Senior Cyber Research Engineer

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Senior Cyber Research Engineer is a key technical contributor within a university research institute focused on cybersecurity, critical infrastructure resilience, and applied innovation. This role blends operational cybersecurity expertise with advanced research execution - supporting design, prototyping, analysis, and transition of defensive technologies that address evolving threats in enterprise and operational technology environments

Reporting to the Head of Wicked Problems Lab the Senior Cyber Research Engineer works closely with research scientists, engineers, faculty, and external partners to evaluate threat landscapes, strengthen cyber resiliency, and accelerate the adoption of secure technologies that benefit government, industry, and public infrastructure organizations.

About the Work Unit:
The newly launched Institute of National Security at Vanderbilt University is led by renowned military leader General Paul M. Nakasone. The institute leverages Vanderbilt's interdisciplinary expertise to address emerging national security threats, with a focus on accelerating innovation, educating students and the national security workforce, convening thought leaders, and advising government on critical security initiatives. Housed in the School of Engineering, the institute has broad involvement from faculty and students across Vanderbilt's colleges and schools. This unique institute presents an opportunity for individuals with backgrounds in fields such as engineering, cybersecurity, policy, and more to contribute to vital national security research and solutions.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Lead or support cyber defense research activities including secure architecture design, defensive tool development, vulnerability discovery, and penetration testing
• Conduct cyber threat analysis, incident response investigations, and digital forensics experiments to produce actionable security insights
• Support system integration and testing of cybersecurity capabilities in laboratory and partner operational environments
• Develop detailed documentation including system diagrams, test results, and sponsor deliverables to support technology maturation and transition
• Maintain expertise in emerging cyber threats, adversary TTPs, and cybersecurity technologies to guide research direction
• Collaborate with faculty, cross-disciplinary teams and external partners to support grant objectives, publications, and stakeholder demonstrations
• Present technical insights through briefings, reports, and presentations to academic and operational audiences
• Support strategic relationships with government and industry partners while safeguarding research data and system integrity
• Supervisory Relationships:
• This position will potentially have supervisory responsibility; this position reports to the Director of Institute of National Security.
• Education and Certifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems Security, or related field required
• Master's degree in a related field (completed or in progress) preferred
• Relevant certifications: CISSP, CISM, CASP, GIAC (e.g., GCIH), Security+, Network+
• Experience and Skills:
• 3-5+ years hands-on cybersecurity experience in enterprise or critical infrastructure environments
• Proficiency with security tools for threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management
• Ability to design, implement, test, and maintain secure systems and research software
• Experience with Python or PowerShell automation/scripting
• Strong communication, collaboration and leadership skills with diverse technical teams

About Us

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.