Director of Research – Cybersecurity

Description

You will be the main link between the company's global R&D group and outside partners, including industry firms, government agencies, universities, consortia and standards bodies in the US and the wider Americas.

You report to the head of the Americas R&D Security Innovation Lab.

As a member of the lab, you will help shape the thinking behind the company's business, product and social programs. Your grasp of emerging cyber trends and regional security issues will inform strategic choices across the organization.

Your work has two main parts: representing the company in selected cybersecurity initiatives, research programs, industry partnerships and projects, and keeping headquarters, regional R&D and security teams, including senior executives, informed with strategic insight, status updates and analysis.

The role is senior and strategic. You will work independently on daily tasks and long-range planning, shape strategy and policy, advise on new issues and possibly lead a team.

Being a visible thought leader is central to the job. You will present at industry events, conferences and internal forums.

Regular work with colleagues in Japan is a core part of the role, so you need strong cross-cultural communication and a genuine interest in Japanese business customs and social norms.

The company is the regional headquarters for its group in the Americas, covering the US, Canada and Latin America, and is based in Santa Clara, California. It works across transportation, energy, mobility, industrial manufacturing, healthcare, digital engineering and data analytics. The wider group has about 290,000 employees, 606 consolidated subsidiaries and FY2025 revenue of 10,586.7 billion yen.

Responsibilities

• Spot promising new areas of cybersecurity innovation and research.
• Advise R&D and business units on key research topics and serve as a go-to expert for internal and external audiences.
• Join project teams, consortia and working groups that research sponsors, R&D or senior management assign.
• Raise the company's standing as a leader in cybersecurity and industrial technology.
• Promote the company's research through talks, papers, social media posts, interviews and panels, including sitting on or moderating expert panels.
• Handle a broad range of matters with regulators and government bodies, track technical and political trends, join consortia and standards bodies, and cover other issues that could affect the company.
• Send a monthly report on research activity and topics of interest.
• Deliver a compilation of research materials and findings to the research sponsor twice a year.
• Attend conferences, workgroups and other agreed activities.
• Take part in activities across the Security Innovation Lab, the Americas R&D group, the company's R&D function and the parent company, offering expertise where needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field.
• Work experience can replace specific academic credentials.
• Preferred: master's or PhD.
• 12+ years of professional experience in cybersecurity or a related field.
• At least 5 years in a management, policy or senior technical role.
• An established network of contacts in cybersecurity and industry.
• Strong technical grounding in cybersecurity, plus an understanding of related political and social issues.

Conditions

Full-time, regular position in Santa Clara, California.

Not a remote role.

Job ID R0147108, posted 2026-10-05.

Good-faith expected salary of $167,300 to $200,000 per year, set by location, depth of experience, and education and training.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants regardless of factors unrelated to job performance, including protected characteristics.

Benefits

• Eligible for the company's variable pay program, subject to its conditions and restrictions.
• Medical, dental and vision cover, a 401(k), vacation, paid sick days and other company-sponsored benefits.