Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is hiring a Senior Cyber AI Engineer to lead cybersecurity research and develop machine learning and AI-based tools that emulate adversarial behavior and help mitigate threats for operational technology and Federal networks. The role operates within the Computational Engineering Division supporting Global Security.
Location and Employment Details
- Location: Livermore, CA (onsite)
- Position type: Career Indefinite
- Eligibility: Open to Lab employees and external candidates
- Posting tag: #LI-Onsite
- Recognition: Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
Compensation
- Salary: USD 175,530 - 267,060 per yearly
Role Summary
The Senior Cyber AI Engineer will direct advanced cybersecurity research and tool development focused on machine learning and AI approaches. Responsibilities include advanced analysis software and model development, threat assessment, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. The work supports programs within the Computational Engineering Division supporting Global Security.
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 development of technical requirements for data collection and adversarial simulation capabilities at LLNL.
- Analyze and assess novel attacks to uncover TTPs, potential weaknesses, malicious behavior, and potential attack vectors, with the goal of creating repeatable workflows aligned to 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 to support understanding and mitigation of threats to operational technology.
- Identify emerging threats and opportunities to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and help 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 and approaches to meet sponsor and project needs in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
- Mentor and collaborate with team members, applying technical expertise to help attract and retain projects, programs, and funding.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Direct technical tasks for highly complex projects, setting broad research or project vision and strategy and influencing technical direction for the Laboratory and other stakeholders including senior management, industrial partners, and policy makers.
- Create highly innovative solutions by translating abstract complex problems into usable algorithms and software modules that require deep analysis of multiple factors 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 major advancements in knowledge.
Required Qualifications
- 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 AI tool pipelines and frameworks.
- Experience in malware analysis, network analysis, host forensics, or a combination of these and related tools.
- Ability to communicate technical information across multi-disciplinary teams, including to non-cyber experts, advising policy management, and collaborating 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, including shifting focus when necessary.
- Advanced verbal and written communication skills to collaborate within a team environment, present and explain technical information to multi-disciplinary teams and non-cyber experts, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.
- Highly advanced project leadership experience, including the ability to lead and develop cutting-edge principles and research while working independently and managing concurrent priorities.
- Advanced experience creating technical direction and vision, writing research proposals, and/or securing sponsor funding.
- Significant experience and knowledge in at least one of: network protocol analysis, cybersecurity data science, reverse engineering, and/or operational technology implementation.
- Highly advanced knowledge and experience developing and applying advanced statistical or 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 or machine learning.
- Knowledge of one or more of: embedded systems, scientific data analysis, systems programming, software engineering, agentic frameworks, and high-performance computing.
- Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more machine learning techniques including data science, diffusion models, time series analysis, deep learning, and large language models, plus experience with industrial control systems software and hardware.
- Previous experience working with 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)
Security Clearance and Testing
- 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.
- Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
- External applicants selected for the position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.
- Testing includes use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to Federal Contractors.
Work Environment: Wireless and Medical Devices
- LLNL must meet restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas.
- Depending on job duties, work may require access to a Limited Area where personal and/or laboratory mobile devices are not permitted, including cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth or wireless-enabled devices.
- Medical devices that pair with a mobile device must follow the mobile device rules for the individual sections within 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.
Additional Information
- How to identify fake job advertisements: LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining the company.
- All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” on the LLNL website.
- If a job posting or offer appears fraudulent, do not respond.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics under applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
If a reasonable accommodation is needed during the application or recruiting process, submit a request using the online form.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provides privacy rights to California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose.
Education
Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or related technical.
