DescriptionLocation: Remote position. Occasional travel to our office in Golden, Colorado is required.
About the RoleWe are looking for a Cyber Researcher to join our R&D team and play a key role in shaping how automated security validation evolves.
In this role, you will conduct deep, hands-on technical research into attacker techniques and system behaviors across operating systems, identity systems, cloud platforms, and enterprise environments. Your work will be translated into production-grade, automated attack emulations that dynamically adapt and make decisions, closely mirroring how skilled attackers operate in the real world.
This is a highly technical role that combines research, development, and applied AI, with direct impact on a real-world security product.
Responsibilities- Conduct in-depth research into attacker techniques across Windows, Linux, identity systems, cloud environments, and external attack surfaces
- Design and develop advanced attack simulation techniques that challenge modern security controls and defensive architectures
- Translate research findings into scalable, production-ready capabilities within Pentera's automated validation platform
- Architect and implement decision-making logic that enables dynamic attack paths and adaptive behavior during automated operations
- Develop high-quality code that powers complex attack simulations, using appropriate languages and technologies for each use case
- Collaborate closely with R&D, engineering, and product teams to integrate new research into the platform
- Mentor team members and contribute to a culture of technical excellence, curiosity, and continuous learning
Requirements- 5+ years of hands-on experience in security research, penetration testing, or adversarial security engineering
- Strong knowledge of Windows internals, operating systems, networking, and enterprise environments
- 3+ years of experience developing in Python
- Proven ability to write efficient, stealth-aware, and production-quality security-related code
- Experience with security research tools and frameworks such as Metasploit, Impacket, Nmap, Burp, or similar
- Proficiency in reverse engineering and debugging using tools such as IDA, Ghidra, WinDBG, or Radare2
- Experience working with cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure
- Ability to apply AI or machine learning concepts to decision-making, automation, or behavior modeling within complex systems
- Strong collaboration skills, adaptability, and a fast learning mindset
Preferred Qualifications- Experience modeling attacker decision-making, attack paths, or adversarial behaviors
- Familiarity with graph-based analysis, pathfinding, or automated reasoning systems
- Hands-on experience with security product development and large-scale platforms
- Exposure to AI-driven automation, agent-based systems, or adaptive workflows
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field
Compensation:The base salary range for this role is
$180,000-$220,000, depending on experience, skills, and location. This range reflects the base compensation only. In addition, Pentera offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes performance-based bonuses, equity opportunities, health and wellness benefits, retirement plans, and other perks designed to support long-term growth and well-being.
