Job Description

Early Career Vulnerability Researcher – Battelle

Battelle is a global research and development organization that delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products, and deliver critical services for a diverse range of clients, from multi-national corporations to small start-ups and government agencies.

We value and appreciate individuals from all backgrounds and experiences and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

Battelle is seeking an Early Career Vulnerability Researcher to join our team in the Columbus, OH office location.

Are you passionate about solving the hardest computing problems in the world? Do you thrive on working on impactful research projects and enjoy a collaborative, engaging work environment with competitive mini basketball and bumper pool? If so, Battelle may be the perfect fit for you.

Our Cyber Engineers are dedicated to tackling the most challenging Computer Science problems globally. We operate in small, agile teams, constantly pushing the boundaries of computing technology. Our advanced computer labs are equipped with specialized software and hardware, providing our engineers with all the necessary tools to innovate and develop new Cyber solutions.

Battelle is deeply committed to the professional growth of its employees. We foster new ideas through our extensive Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program, allowing engineers to pursue projects they are genuinely passionate about. We provide the tools and mentorship you need to elevate your skills and career to the next level.

Responsibilities

• Perform assignments of routine complexity, involving the compilation and evaluation of design and test data.
• Prepare technical specifications.
• Analyze technical data to establish appropriate limits and variables for electrical/electronic systems, components, equipment, and networks.
• Assist in the interpretation of results and contribute to writing sections of technical reports.
• Complete assigned project work within specified schedule and budget constraints.

Key Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field of study with 0-2 years of experience, OR a Master’s degree in a relevant field, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant field.
• Ability to develop software for user-mode or kernel-mode environments.
• Proficiency in coding with C or C++.
• Ability to use a scripting language (e.g., Python, Perl, Ruby).
• Experience with PC and embedded systems architecture, including boot processes and OS internals.
• Experience utilizing a disassembler for vulnerability research (e.g., IDA Pro, BinaryNinja).
• Understanding of network protocols.
• Experience with one or more assembly languages (e.g., x86, x64, ARM, MIPS, PowerPC).
• Experience with one or more debuggers (e.g., WinDbg, OllyDbg, gdb).
• Experience with vulnerability research on one or more operating systems: Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, MacOS, VxWorks, QNX, RTOSs, or other custom operating systems.
• Demonstrated strong organization, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of common mitigation techniques (e.g., DEP, ASLR).
• Familiarity with fuzzers.
• Must be a sole US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Participation in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions.
• Ability to analyze assembly-level code across multiple platforms (e.g., x86, x64, ARM, MIPS, PowerPC).
• Experience with symbolic analysis.
• Ability to analyze network protocols throughout all layers of the network stack.
• Background in software engineering and architecture.
• Active Secret security clearance.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

At Battelle, we prioritize your well-being both on and off the job. We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits designed to help you live your best life.

• Balance Life Through a Compressed Work Schedule: Most of our team enjoys a flexible, compressed work schedule that provides every other Friday off, allowing dedicated time for personal accomplishments without using vacation days.
• Enjoy Enhanced Work Flexibility, Including a Hybrid Arrangement: We offer flexibility in where and when you work. Our “Together with Flexibility” model allows for 60% in-office and 40% remote work, with Monday and Tuesday typically serving as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take Time to Recharge: Benefit from paid time off to support your work-life balance and maintain motivation.
• Prioritize Wellness: Stay healthy with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, including wellness incentives and benefits, plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better Together: Coverage extends to partners, with support for gender-affirming care and health, and family formation.
• Build Your Financial Future: Achieve financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, Battelle contributes 5% whether you contribute or not, and matches your contributions on top of that.
• Advance Your Education: Tuition assistance is available to support your pursuit of higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering, and business operations, Battelle is the ideal place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier, and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects.
• Receive select funding to pursue innovative ideas in scientific and technological discovery.
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment.
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders.
• Give back to and improve our communities.

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or client requirements, to adhere to certain safety protocols and be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment. Employees may be required to provide documentation of full vaccination. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act, or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities, and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle’s Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers.