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Director Nuclear Cyber Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Cybersecurity Researcher

Livermore, CA · On-site

$117K - $151K/yr

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness ... Direct technical tasks for a portfolio of highly complex technical tasks and projects that ...

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Director Nuclear Cyber Security information

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$40.5K

$122.9K

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How much do director nuclear cyber security jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for director nuclear cyber security in the United States is $122,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director nuclear cyber security?

A Director of Nuclear Cyber Security requires deep expertise in cyber risk management, regulatory compliance, and nuclear facility operations, typically supported by a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or engineering, and significant industry experience. Familiarity with technical tools such as SIEM systems, network intrusion detection, and frameworks like NIST or NEI 08-09, along with certifications like CISSP or CISM, is crucial. Strong leadership, crisis management, and the ability to communicate complex risks to both technical teams and executive stakeholders are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure the protection of critical infrastructure, regulatory adherence, and rapid, effective responses to evolving cyber threats in the nuclear sector.

What are some unique challenges faced by a director nuclear cyber security in ensuring regulatory compliance and operational safety?

As a Director of Nuclear Cyber Security, you will navigate complex regulatory requirements from agencies like the NRC and NERC-CIP, ensuring that cyber protections meet stringent standards while supporting safe plant operations. Balancing security protocols with operational reliability is a unique challenge, as cyber measures must not interfere with critical plant processes. You’ll lead interdisciplinary teams, collaborate with IT, engineering, and operations staff, and stay current with evolving threats and compliance updates. Regular audits, incident response exercises, and stakeholder communication are integral parts of your weekly responsibilities.

What does a director nuclear cyber security do?

A Director of Nuclear Cyber Security is responsible for overseeing and managing the cybersecurity strategies and policies that protect nuclear facilities from cyber threats. This role involves developing security protocols, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and leading teams to monitor and respond to cyber incidents. They work closely with IT, operations, and regulatory agencies to safeguard critical nuclear infrastructure from cyber attacks. Their leadership ensures that digital systems supporting nuclear operations remain secure, resilient, and up to date with evolving threats.
What cities are hiring for Director Nuclear Cyber Security jobs? Cities with the most Director Nuclear Cyber Security job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Cyber Security jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Cyber Security jobs are:
What states have the most Director Nuclear Cyber Security jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Nuclear Cyber Security jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Nuclear Cyber Security job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,890 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Senior Cybersecurity Researcher

LLNL

Livermore, CA • On-site

$117K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have an opening foraSenior Cybersecurity Researcherto lead efforts to develop techniques and tools for red teaming and blue teaming in support of the defense of critical infrastructure systems and Federal networks. You will lead and support a range of highly complex security research projects, developing and deploying innovative methods to characterize and assess cyber-adversary behavior and to develop tools used to defend critical U.S. infrastructure and networks. Your expertise will drive the evolution of advanced cyber capabilities, threat analysis, and mitigation strategies for operational technology and industrial control systems. This position is programmatically in Global Security's Energy and Homeland Security (E) Program and administratively in the Global Security Computing Applications Division (GS-CAD) within the Computing Directorate.
This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
You will
  • Guide and support advanced cyber research projectsleveraging creative and automated methods to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities and weaknesses in software, firmware, and operational technology systems.
  • Analyze and assess novel software, firmware, and malwareto uncover weaknesses, malicious behavior, and potential attack vectors, creating repeatable workflows to support future red team and blue team engagements.
  • Conduct in-depth assessments of OT/ICS networks to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities that could lead to physical system impacts.
  • Participate in the design and implementation of new tools and techniquesfor vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and/or adversary emulation to advance the understanding and mitigation of threatsto operational technology.
  • Identify emerging threats and opportunitiesfor enhancing cyber defense and red team capabilities, helping shape the technical direction of LLNL's cybersecurity initiatives.
  • Collaborate in the development of technical requirementsfor red team and/or blue team operations at LLNL, including creating tools for adversary emulation and threat mitigation.
  • Engage with sponsors and stakeholdersto develop new program growth opportunities, contribute to research proposals, and ensure alignment with mission objectives.
  • Drive and execute innovative ideas and approachesto meet sponsor and project needs in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
  • Mentor and collaborate with team members,utilizing technical expertise to attract and retain projects, programs, and funding.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level
  • Direct technical tasks for a portfolio of highly complex technical tasks and projects that consistently require the application of creativity and innovation; set broad research/project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for Laboratory, self and/or others wielding extensive influence with senior management and policy makers.
  • Provide highly innovative solutions to abstract complex problems/ideas, convert into useable algorithms/software modules, and provide solutions that require in-depth analysis of multiple factors and the creative use of established methods.
  • Develop new ideas, modify approaches, and redefine requirements that significantly impact major Laboratory programs, set high-level goals, and contribute to the revolutionary advancement of knowledge.

Qualifications
  • Ability to maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
  • Bachelor's degree with significant focus in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
  • Significant experience leading program analysis of cyber-physical system security, OT network design and security, or intelligent adversary threat assessment and mitigation.
  • Advanced experience in one or more of the following areas: mixed-integer programming, branch-bound-and-cut algorithms, branch-and-price algorithms, strong (polynomial- or exponential-sized) formulations and separation, parallel/distributed mathematical optimization techniques, electric energy systems operations and planning, or related relevant areas.
  • Significant experience communicating technical information across multi-disciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts, advising senior management, and applying interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
  • Advanced knowledge of one of the following: deep reinforcement learning, neural networks, and/or large language models.
  • Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Ability to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities, along with the demonstrated ability to approach difficult problems with enthusiasm and creativity and to effectively change focus when necessary.
  • Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information to multi-disciplinary teams and non-cyber experts and advise senior management and/or external sponsors and proficient interpersonal skills.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level
  • Expert level experience in one or more of the following areas: mixed-integer programming, branch-bound-and-cut algorithms, branch-and-price algorithms, strong (polynomial- or exponential-sized) formulations and separation, parallel/distributed mathematical optimization techniques, electric energy systems operations and planning, optimization techniques or other relevant areas of mathematical optimization or electric systems.
  • Expert-level project leadership experience and ability to apply, lead and develop cutting-edge principles and research, working independently while effectively managing concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities.
  • Substantial experience creating technical direction and vision, writing research proposals, and securing sponsor funding.
  • Expert-level experience in and knowledge of at least one of the following subject areas: operational technology security, OT system threat hunting, and/or use of artificial intelligence for cybersecurity research.

Qualifications We Desire
  • Advanced degree with significant focus in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Knowledge of one or more of the following computer science disciplines: embedded systems, scientific data analysis, machine learning, systems programming, software engineering, formal verification methods, and high performance computing.
  • Experience with industrial control systems software and hardware.
  • Ability to secure sponsor funding through winning proposals and sponsor relationships.
  • Previous experience working Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, a utility, manufacturing, or hardware/software company, or a cybersecurity firm.

Pay Range
$175,530 - $267,060 Annually
$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level
$210,630 - $267,060 Annually for the SES.4 level
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information
#LI-Hybrid
Position Information
This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
  • Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
  • Flexible Benefits Package
  • 401(k)
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
  • Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
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