Security Research Engineer

Cisco

. Evaluate global products and services to identify security vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential improvements .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeRemote • North Carolina • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $128,600 - $184,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in security vulnerability assessment, red teaming, and penetration testing, with a strong foundation in Unix systems and offensive security tooling. Capable of delivering innovative security solutions while collaborating effectively with engineering teams in high-stakes environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Red Teaming ExperiencePenetration TestingUnix ProficiencyOffensive Security ToolingSecurity Vulnerability Assessment

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Red TeamingPenetration TestingSecurity Vulnerability AssessmentNetwork PenetrationCommand and Control DevelopmentCloud SecurityUnix SystemsAI/ML FrameworksOffensive Security TestingFull-Spectrum Red-Team Tactics

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationCollaborationAdaptability

Industry Keywords

CybersecuritySecurity ResearchSOCSREIncident Response

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecurityUnix

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Evaluate global products and services to identify security vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential improvements
Adopt an attacker mentality and use specialized tools and techniques to emulate real-world adversaries
Proactively secure Cisco systems and infrastructure
Partner with engineering teams to assess complex architectures
Contribute to creative security solutions that protect customers
Research emerging security topics independently or collaboratively
Develop new security tools and ideas through Cisco’s “Free Friday” innovation and incubation process
Deliver highly secured solutions meeting the demands of critical global clients
Interact with Cisco engineering teams across the organization

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field with security research or project-based experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of professional security experience
2+ years of red teaming or penetration testing experience
Experience with remote access, network penetration, Command and Control development and use, and covert channels in cloud environments
4+ years of Unix experience, including applicable academic experience
Industry experience with AI/ML frameworks and offensive security tooling
Must be a U.S. Person: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee
Must be able to perform work on U.S. Government classified environments
Certain work must be performed by a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil
Preferred: DevOps engineering experience
Preferred: Offensive security testing of web applications, APIs, user interfaces, mobile devices, and embedded devices
Preferred: Full-spectrum red-team tactics experience
Preferred: Experience in a SOC, SRE, or incident response role
Preferred: Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, high-energy research team
Preferred: Excellent communication skills for multifunctional engagement with engineering teams
Preferred: Adaptability to emerging technologies and evolving security landscapes

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available, subject to continued employment and vesting periods
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
Flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit for eligible exempt employees, subject to availability and business limitations
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward annually
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies
Training sessions and mentor program
Work/life balance and casual, supportive work environment