R&D Associate

Requisition Id 16877 

Overview:

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 resides in the Cyber Sensing and Analytics Group in the National Security Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• 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.

Basic Requirements: 

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple 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.

Special Requirements:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.