Cybersecurity Research Engineer

42889BR

Extended Job Title :

Cybersecurity Research Engineer

Position Description :

Provides professional, highly technical expertise in the application of engineering principles, techniques and methods.

Requisition ID : 42889BR

Travel Required : Up to 25%

Major / Essential Functions :

The Critical Infrastructure Security Institute (CISI) is seeking a highly skilled Cyber Security Engineer to design, implement, and maintain security solutions that protect our systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. The ideal candidate will have expertise in cybersecurity best practices, risk assessment, incident response, and compliance with industry standards. This role requires a proactive approach to security, ensuring our organization's infrastructure remains resilient against evolving cyber threats.

Analyze, implement, and manage security measures to protect networks, systems, and sensitive data according to industry’s best practices.

Conduct security assessments, vulnerability testing, and penetration testing to identify risks and weaknesses.

Monitor and analyze security alerts, logs, and incidents.

Respond to and investigate security breaches, coordinating incident response efforts.

Implement security frameworks; maintain and update firewalls, antivirus, and endpoint security solutions.

Develop and enforce security policies, standards, and best practices, ensuring compliance with industry standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, CIS).

Conduct security awareness training for employees to mitigate human-related risks.

Research and recommend new security tools, technologies, and methodologies.

Works closely with TTU Information Technology to implement security best practices.

Operate Security Posture Evaluation for Critical Infrastructure test setup which includes Nessus vulnerability scanner and STIGs.

Implement and manage honeypots and honeynets to gather threat intelligence and monitor malicious activity in controlled environments.

Design and maintain isolated test networks that simulate production environments for threat analysis.

Assist in security incident investigations, root cause analysis, and forensic data collection.

Correlate honeypot activity with live incident data to enhance detection and response capabilities.

Develop and automate tools for threat detection, data collection, and alerting.

Integrate honeypot telemetry with SIEM / SOAR platforms.

Document network configurations, honeypot deployments, and security procedures.

Provide training and knowledge transfer on honeypot technology and threat analysis.

Work closely with affiliated CISI faculty to set up the test environment to meet their research needs.

Collaborate with affiliated CISI faculty to advance the research mission of Texas Tech.

Additional job functions as required by the Executive Director of CISI.

This position involves research, work on, or access to critical infrastructure. In accordance with Texas Executive Order 48 and applicable federal and state regulations, candidates may be subject to a review of relevant criminal history and security-related background checks.

Grant Funded? : No

Pay Basis : Monthly

Work Location : Lubbock

Preferred Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.

3+ years of experience in cybersecurity or a related IT role.

Department :

Critical Infr Security Inst CISI

Required Attachments :

Cover Letter, Professional / Personal References, Resume / CV

Job Type : Full Time

Shift : Day

Required Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; five years specifically related experience. An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience.

This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and / or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews.

Does this position work in a research laboratory? :

No

About the Department and / or College :

The Critical Infrastructure Security Institute (CISI) is seeking a highly skilled Cyber Security Engineer to design, implement, and maintain security solutions that protect our systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. The ideal candidate will have expertise in cybersecurity best practices, risk assessment, incident response, and compliance with industry standards. This role requires a proactive approach to security, ensuring our organization's infrastructure remains resilient against evolving cyber threats.

Safety Information :

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Pay Statement :

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.

EEO Statement :

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

About the University :

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral / Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.

About Lubbock : Referred to as the “Hub City” because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock’s Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

Job Family :

Information Technology

Job Sub Family : IT Security

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Strong knowledge of network security, encryption, authentication, and access controls.

CompTIA Security+ or equivalent certification

Hands-on experience with penetration testing and vulnerability management.

Strong understanding of regulatory compliance requirements and industry standards including NIST SP800-53 and NIST SP800-37.

Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Annualized Pay Range :

$139,800 - $181,800 - $223,700