Sr. Computer Security Researcher

Cybersecurity Researcher – Idaho National Laboratory

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Cybersecurity Researcher to work with our Cyber Research and Development department. The position is located in Idaho Falls, , on a 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off. Your work will involve applying advanced scientific and engineering principles to analyze, design, develop, and assess secure computer systems and networks, including security protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, cryptography, formal methods, and security models to protect government systems.

• Analyze (reverse engineer) anomalous or malicious software, firmware, and binaries.
• Determine mitigation techniques and work with others to provide technical solutions for defensive resolution.
• Perform vulnerability assessments, penetration tests, and red-teaming in operational technology (OT) and embedded system environments.
• Develop cybersecurity scenario tests, training, and exercises for OT and embedded system infrastructure.
• Assist in determining incident‑response actions and recommending mitigation strategies.
• Develop and maintain custom code to analyze network traffic, proprietary protocols, and high‑risk computer networks.
• Produce technical solutions for information operations and analysis related to national security topics—intrusion analysis, malware, system vulnerabilities, network security, advanced analytics, and data visualization.
• Collaborate with threat analysts and senior engineers to identify security issues in control systems, platforms, and applications.
• Design algorithms and methods to detect and prevent cyber‑attacks.
• Develop and maintain code to verify and validate patch effectiveness.
• Conduct penetration testing and advanced reverse engineering of suspect source code.
• Write scripts and software utilities to automate security‑analysis efforts.
• Work independently or in teams with customers to develop requirements, produce, test code, and provide documentation.
• Participate in project teams to produce proposals for new work, including joint projects with academia and industry.
• Maintain awareness of potential sponsors and funding levels; build and maintain customer relationships with briefings and papers.
• Author technical papers, reports, and proposals for internal and external release; present at internal and external forums.
• Participate in national and international forums for the development of new concepts in malware and cyber security.

• Level 3:
  Bachelor’s degree in Data/Computer Science or a closely related field with at least 5 years of professional experience, or a master’s degree in the same field. Equivalency: 13 years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• Level 4:
  Bachelor’s degree in Data/Computer Science or a closely related field with at least 8 years of professional experience, or a master’s degree in the same field. Equivalency: 16 years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in C programming, assembly coding, zero‑day exploit development, and packet‑level programming.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

• Pay:
  Level 3 ($111,888 – $229,284) / Level 4 ($134,124 – $275,136).
• Position type:
  Testing designated; pre‑employment drug screen and periodic drug testing required.
• Multi‑level posting; placement depends on experience and skills.

Physical Requirements – Tasks involve standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, using hands to handle materials, manipulating tools, typing, reaching, and operating job‑related equipment. Occasionally required to lift or move up to 25 pounds. Adequate vision and hearing required. Reasonable accommodations are available for disabilities.

• Medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) with 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match.
• Paid time off (personal leave).
• Employee education program (tuition assistance).
• Comprehensive relocation package.
• Benefit eligibility depends on employment status and classification.

Equal Employment Opportunity – Idaho National Laboratory is an EEO employer. We provide equal employment…