Staff Research Engineer - C/C++, Assembly, Reverse Eng.

As a Staff Research Engineer at Tenable, your main responsibilities will include leading research initiatives on disclosed vulnerabilities, developing advanced detection methods for our product lines, and collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders to drive the outcomes of your research. You'll also be involved in mentoring team members and taking the lead in discussions concerning detection logic and research findings.

To qualify for the Staff Research Engineer position at Tenable, you should possess a degree in Computer Science or a related field, along with at least 10 years of R&D experience in information security. Strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, and Assembly are essential, as well as a deep understanding of security vulnerabilities and various protocols. Certifications such as OSCP are also a plus.

The work culture at Tenable for Staff Research Engineers is collaborative and innovative. As part of #OneTenable, you’ll work with passionate professionals committed to excellence and supporting one another. Tenable emphasizes respect, diversity, and a culture of belonging, ensuring that all team members can contribute their best work in a thriving environment.

Tenable supports the professional development of Staff Research Engineers through mentorship opportunities, access to cutting-edge resources, and participation in industry conferences. They encourage original research publication and knowledge sharing, allowing you to enhance your skills while contributing back to the cybersecurity community.

Career growth prospects for Staff Research Engineers at Tenable are promising, thanks to the company’s commitment to innovation in cybersecurity. With opportunities to lead research initiatives and collaborate on strategic projects, you can expand your role within the organization. The skills and networks you develop here can also open doors to higher-level engineering or management positions in the future.

When answering this question, reflect on your passion for cybersecurity, your drive to discover new vulnerabilities, and how this role at Tenable aligns with your career goals. Emphasize your desire to contribute to protecting customers from cyber threats and your excitement in working with a talented team.

Share specific examples of your previous projects involving vulnerability research. Detail the detection methods you implemented, focusing on the impact of your work, and be sure to relate it back to how those experiences prepare you for the position at Tenable.

Discuss your proficiency with programming languages, particularly C/C++ and Assembly, along with relevant projects where you utilized these languages. Highlight any classes or frameworks you have worked with that relate closely to the work at Tenable.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to narrate your story effectively. Focus on the complexities of the issue, your thought process in addressing it, and the eventual positive outcome that resulted from your actions.

Share your approach to continuous learning, including your engagement with industry publications, forums, and conferences. Mention specific resources and networks that enrich your knowledge and how you've applied new insights to your work.

Provide examples of your reverse engineering work, including tools and methodologies you've used. Discuss the outcomes of your analysis and how it contributed to detecting vulnerabilities or enhancing security measures.

Talk about any established methodologies you follow, such as OWASP or NIST guidelines. Detail how you adapt these methodologies in practice to improve the effectiveness of your vulnerability testing and provide examples from your experiences.

Discuss your collaborative approach, emphasizing communication, listening, and how you foster relationships across teams. Share a specific instance of a successful collaboration and what you learned from it.

Anticipate potential challenges such as staying updated with emerging vulnerabilities and team dynamics. Describe strategies for effectively managing these challenges, like leveraging team strengths or proactive engagement with the cybersecurity community.

Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and genuine interest in Tenable’s mission. Align your professional values with those of the company and explain how they will contribute to the goals of the Staff Research Engineer role.