[Hiring] Cyber Researcher, Attack Emulation @Pentera

Role Description

We 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Company Description

Pentera is the global leader in Automated Security Validation, helping organizations worldwide safely emulate real-world attacker behavior and uncover their true security gaps across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid environments. With more than 1,200 customers in over 50 countries and a rapidly growing global team, Pentera is shaping how modern enterprises continuously validate their security posture.