Director of Research

Director of Research - Job DescriptionWho We Are:Kudu Dynamics was forged out of a decade of experience in computer network operations and staffed with talent who have built, overseen, and enhanced capabilities throughout the entire USG arsenal. Our team of hackers and engineers has experience spanning centuries of research, development, and operations missions across desktop, mobile, IoT, and embedded platforms. Kudu Dynamics is uniquely qualified to anticipate tomorrow's threats, to build the next generations of capabilities, and be in it for the long game.Job Description:We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to direct a division focused on cutting-edge research and development into program analysis, vulnerability discovery and mitigation, and support for OCO missions, including the use of Cyber Reasoning Systems (CRSs), LLMs, and other automated techniques and technologies. The ideal candidate will drive innovation, manage research projects, and ensure the successful integration of research outcomes into transitionable and deployable national security capabilities.Responsibilities:Lead a conglomeration of projects into a cohesive platform that will be used as the launching point for future company efforts.Lead teams in setting ambitious, clear, and measurable objectives that drive innovation and excellence.Lead Business Development with research customers in the area of automated cyber reasoning.Collaborate with other division directors to capitalize on cross-domain business opportunities.Establish a product-driven mindset on projects with clear lines of integration points for the cohesive platform.Research market data to generate alignment across project portfolios with commercial and government products.Ensure that research initiatives contribute to the organization’s mission, with a focus on practical, real-world applications and outcomes.Guide and oversee research proposals, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and funding opportunities.Provide leadership and mentorship to Principal Investigators (PIs).Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of new research projects and funding sources.Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure research aligns with organizational needs.Represent and report on division progress to company leadership.Manage division resources, including budget and personnel.Qualifications:Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field.7 years experience leading teams.Experience with reverse engineering and vulnerability discovery tools and techniques.Knowledge of current trends and future directions in vulnerability discovery and software security.Experience with iterative software development processes and tooling.Basic understanding of artificial intelligence, large language models, and machine learning driven strategies within cyber security.Familiarity with product design and development methodologies.Communication skills to represent the division and the company to research-oriented customers.Experience writing and providing guidance on proposals and whitepapers.Project Management experience including staffing and finance.Experience presenting to internal and external customers, with an ability to communicate at a higher level while demonstrating a command of the technical underpinnings of programs.Experience in mentoring and developing research talent.Demonstrated experience eliciting and developing requirements from ambiguous direction.Familiarity with government contracting.The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our program analysis research and its impact on vulnerability discovery tools. They will balance cutting-edge research with practical applications, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within the division.Kudu provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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