Security Research Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in North Carolina, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Assess global products and services to pinpoint security vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential enhancements.

• Adopt an attacker mindset, utilizing specialized tools and techniques to replicate real-world adversaries.

• Proactively safeguard Cisco systems and infrastructure.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate complex architectures.

• Contribute to innovative security solutions that protect our customers.

• Conduct independent or collaborative research on emerging security topics.

• Create new security tools and concepts through Cisco's “Free Friday” innovation initiative.

• Provide highly secure solutions for critical global clients.

• Engage with engineering teams throughout Cisco.

⛳️ Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee.

• Must be capable of working in U.S. Government classified environments.

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field with security research or project-based experience, or a bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of professional security experience.

• Over 2 years of experience in red teaming or penetration testing.

• Familiarity with remote access, network penetration, Command and Control development and usage, and covert channels in cloud environments.

• At least 4 years of Unix experience, including relevant academic experience.

• Industry experience with AI/ML frameworks and offensive security tools.

• Preferred experience as a DevOps engineer.

• Experience in offensive security testing of web applications, APIs, user interfaces, mobile devices, and embedded devices is preferred.

• Familiarity with full-spectrum red-team tactics is preferred.

• Experience in a SOC, SRE, or incident response role is preferred.

• Strong collaborative skills within a diverse, high-energy research team.

• Excellent communication abilities for engaging with multifunctional engineering teams.

• Adaptability to emerging technologies and changing security landscapes.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution.

• Paid parental leave.

• Short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Basic life insurance.

• Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available.

• 10 paid holidays per full calendar year.

• 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees.

• 1 paid day off for the employee’s birthday.

• Paid year-end holiday shutdown.

• 4 paid days off for personal wellness.

• 16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year for non-exempt employees.

• Flexible vacation time off program for exempt employees.

• 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter.

• Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward.

• Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues.

• Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year.

• Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco’s policies.

• Training sessions and a mentor program.

• Work/life balance and a casual work environment.