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Senior Malware Researcher

Remote

What we do:
Halcyon is the industry’s first dedicated, adaptive security platform that combines multiple proprietary advanced prevention engines along with AI models focused specifically on stopping ransomware.

Who we are:
Halcyon was formed in 2021 by a team of cyber industry veterans after battling the scourge of ransomware (and advanced threats) for years at some of the largest global security vendors. Comprised of leaders from Cylance (now Blackberry), Accuvant (now Optiv), Fireye and ISS X-Force (now IBM), Halcyon is focused on building products and solutions for mid-market and enterprise customers.

As a remote-native, completely distributed global team, we recognize great talent can exist anywhere. We invite you to apply to a job you’re interested in and we'll work a plan to meet your needs.

The Role:
 
Halcyon’s goal is to deliver an anti-ransomware solution that breaks new ground as to what a security product can deliver. Aligned with this goal, Halcyon is looking for a Senior Malware Researcher focused on ransomware analysis. In this role, you will lead complex ransomware research efforts on Windows and Linux systems, mentor other researchers, and drive the development of advanced tools and decryptors. You will also set research priorities, identify emerging threats, and work closely with other teams to ensure our detection and recovery strategies remain ahead of the threat landscape. Your work will significantly influence our product capabilities and provide exceptional protection for our customers.
 
Responsibilities:
  • Lead in-depth analysis of Windows and Linux malware samples, with a particular focus on ransomware. This includes static and dynamic analysis to understand the behavior, mechanisms, and objectives of the malware.
  • Set research direction by identifying ransomware trends, prioritizing analysis targets, and proposing enhancements to detection and recovery capabilities.
  • Create comprehensive reports detailing ransomware analysis findings, including encryption methods, identification of encryption flaws, ransom note patterns, indicators of compromise (IOCs), and recommended decryption or mitigation strategies.
  • Design, develop, and validate advanced decryptors, including those requiring novel cryptographic analysis or exploitation of implementation flaws.
  • Design and develop tools to automate malware analysis tasks, streamline workflows, and enhance overall efficiency in malware research activities.
  • Mentor and review the work of other researchers, providing technical guidance and ensuring the quality and accuracy of deliverables.
  • Provide expert support to other teams within the organization, answering malware-related queries.
  • Represent Halcyon in the security community through technical blogs, conference presentations, and research publications.
Skills and Qualifications:
  • Extensive experience in analyzing both Windows and Linux malware, with deep expertise in ransomware behaviors, encryption algorithms, and evasion techniques.
  • Advanced proficiency in reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja, x64dbg, WinDbg, and GDB.
  • Expertise in writing and optimizing YARA rules to detect and classify malware effectively.
  • Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, C, or C++, with experience building analysis tools and automation frameworks.
  • Familiarity with threat intelligence platforms (VirusTotal, MalwareBazaar, Any.Run, etc.) and ability to correlate malware findings with broader threat landscapes.
  • Proven ability to collaborate across teams and translate technical research into actionable detection and product improvements.I
  • Excellent technical writing skills to document analysis findings clearly and concisely.
Bonus Skills and Qualifications:
  • Experience in Rust programming.
  • Experience in applying machine learning techniques and feature engineering to malware classification and detection.
  • Experience in writing technical blog posts and delivering presentations at conferences on topics related to malware research.

Benefits:

Halcyon offers the following benefits to eligible employees:

  • Comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, and vision) with premiums paid in full for employees and dependents.

  • 401k plan with a generous employer contribution.

  • Short and long-term disability coverage, basic life and AD&D insurance plans.

  • Medical and dependent care FSA options.

  • Flexible PTO policy.

  • Parental leave.

  • Generous equity offering.

The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.​

Base Salary Range: $180,000 - $240,000

 

In accordance with applicable state and federal laws, the range provided is Halcyon’s reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location. Base pay is one part of the total package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and equity in the Company.

We understand it takes a diverse team of highly intelligent, passionate, curious, and creative people to develop the exceptional product we are building. Our dynamic team has incredible perspectives to share, just as we know you do, and we take great pride in being an equal opportunity employer.

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