Research Lead - AI Cyber Testing & Evaluation

Position Overview

RAND’s Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST) seeks a Research Lead – AI Cyber Testing & Evaluation to manage research budgets, lead multidisciplinary teams, and develop evaluation systems for AI models across the attack lifecycle. The role involves building benchmarks for autonomous operations, conducting government‑commissioned evaluations, and communicating findings to senior decision makers.

Responsibilities

• Manage research budgets and personnel.
• Oversee complex technical research and policy analysis projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams of policy researchers, engineers, and scientists.
• Develop systems to evaluate AI performance across the full attack lifecycle.
• Create benchmarks for autonomous operations, multi‑stage operations, stealth, and defense evasion.
• Conduct red‑team operations and offensive cyber capability development.
• Produce detailed technical analyses, evaluation frameworks, and policy briefs.
• Communicate research findings to senior government and industry leaders.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of technical experience in security engineering, software engineering, firmware engineering, hardware engineering, or related fields.
• 6+ years of technical management experience, including leading cross‑functional teams, managing project budgets, and mentoring team members.
• Demonstrated ability to complete complex projects.
• Proficiency in Python, Java, C/C++, or other popular programming languages.
• Experience with red‑team operations or offensive cyber capabilities development.
• Ability to develop rigorous threat models and identify system vulnerabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary environments.
• Fluency with MS Office suite.

Education Requirements

• PhD in a relevant field with at least 3 years of professional experience.
• Master’s degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience.
• Master’s or PhD preferred.
• Preferred: Graduate of the Computer Network Operations Development Program (CNODP), Remote Interactive Operator Training (RIOT), Future Operator Readiness Growth and Enrichment (FORGE), or equivalent.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required.

Location

Positions available in San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA. Hybrid work arrangements are offered; fully remote work may also be considered.

Benefits

• Salary range: $146,200 – $261,400.
• Base pay plus RAND’s sabbatical pay.
• Health, life, and disability insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid time‑off and additional leave options.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility Statement

RAND is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. For accommodation requests, contact Human Resources at (310) 393‑0411 or