Security Research Engineer

Cisco

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

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeRemote • 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 and offensive security tooling. Capable of collaborating with engineering teams to develop innovative security solutions and adapt to evolving security landscapes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Red TeamingPenetration TestingUnix ExperienceOffensive Security TestingSecurity Vulnerability Assessment

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Red TeamingPenetration TestingSecurity Vulnerability AssessmentUnix ExperienceOffensive Security ToolingNetwork PenetrationCommand and Control DevelopmentCloud SecurityAI/ML FrameworksFull-Spectrum Red-Team Tactics

Soft Skills

Collaborative AbilityExcellent Communication SkillsAdaptability

Certifications & Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Computer ScienceMaster’s Degree in Cybersecurity

Industry Keywords

U.S. Person StatusClassified EnvironmentsSOC ExperienceSRE ExperienceIncident 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
Use an attacker mentality, 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
Independently or collaboratively research emerging security topics
Develop new security tools and ideas through Cisco’s “Free Friday” innovation process
Deliver highly secured solutions for critical global clients
Interact with engineering teams across Cisco

Requirements

What you’ll need

U.S. Person status required: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee
Must be able to perform work on U.S. Government classified environments
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
Experience as a DevOps engineer preferred
Experience in offensive security testing of web applications, APIs, user interfaces, mobile devices, and embedded devices preferred
Experience with full-spectrum red-team tactics preferred
Experience in a SOC, SRE, or incident response role preferred
Strong collaborative ability within a diverse, high-energy research team
Excellent communication skills for multifunctional engagement with engineering teams
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
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 for exempt employees
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
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’s policies
Training sessions and mentor program
Work/life balance and casual work environment