Senior Security Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision

Tuition benefits

Pittsburgh bus pass

Paid time off

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a highly skilled software professional for advanced digital forensics, incident response, and security research. The role emphasizes prototype development, rigorous analysis, and clear communication of methods and results.

Candidates should have deep knowledge of Internet protocols, systems programming, UNIX/Linux, and familiarity with vulnerabilities. Travel up to 10% and ability to obtain DoD security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of 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.

Responsibilities

• Reformulate questions and devise creative solutions.
• Deliver concise prototype implementations.
• Explain work in discussions, presentations, and formal reports.
• Analyze network traffic, exploits, and file/format extraction techniques.

Skills

Internet protocols

Systems programming

UNIX/Linux

Security vulnerabilities

RF/SDR tech

Education

BS in Computer Science or related quantitative discipline

MS in same with 8 years experience

PhD in same with 5 years experience

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 ten (10) years of relevant professional experience, or MS in the same with eight (8) years of relevant professional experience, or PhD in the same with five (5) 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

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/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