Hitachi America

Director of Research – Cybersecurity

Hitachi America • $167K — $200K *
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field; master's or PhD preferred.
  • 12+ years of professional experience in cybersecurity or related field, with 5+ years in a management or senior technical role.
  • Established network of cybersecurity and industry contacts.
  • Strong technical background in cybersecurity and understanding of related political and social issues.
  • Ability to operate independently and manage long-range planning initiatives.

Responsibilities

  • Identify emerging cybersecurity innovation and research areas.
  • Provide expertise to R&D and Hitachi businesses, serving as a resource for internal and external audiences.
  • Participate in projects, consortia, and working groups as directed by management.
  • Enhance Hitachi’s reputation as a cybersecurity innovator.
  • Publicize research and innovations through presentations, papers, and social media.
  • Deliver monthly research activity reports and semiannual compilations of findings.
  • Engage in collaborative activities with Security Innovation Lab and Hitachi R&D.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company match.
  • Paid vacation and sick days.
  • Participation in variable pay program.
  • Access to company-sponsored benefits.
Full Job Description

Location:

Santa Clara, California, United States

Job ID:

Date Posted:

2026-10-05

Company Name:

HITACHI AMERICA, LTD.

Profession (Job Category):

Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: 

Full time

Remote:

No

Job Description:

Title: Director of Research – Cybersecurity

Company: Hitachi America Ltd.

Division: Research and Development

Location: Remote within the US

Status: Regular, Full Time

 

Summary

The Director of Research will serve as the primary liaison between Hitachi's global Research & Development organization and industry partners, government agencies, academic institutions, consortia, and standards bodies across the United States and the Americas. This position reports to the Director of the Hitachi America R&D Security Innovation Lab.


As a member of the Security Innovation Lab, the Director of Research will contribute to the intellectual leadership that informs Hitachi's business, product, and social initiatives. Leveraging a deep understanding of emerging cybersecurity trends and regional security challenges, the individual will help guide strategic decision-making and innovation across the organization.


The Director will have two primary areas of focus:

1. Represent Hitachi's interests by actively participating in and contributing to selected emerging cybersecurity initiatives, research programs, industry collaborations, and related projects.

2. Engage and communicate regularly with headquarters and regional R&D and cybersecurity teams, including senior executives, to provide strategic insights, status updates, and analysis on key projects, emerging trends, and cybersecurity-related topics.


Topics may include a wide range of interactions with regulatory and other government bodies, analysis of technical and political trends, membership in consortia and standards bodies, and attention to other areas that may affect the company.

The successful candidate will be a strategic senior subject matter expert with the ability to operate independently across day-to-day activities and long-range planning initiatives. Responsibilities include influencing strategy and policy development, providing expert guidance on emerging issues, and potentially leading and managing a team.

Core competencies for this role include deep technical expertise, knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, strategic planning, relationship management, leadership, effective communication, and the ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize complex information. The successful candidate will be skilled at leading cross-functional teams and building productive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Representing Hitachi as a thought leader is a significant aspect of this position. The Director will be expected to deliver presentations at industry events, conferences, and internal forums, demonstrating both individual expertise and Hitachi's leadership in cybersecurity and innovation. The role also requires the preparation of periodic reports and the semiannual compilation of research findings, analyses, and supporting materials in accordance with Hitachi R&D practices.

As with all regional R&D roles at Hitachi, effective collaboration with colleagues in Japan is essential. Success in this role requires strong cross-cultural communication skills and a commitment to understanding Japanese business practices and cultural norms. This cultural awareness is critical for fostering productive relationships, preventing misunderstandings, and supporting Hitachi's global business objectives.

Job Responsibilities

  • Identify promising areas of emerging cybersecurity innovation and research.
  • Provide expertise in key research areas to R&D and Hitachi businesses and act as a resource for diverse internal and external audiences
  • Participate in teams for projects, consortia, working groups and similar as identified by research sponsors, R&D and Hitachi management.
  • Enhance Hitachi’s reputation as a cybersecurity and industrial technology innovator
  • Publicize Hitachi research and innovations, potentially including internal and external presentations, authoring research papers, posting on social media, interviews, sitting on/moderating expert panels, etc.
  • Delivering research work products as agreed. Typically these include
    • A monthly report of research activity and news areas of interest
    • A twice-annual compilation of research materials and findings for delivery to the research sponsor.
    • Participation in previously agreed activities such as conferences, workgroups, etc.
  • Participating in Security Innovation Lab, HAL R&D, Hitachi R&D, and Hitachi Ltd. activities and providing expertise as needed

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree required with study of a related technical field; masters or PhD preferred. Work experience may substitute for specific academic credentials.
  • 12+ years of professional work experience in cybersecurity (or a related field) with at least 5 years in a management, policy, or senior technical position.
  • Existing network of cybersecurity and industry contacts.
  • Strong cybersecurity and technical background with an understanding of the broad range of adjacent political and social issues.

A good faith estimate of the expected salary for this position that the employer reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire is $167,300 -$200,000 annually. Pay is determined on a variety of factors including, but not limited to location, depth of experience in the practice area, and relevant education and training. Employees are eligible to participate in Hitachi America’s variable pay program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions. Benefits include Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), vacation, paid sick days and other company-sponsored benefits.

About Hitachi America

Hitachi America is a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., a Japanese multinational conglomerate. They provide a wide range of products and services, including information technology, power systems, and social infrastructure. They work with clients in a variety of industries, including healthcare, transportation, and finance. They are committed to sustainability and social responsibility, and have implemented various initiatives to reduce their environmental impact.
Learn more about Hitachi America
Size
368,247 employees
Industry
Founded
1959
NASDAQ

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