Computer Scientist

Requisition Id 15241 

Overview:    

We are seeking a Computer Scientist or Engineer with a focus on Vulnerability Research who will support the Cyber Resilience and Intelligence Division in the National Security Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Support national security agendas as they relate to the identification and mitigation of software vulnerabilities used in defense, energy, and critical infrastructure assets.
• Research, develop and improve tools and techniques used to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in critical systems.
• Maintain awareness and understanding of cyber security research and events.
• Contribute material to reports generated for project sponsors.
• Assist in the development of research proposals related to vulnerability science.
• Promote ORNL/partners cyber security research and development capabilities as they apply to the national security community.
• Present material and provide advice to technical audiences, leadership and sponsors on cyber security issues, research, and programs.
• Identify and articulate ORNL capabilities and customer requirements to internal and external technical audiences, leadership, and sponsors.

Basic Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or related field and a fundamental understanding of cyber security principles, tools, and operational applications.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current experience writing software. Most relevant languages: C, C++, Python, and Java.
• Basic binary literacy is important. This includes understanding how software is architected, language characteristics, binary formats, and operating systems.
• 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 a plus.
• Familiarity with embedded systems preferred.
• 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.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop plans to address complex problems, be proactive, work independently, and contribute to a larger team.
• 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

Special Requirements:  

• Please submit two letters of reference when appying to this position You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line. 

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge. 
• 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.   
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Real ID and Badging Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.  Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

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 manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.  Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.  

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation. 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience. 

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts. 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov 

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.