Project/Senior Engineer - Reverse Engineering/Forensic Analyst

Lubbock

40469BR

Critical Infrastructure Security

Position Description

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

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.

About the Department and/or College

The Critical Infrastructure Security Institute (CISI) is seeking a skilled and experienced Reverse Engineering and Forensic Analyst to join our team. This individual will be responsible for conducting detailed reverse engineering of SCADA systems, PLCs, and other industrial controllers, with a focus on understanding and evaluating proprietary energy systems hardware. This role will involve a mix of technical analysis, security research, and forensic examination, requiring deep expertise in system architectures, control systems, and hardware vulnerabilities.

Major/Essential Functions

Key Responsibilities:

Reverse Engineering of SCADA Systems & PLCs

• Conduct reverse engineering of SCADA systems, PLCs, and other industrial controllers to identify vulnerabilities, analyze firmware, and examine communication protocols.
• Identify weaknesses, potential exploits, and risks in hardware and software configurations.
• Analyze embedded systems and firmware to uncover vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for securing control systems.

Forensic Analysis of Energy Systems Hardware

• Perform forensic investigations of proprietary energy systems hardware, including analyzing evidence from compromised or malfunctioning devices.
• Document findings, creating detailed reports that outline the results of forensic investigations and potential impacts on the security and integrity of energy systems.
• Support incident response and cybersecurity efforts related to energy infrastructure, analyzing devices involved in security breaches or incidents.

Maintain and Enhance Security Posture Evaluation for Critical Infrastructure test setup:

• Software upgrades, Nessus vulnerability scanner and STIGs.
• PLC environment.
• Innovate new test setup capability.

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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

• Expertise in reverse engineering embedded systems and industrial control systems (ICS), including SCADA, PLCs, and other automation controllers.

• Hands-on experience with specialized energy systems hardware (e.g., transformers, generators, distribution systems, etc.).

• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards in the energy and critical infrastructure sectors.

• Experience with forensic tools and techniques used to investigate and analyze energy systems hardware, including memory dumps, system logs, and physical inspection of devices.

Safety Information

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

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

Yes

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Minimum Hire Rate

4186.00

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. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

Up to 50%

Shift

Day

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

Skilled Professionals

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.