Senior Cyber AI Engineer

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is hiring a Senior Cyber AI Engineer to lead cybersecurity research and build tools that use machine learning and AI to emulate adversarial behavior and help mitigate threats to operational technology and Federal networks. This onsite role supports the Global Security mission within the Computational Engineering Division, with opportunities to influence technical direction across complex, high-impact programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support advanced cybersecurity research using creative and automated methods to identify vulnerabilities, discover malicious behaviors and tools, and advance the state of the art in securing operational technology systems.
• Collaborate on technical requirements for data collection and adversarial simulation capabilities at LLNL.
• Analyze and assess novel attacks to uncover TTPs, potential weaknesses, malicious behavior, and attack vectors, with the goal of creating repeatable workflows aligned to program mission needs.
• Partner with interdisciplinary project scientists and engineers to scope, plan, and formulate modeling and simulation efforts for physical, engineering, and computational systems.
• Develop, implement, validate, and document specialized analysis software tools and models, using them to inform understanding and mitigation of threats to operational technology.
• Identify emerging threats and opportunities to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and shape the technical direction of LLNL cybersecurity initiatives.
• Engage with sponsors and stakeholders to develop program growth opportunities, contribute to research proposals, and ensure alignment with mission objectives.
• Drive and execute innovative ideas to meet sponsor and project needs in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
• Mentor and collaborate with team members, applying technical expertise to attract and retain projects, programs, and funding.
• Direct technical tasks for highly complex projects, setting broad research and project vision and influencing technical direction for the Laboratory and others with significant impact, such as senior management, industrial partners, and policy makers.
• Provide highly innovative solutions by converting complex ideas into usable algorithms and software modules, requiring in-depth analysis and creative use of established methods.
• Develop new ideas, modify approaches, and redefine requirements that significantly impact major Laboratory programs, set high-level goals, and contribute to advancing knowledge.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or related technical field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced experience leading cybersecurity and/or applied AI research efforts.
• Advanced experience building systems with AI tool pipelines and frameworks.
• Experience with malware analysis, network analysis, host forensics, or a combination of these and related tools.
• Ability to communicate technical information across multi-disciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts, advise policy management, and collaborate effectively.
• Advanced knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies in both AI and cybersecurity.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to develop creative solutions for complex problems.
• Ability to manage concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities and adapt focus as needed.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills to collaborate, present and explain technical information, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.
• Highly advanced project leadership experience, including the ability to apply and develop cutting-edge principles while working independently and managing competing priorities.
• Advanced experience creating technical direction and vision, writing research proposals, and/or securing sponsor funding.
• Significant experience and knowledge in at least one: network protocol analysis, cybersecurity data science, reverse engineering, and/or operational technology implementation.
• Highly advanced knowledge and experience developing and applying advanced statistical/machine learning models and/or LLM tooling.
• Ability to engage in creative and competitive proposal processes and leverage sponsor relationships to secure new funding.
• Master’s degree or PhD with significant focus in cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, or data science/machine learning.
• Knowledge of one or more disciplines: embedded systems, scientific data analysis, systems programming, software engineering, agentic frameworks, and high-performance computing.
• Knowledge of machine learning techniques including data science, diffusion models, time series analysis, deep learning, and large language models, with experience in industrial control systems software and hardware.
• Previous experience working Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of War, utilities, manufacturing, or a cybersecurity firm.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

Additional Information

• Location: Livermore, CA (onsite)
• Salary: USD 175,530 - 267,060 per year
• Work type: Career Indefinite (open to Lab employees and external candidates)
• Tag: #LI-Onsite
• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!

Security and Pre-Employment Details

• This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.
• Federal background investigation to determine eligibility for access to classified information or matter.
• All L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.
• External applicants selected must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test, including marijuana testing as Federal law applies to Federal Contractors.

Wireless and Medical Devices (Limited Areas)

• Depending on duties, you may be required to work in Limited Areas where personal and/or laboratory mobile devices may not be permitted in your possession (including cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth or wireless enabled devices).
• If you use a medical device that pairs with a mobile device, you must follow the mobile device rules for Limited Areas.
• Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval.
• Hearing aids without wireless capabilities, or wireless that has been disabled, are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space, and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation

• Equal opportunity employer committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected categories under applicable laws.
• If you need a reasonable accommodation during application or recruiting, submit the request using the online form.

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to California residents, including notice of what personal information is collected and for what purpose.