Cyber Security Scientist; Entry-Level - Secure OS & System Software

Cyber Security Scientist (Entry-Level) - Secure OS & System Software

Location:

US-OH-Beavercreek

Category:
Research & Development

Position Type:
Full Time Salary

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.

All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Riverside Research's Secure and Resilient Systems group is seeking a full-time cyber security scientist to support the low-level cybersecurity team in Dayton, OH
. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside a team of experienced computer scientists and cybersecurity professionals on cutting-edge technology initiatives.

Full-time researchers will contribute to projects related to independent research and development (IRAD) as well as customer-funded contracts
, with a strong focus on cyber and systems security
. This role is ideal for early-career engineers or recent graduates interested in operating systems, system software, compilers, and/or secure computer architecture. Upon being hired, the researcher will work alongside experienced scientists and engineers to design, implement, and evaluate operating system and compiler extensions that protect critical systems from cyber‑attack with security focused ISA extensions (CHERI, Arm MTE, etc.).

• Support research and development tasks related to:
  • Securing large and mission critical C/C++ software systems from cyber‑attack
  • Software hardening through OS, compiler, and ISA extensions
• Assist with systems‑level engineering tasks including:
  • Low‑level C/C++ software development
• Contribute to prototype evaluation, data collection, and experiment execution
• Document findings, develop reproducible workflows, and support deliverables
• Collaborate with senior researchers and engineers on exploratory R&D tasks

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field and 2 years experience.
• Strong experience with C/C++ programming.
• Familiarity with Linux development environments, tool chains, and debuggers.
• Exposure to at least one of the following:
  • Computer architecture (x86, Arm, RISC-V, etc.)
  • Low‑level software (OS kernels, embedded systems, hardware drivers)
  • Compiler and/or Programming Language development
• Ability to learn quickly and work independently in a research‑oriented environment.
• Curiosity and willingness to explore unfamiliar technical areas.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively.
• Able to obtain a clearance as required.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Strong debugging, reverse‑engineering, and/or systems‑level problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to quicky understand and work effectively in large low‑level C/C++ codebases.
• Python/bash scripting for tooling, automation, and data processing.

Salary range: $72,000 - $135,000. This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Riverside Research Institute is a not‑for‑profit, technology‑oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action‑equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.

Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job‑related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not‑for‑profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.