Network Security Engineer - R&D

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

Pay Range

$168,780 - $256,824 Annually

$168,780 - $214,032 Annually for the SES.3 level

$202,500 - $256,824 Annually for the SES.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Job Description

We're looking for a Network Security Engineer - R&D with a background in network security and an emphasis on operational technology networks. You will contribute to, provide subject matter expertise, and lead research projects in cybersecurity for critical infrastructure systems and civilian networks. This position is in the Global Security Computing Applications Division (GS-CAD)  within the Computing Directorate, matrixed to the Global Security Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level. 

You will

• Lead interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers on relevant national security projects and oversee analysis of OT and IT network data to identify potential vulnerabilities and indicators of compromise.
• Pursue program development opportunities by co-authoring proposals and proposing ideas that will address sponsor needs. Identify program growth opportunities towards development of custom network scanning and characterization tools for OT environments.
• Present results and provide subject matter expertise across multi-discipline projects engaging with sponsors on a regular basis.
• Test and validate new OT network characterization tools, working with LLNL’s cyber-physical testbed team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Oversee growth of existing and development of new network security capabilities at LLNL.
• Identify new applications and opportunities for network security capability growth and help create vision and technical direction in thrust area, working with program leadership.
• Develop new program growth opportunities through interactions with current and potential sponsors and the development of research proposals.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE X-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience with at least one Programing Language (e.g., C, C++, Java, Python).
• Significant experience with Incident Response and threat hunting.
• Advanced proficiency using network packet analysis tools (e.g., tcpdump, wireshark, tshark, libpcap), doing network protocol analysis at various layers of the OSI model, and developing network analytics.
• Project leadership experience and ability to work independently while effectively managing concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities.
• Experience writing research proposals and securing sponsor funding, with advanced interpersonal, verbal, and written skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, present and explain technical information, and provide advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level 

• Subject matter expert understanding of and experience with control systems, OT and ICS/SCADA security, communication network protocol development and parsing, reverse engineering, and/or modeling.
• Expert ability to communicate comprehensive knowledge effectively across multi-disciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts and proficient interpersonal skills necessary to effectively collaborate and lead in a team environment

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with one or more of the following: Penetration testing or red teaming, malware analysis, protocol dissectors and decoders, configuring and maintaining network sensors, and/or configuring and deploying network SIEM solutions.

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 

 

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.