At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team of expert hackers to simulate real-world cyber threats and enhance security.
- Company: Be part of IBM Security's X-Force Red, a leader in offensive security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping organisations strengthen their security against advanced threats.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in red teaming and strong technical skills in security and programming.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international travel and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The Red Team Operator will be part of the X‑Force Red Offensive Security team. You will plan and execute remote operations dynamically emulating advanced threat actors to improve the detection and response capabilities of clients through long‑term engagements. It is critical that the consultant be able to rapidly learn new technologies and processes with minimal assistance. There is a potential for up to 25% travel, including international travel.
Core Responsibilities:
- Manage full adversary simulation engagements from conception to report delivery
- Communicate effectively with team members and clients during the engagement
- Keep current with the latest offensive security techniques and perform adversary simulation of real‑world adversary Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) by leveraging frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK™ and other sources of information
- Develop payloads, scripts and tools that weaponize new concepts for exploitation, evasion, and lateral movement
- Engage in an active evasion of defenders to avoid detection and progress engagements
- Coordinate with other Red Team operators to achieve the specified goals
- Deliver reporting and debriefs to defenders in a manner that improves detection and response capabilities
- Perform/present technical security research
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree
Required Technical And Professional Expertise:
- 3+ years of red teaming experience in a dedicated red team role
- 5+ years of system administration, network administration, or programming experience
- Ability to develop/modify exploits and payloads to avoid defensive countermeasures
- Understanding of real‑world adversary operations methodologies, tactics, techniques, and procedures, particularly the ability to apply frameworks (e.g., MITRE ATT&CK™) in client engagements
- Demonstrated history of published exploitation research, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Good interpersonal, organizational, communications, and time‑management skills
- Experience coordinating security testing projects with multiple consultants
- Effective English writing skills
Preferred Technical And Professional Experience:
- History of presenting at security conferences
- Track record in vulnerability research and CVE assignments
- Knowledge of Windows APIs
- Knowledge of EDR detection capabilities such as Carbon Black/Crowdstrike, etc. and associated evasion techniques for behavioural based alerting
- Demonstrated exploit, payload, or attack framework development experience
- Expert level skills in one of the following: Active Directory, Software Development, or Cloud Infrastructure
- Relevant certifications from organizations like Offensive Security (OSCP/OSCE), SANS (GPEN, GXPN, GWAPT), or CREST CSAT/CSAM or demonstrable equivalent skills
- Prior security consulting experience
Red Team Operator - X-Force Red employer: IBM
Contact Detail:
IBM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Red Team Operator - X-Force Red
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, meetups, or conferences where security experts gather. This is your chance to connect with potential employers and show off your passion for offensive security.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio of your red teaming projects, including any scripts or tools you've developed. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Engage in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions or online labs to sharpen your skills. This not only keeps you current but also demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and how you can contribute to X-Force Red.
We think you need these skills to ace Red Team Operator - X-Force Red
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for offensive security shine through! We want to see that you're genuinely excited about breaking into well-defended networks and helping organisations strengthen their security.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in red teaming and system administration. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've applied your skills in real-world scenarios, so don’t hold back on the details!
Communicate Clearly: Effective communication is key in our team. Ensure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use clear language to describe your past roles and achievements, as this will help us understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at IBM
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest offensive security techniques and frameworks like MITRE ATT&CKâ„¢. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, as well as any recent developments in the field that excite you.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your red teaming experience in detail. Highlight specific projects where you managed adversary simulation engagements, and be ready to explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a way that's easy to understand. You might be asked to present findings or debrief clients, so clarity is crucial.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some tough technical questions during the interview. Brush up on your knowledge of exploit development, evasion techniques, and the tools you’ve used. Being able to demonstrate your problem-solving skills will set you apart.