R&D Associate

We are seeking an R&D Associate who will focus on expanding the Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) science depth and R&D capabilities in cyber-physical security. The need for secure embedded devices and software has grown rapidly across the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD) and related Intelligence Community (IC) mission areas. This position residesin the Cyber Sensing and Analytics Groupin the National Security Sciences Directorate,atOak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

• Perform leading-edge R&D in cyber-physical systems to create secure and resilient embedded devices.
• Work collaboratively with R&D staff in cybersecurity, cyber-physical security, advanced manufacturing, sensing, and data analytics to achieve R&D objectives.
• Promote ORNL/partners research and development capabilities as they apply to the national security community.
• Maintain knowledge currency of national-level cyber-physical security for embedded device research and development requirements.
• Assist in the generation of plans, proposals, budgets, and strategy for programs, applications and issues.
• Provide scientific and technical advice for relevant national-level R&D challenges and ORNL programs.
• Identify and articulate ORNL capabilities and customer requirements to internal and external technical audiences, leadership, and sponsors.
• Maintain awareness and understanding of open relevant research conducted throughout the DOE complex and the world.

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related discipline. Expertise in one or more of the following: cyber-physical systems security, advanced manufacturing technologies and processes, control systems, sensors, micro-controllers, and embedded devices.
• Proficient researcher, practitioner and/or developer of tools and techniques relevant to secure and resilient cyber-physical systems.
• A fundamental understanding of methods, tools, and operational applications, and the ability to apply cyber-physical systems security technical knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to acquire new knowledge and learn new skills, along with superior interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to proactively work independently and as a member of a team.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and toparticipatecreatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities toaccomplishmultiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
• Familiarity with static and dynamic binary analysis techniques (e.g., fuzzing) and reverse engineering (e.g., Ghidra or Ida Pro).
• Experience auditing source code and disassembly to identify and characterize vulnerabilitie
• Familiarity with embedded systems
• Prior use and familiarity with web or network-related tools, e.g., burpsuite and wireshark a plus.
• Demonstrated desire and ability to acquire new knowledge and learn new skills.
• Participation in capture-the-flag events, or cyber challenge events a plus.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

• Visa sponsorship:
  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: Q clearance with SCI:
  This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or…