Associate Security Researcher (Purple Team) - Systems Administration to Security Transition

At Cobalt, we are evolving the way we approach security research. We are looking for an Associate Security Researcher who doesn’t just want to 'break things,' but who wants to understand the why and how behind the defense.

This is a unique 'Purple Team' role. We are looking for a candidate with a strong foundational background in Systems Administration who wants to transition into security research. You will be the bridge between red and blue—using your knowledge of how systems are built to help us identify how they are compromised and, more importantly, how to protect them.

What You’ll Do

As an Associate on this team, you will be the backbone of our research operations. You will handle the foundational 'grunt work' that powers our high-level research while being mentored to become a full-scale Security Researcher.

• Foundation & Infrastructure: Leverage your sysadmin background to set up research environments, manage lab infrastructure, and ensure our tooling is stable.
• Purple Team Collaboration: Assist in simulating threats (Red) while documenting detection gaps and defensive improvements (Blue).
• Research Support: Perform data collection, log analysis, and initial vulnerability triaging to support Senior Researchers.
• Documentation: Maintain high-quality documentation of research findings, scripts, and internal wikis.
• Continuous Learning: Engage in a structured growth path to evolve from foundational sysadmin/support tasks into deep offensive security research.
• Perform technical authorship and quality control for the TPM organization by reviewing penetration testing findings and final reports to ensure accuracy and actionable remediation guidance.

Who You Are

We aren’t looking for a 'hardcore pentester' who only cares about the exploit. We want a curious, methodical problem-solver who understands how a network breathes.

Required Qualifications:

• The Sysadmin Spirit: You have a background in systems administration or IT operations. You understand servers, networking, permissions, and logs because you’ve managed them.
• Security Mindset: You have a strong grasp of security fundamentals and likely hold certifications such as Security+, CySA+, GSEC, or are working toward an OSCP.
• Pentesting Awareness: You understand the methodology of a penetration test (recon, scanning, exploitation), even if you haven’t been a full-time pentester yet.
• US-Based: For logistical and compliance reasons, this role is strictly limited to candidates residing in the United States.
• Time Zone Alignment: Preference will be given to candidates in EST or CST to align with our team’s morning-heavy meeting schedule.

Bonus Points if:

• You have experience with automation (Python, Bash, or PowerShell).
• You have an interest in cloud security (AWS/GCP/Azure).
• You enjoy 'tinkering' in a home lab environment.

Why You Should Join Us

• Grow in a passionate, rapidly expanding industry operating at the forefront of the Pentesting industry
• Work directly with experienced senior leaders with ongoing mentorship opportunities
• Earn competitive compensation and an attractive equity plan
• Save for the future with a 401(k) program (US) or pension (EU)
• Benefit from medical, dental, vision, and life insurance (US) or statutory healthcare (EU)
• Leverage stipends for:
• Wellness
• Work-from-home equipment & wifi
• Learning & development
• Make the most of our flexible, generous paid time off, and paid parental leave