Cybersecurity Operations Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University

Cybersecurity Operations Researcher advancing security operations for Carnegie Mellon’s Software Engineering Institute. Developing research, procedures, training, and prototypes for government and international cybersecurity missions.

Posted 8/7/2026full-timePittsburgh • Pennsylvania, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in enterprise cybersecurity and technology security, with strong capabilities in project planning, risk analysis, and technical documentation. Engages effectively with diverse stakeholders, producing clear communications and presentations on complex security topics.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Enterprise Cybersecurity ExpertiseComputer Network Defense ToolsProject Planning and ManagementTechnical Documentation ProductionCultural Awareness in International Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Risk AnalysisThreat AssessmentCybersecurity MetricsNetwork Security AnalysisTechnical Publication DevelopmentResearch and PublicationIncident Response CollaborationSecurity Operations KnowledgeModern Computing TechnologiesOpen-Source Platforms

Soft Skills

CollaborationProfessionalismCommunication SkillsCultural AwarenessPresentation Skills

Tools & Technologies

Commercial Vendor SolutionsOpen-Source PlatformsCybersecurity ToolsNetwork Defense ToolsTechnical Documentation Software

Certifications & Qualifications

CISSPCEHCISMCompTIA Security+

Industry Keywords

CybersecurityNational SecurityCritical InfrastructureIncident ResponseSecurity Operations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct and support analytical studies involving risk, threat, and security data
Work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
Apply enterprise cybersecurity and technology security expertise to mission challenges
Utilize computer network defense tools and processes, including commercial vendor solutions and open-source platforms
Brief strategic and technical topics to senior leadership, technical and non-technical audiences, and foreign government officials
Analyze operational challenges and evolving threats facing network security and intelligence organizations
Apply project planning and management methodologies to support program execution
Engage international stakeholders with cultural awareness and professionalism
Produce clear, well-structured technical documentation for diverse audiences
Develop technical publications, industry and government conference presentations, courses, direct customer engagements, and prototype tools and methodologies
Support cybersecurity initiatives that strengthen national and international security operations capabilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS in Computer Science or related discipline with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR a PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to 40% annually
Subject to a background investigation
Must be able to obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance
Strong understanding of enterprise cybersecurity and technology security challenges
Knowledge of computer network defense tools and processes, including leading commercial vendor solutions and open-source platforms
Ability to brief strategic and technical topics to senior leadership, technical and non-technical audiences, and foreign government officials
Ability to analyze operational challenges and evolving network security threats
Project planning and management methodology knowledge
Cultural awareness and professionalism when engaging international stakeholders
Ability to produce clear, well-structured technical documentation
Familiarity with critical infrastructure sectors
Experience within or in collaboration with a national Incident Response or Security Operations organization
Technical proficiency with modern computing hardware, software, and networking technologies
Experience conducting research and publishing academic or technical papers
Knowledge of cybersecurity metrics, measurement, and assessment methodologies
Participation in standards bodies, open-source projects, or professional publications
Preferred certifications include CISSP, CEH, CISM, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent

Benefits

Comp & perks

Tuition benefits at Carnegie Mellon University and other institutions for employees and their dependent children
8% monthly contribution for retirement
Paid parental leave
Paid military leave
Annual professional development opportunities
Relocation assistance
Accessible recruitment experience and reasonable accommodation support