Red Team Operator

About Ciena

Ciena stands as a global leader in high-speed connectivity, fostering a people-centric culture that emphasizes flexibility, personal growth, and a strong sense of belonging. As a technology firm, it balances business objectives with impactful social and community initiatives.

Role Overview

This position focuses on fortifying cybersecurity resilience by emulating adversarial tactics to enhance defensive measures across products and systems. It involves proactive threat identification, security control validation, and ongoing advancements in defensive strategies through offensive security tactics. Collaboration, innovative thinking, and knowledge sharing are central to strengthening the organization's security posture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and carry out red team operations, including penetration tests, purple team exercises, and web app evaluations.
• Effectively communicate attack methodologies, insights, recommendations, and reproduction steps to both technical teams and executives.
• Create and refine scripts, tools, and offensive methods supporting red team activities.
• Work closely with IT, Research & Development, Application Security, Product Security, Monitoring & Analysis, and Security Engineering teams.
• Stay updated on adversarial methods, tactics, techniques, and newly identified vulnerabilities.
• Provide training to colleagues and contribute to the development of knowledge bases and security documentation.
• Ensure confidential information is securely managed during all engagements.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience in red team operations or penetration testing roles.
• Proficiency in analyzing and modifying Python-based security tools.
• Understanding and application of core defensive security principles such as Defense-in-depth, Least Privilege, and Zero Trust models.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for detailed technical reporting.
• Competence in accurately interpreting and conveying technical data.
• Experience with both Windows and Linux environments alongside fundamental networking concepts.
• Familiarity with cloud offensive security operations in platforms like Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
• Over four years of experience in cybersecurity or related disciplines.
• Cross-functional knowledge encompassing SOC operations, Incident Response, Forensics, Security Engineering, or Threat Intelligence.
• Leadership skills for managing security projects or engagement teams.
• Programming ability in C#, Go, or Rust languages.
• Scripting skills using PowerShell, Shell Script, or Perl.
• Experience using the MITRE ATT&CK Framework.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

Ciena is dedicated to cultivating a workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and heard. The company embraces workforce diversity and strictly prohibits discrimination. It is an equal opportunity employer, including support for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All applicants needing accommodations during the hiring process are encouraged to communicate their requirements.