Research Engineer

About the Opportunity About the Khoury College of Computer Sciences Khoury College is committed to building a community of belonging among students, faculty and staff. We strongly encourage applicants from individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those with varied experiences and backgrounds. We invite you to join a fast-moving, ambitious college with an underlying mission that is driven by our motto of “CS for Everyone.” About the Opportunity The Security and Privacy Heterogeneous Environment for Reproducible Experimentation (SPHERE) is a newly funded National Science Foundation (NSF) mid-scale research infrastructure being built by the University of Southern California Information Sciences Institute and Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences. This research infrastructure will offer access to an unprecedented variety of hardware, software, and other resources relevant to cybersecurity and privacy research. These resources will be connected by a user-configurable network substrate and protected by security policies uniquely aligned with cybersecurity and privacy research needs. The Research Engineer will help build this innovative cyberinfrastructure. The portion of SPHERE being developed at Northeastern University will focus on Internet of Things (IoT) device experimentation. The primary goal is to create the world’s largest remotely accessible IoT testbed, composed of dozens of samples of IoT devices across several categories and manufacturers, including smart speakers, smart televisions, and smart cameras. In addition to hosting IoT devices, the SPHERE IoT testbed will provide programming interfaces for interacting with devices through all available modalities, including physical access, companion application access, and voice access. These interfaces will be remotely accessible, allowing users worldwide to interact with devices and conduct experiments without purchasing devices or building their own infrastructure. The IoT testbed will be complemented by tools for capturing network traffic produced by the devices, securely storing data, integrating with the broader SPHERE research infrastructure, and streamlining automated and repeatable experiments at scale. This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant team and conduct groundbreaking research supporting scalable, large-scale virtual access to diverse IoT hardware. This is a research position and is on-site at the Boston campus. Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education, and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern University provides a comprehensive benefits package for benefits-eligible employees, including medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness and life benefits, retirement benefits, and commuting and transportation benefits. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities Software Development Activities (70%): Design, implement, test, document, and maintain SPHERE software Support Activities (20%): Prepare project documentation and periodic reports, coordinate with project partners, and prepare and present testing demonstrations Learning (10%): Acquire and broaden knowledge of the technologies and development tools used by SPHERE Minimum Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a closely related area; this requirement may be waived based on relevant software development work experience Fluency in at least one programming language Experience with Linux and software development tools, such as Git Resourcefulness, initiative, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team Preferred Experience or interest in system or network administration, the Internet of Things, and/or cybersecurity Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Position Type Research Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 109S Expected Hiring Range: $67,855.00 - $95,845.00 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change. Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact.    Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—which includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.