AI Security / Biosecurity Engineer, RAND CAST

Position Overview

The RAND Center on AI, Security, and Technology (RAND CAST) is seeking technically excellent and mission-driven AI Security / Biosecurity Engineers to work on some of our most critical AI security and biosecurity workstreams. RAND CAST tackles pressing national security challenges related to emerging technologies – including AI, compute, biosecurity, and the intersection of AI and biotechnology. This position is a fixed-term, two-year appointment with options for extension, offering a dynamic, fast-paced, and autonomous environment to develop and secure complex systems with end-to-end ownership of sensitive data infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, secure, and monitor robust systems with a security-first mindset under high-stakes conditions.
• Take full ownership of critical, sensitive data infrastructure and related projects.
• Collaborate with program leads to discuss and define initial technical projects across AI security and biosecurity teams.

Required Qualifications

• Professional experience in software engineering with a focus on backend and/or data engineering.
• Proven ability to build and secure technically complex systems.
• Experience operating, monitoring, and deploying systems on modern cloud infrastructure.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Fluency with MS Office suite.
• Relevant educational background (PhD, Master’s, or Bachelor’s in related fields such as Biological Sciences, Computational Biology, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, etc.) with experience requirements corresponding to the level of degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) into workflows.
• Background in biosecurity, dual-use technology, or AI security and misuse.
• Experience scoping and executing cross-functional projects with internal stakeholders.
• Familiarity with distributed data processing platforms.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Salary range of $118,500 – $261,400, which includes base pay plus sabbatic pay when vacation is taken. Specific ranges based on role level (e.g., Technical Resident, Associate II; Technical Resident, Specialist; Visiting Technical Expert).
• Benefits: Health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off, and more.
• Hybrid work arrangement with options for on-site, remote, or fully remote work.