.

When not working on new detection technologies, as a security researcher, you are expected to research new security topics, engage in bug-hunts, develop new tactics and techniques relevant to our product areas, and contribute to the community in a way that helps grow both your personal and company brands.

What You Will Do

• Research and understand attacker TTPs to remain current as a subject matter expert within Vectra
• Research new threat detection technologies and investigate innovative approaches to finding attackers operating within customer environments
• Collaborate across Vectra to identify, research, and develop new detection models – working hand-in-hand with members of data science, consulting services, and other product teams
• Replicate attacker techniques and tooling to produce samples for use during detection development and for detection validation and gap identification
• Pursue security research topics that contribute to the knowledge and enumeration of new threats, tactics, and techniques in network, cloud, and hybrid environments
• Provide an attackers-eye-view to the evidence presented by Vectra products and educate customers to the technical nature of the threat

What Will You Need

• Passion for cyber security
• 5+ years of attack and penetration testing experience in a network environment; or
• 5+ years direct experience in areas of security research, malware analysis, or incident response
• Knowledge of corporate security investigation and incident response processes, along with malware detection and mitigation technologies
• Solid programming skills with scripting languages such as Python
• Strong problem solving, troubleshooting and analysis skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent inter-personal and teamwork skills
• Proactive, hard-working team player with a good sense of humor
• Self-driven, able to efficiently work remote without close supervision
• Attack simulation experience;
  • Knowledgeable of the Tools, Techniques, and Procedures of advanced threat actors
  • Proficiency with common attacker and red team tools and frameworks: Cobalt Strike, Metasploit, Empire, Mimikatz, impacket, CrackMapExec, etc.
  • Ability to realistically recreate advanced threat actor TTPs within controlled environments
• Network experience:
  • Knowledgeable in network and application protocols, and traffic analysis (network forensics)
  • Proficiency with network traffic analysis and network forensics tools such as Wireshark and tcpdump
  • Proficiency with host forensics and memory analysis tools to study advanced threat actor activities
  • Strong knowledge of networking and network application concepts: TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, TLS, FTP, RPC, DNS, SMB, Kerberos, etc.

What Will Help You

• Professional or academic research in advanced security threats
• Operational experience in infosec as an incident handler/responder, red teamer, administrator, or internal consultant
• Experience with big data technologies
• Participation in the broader infosec community with requisite contacts and access to external intelligence sources
• Understanding the lifecycle and economics of modern malware and advanced threats

Our competitive total rewards package includes cash compensation within the range provided below. Actual pay for this position may vary based on the hired candidate's location, experience and relevant incumbent pay position.

Vectra Total Rewards

$150,000—$230,000 USD

Vectra provides a comprehensive total rewards package that supports the financial, physical, mental and overall health of our employees and their families. Compensation includes competitive base pay, incentive plan eligibility, and participation in the employee equity plan (stock options). Specific benefits offered varies by location, but commonly include health care insurance, income protection / life insurance, access to retirement savings plans, behavioral & emotional wellness services, generous time away from work, and a comprehensive employee recognition program.

Vectra is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.