Verisign helps enable the security, stability, and resiliency of the internet. We are a trusted provider of internet infrastructure services for the networked world and deliver unmatched performance in domain name system (DNS) services.
We are a mission focused, values driven company where each individual can contribute to building a stronger, more secure internet. We offer a dynamic and flexible work environment with competitive benefits and the ability to grow your career.
Seeking enthusiastic candidates for a truly exciting opportunity to strengthen and extend the core security substrate at the heart of the Internet. Successful candidates for this position will be in a position to make fundamental and broadly impactful enhancements to the very foundations of Internet security. The Engineer III – Research Software Engineer plays a role in identifying and developing novel and operationally relevant research concepts related to Internet infrastructure applications and protocols. The applicant is expected to be ready to understand how technology impacts Verisign's business and pursue solutions that will mitigate risk or accelerate opportunities for Verisign's business. This role is responsible for collaborating on integration strategies for technologies across the company and the industry.
Key responsibilities:
- Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders on research and development opportunities based on long-term business strategy and objectives
- Works with stakeholders on enhancing the forward direction and innovative potential of their areas
- Participates in requirements gathering, design, code and test plan reviews
- Develops real world solutions to difficult technology problems through innovative yet programmatic approaches
- Develops compelling and easy to understand use cases as well as software and systems prototypes
- Represents Verisign in related external forums to build our reputation as an industry thought leader; publicizes research results in appropriate internal and external forums
Education and experience requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related technical field with 5 or more years software development experience, or
- Master's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related technical field with 3+ years software development experience preferred or
- PhD in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related technical field highly preferred
- Experience in research engineering, ideally with a mix of professional and academic experience
- Experience with systems development research and/or prototype development
- Development background, ideally with C, C++, Java, and/or Python
- Experience presenting ideas and prototypes at public forums, such as technical conferences
- Authorship on one or more peer reviewed publication(s)
Preferred:
- Experience with network security, including cryptography, privacy, identification, and authentication
- Experience with open standard Internet protocols and/or services (such as DNS, IP, RDAP, etc.)
- Experience with large scale data analysis and evaluation of network traffic data
- Hands-on technical skills combined with experience working in research teams on fast-paced, high impact projects
- Knowledge of *nix operating systems
- SQL, NoSQL, or equivalent data storage schema creation and use
This position is based in our Reston, VA office and offers a hybrid work schedule.
The pay range is $108,900 - 147,300.
The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is noted above, however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience. Verisign offers a discretionary bonus which is based on individual and company performance, and certain roles may be eligible for discretionary stock awards.
Verisign is an equal opportunity employer. That means we recruit, hire, compensate, train, promote, transfer, and administer all terms and conditions of employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected categories under applicable law.
Additional Information:
Our Careers Page
Our Benefits Summary
Verisign in the Community
Our EEO Statement
Our Privacy Notice for Job Applicants/Candidates
Reasonable Accommodations
Staffing agency policy: No fees will be paid for unsolicited resumes submitted to Verisign or our employees by third parties.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field
- 5 or more years software development experience
- Experience in research engineering
- Development background with C, C++, Java, and/or Python
- Experience presenting ideas at public forums
- Authorship on peer reviewed publication(s)
VERISIGN Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about VERISIGN and has not been reviewed or approved by VERISIGN.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes HSA-compatible and PPO options, employer HSA contributions, telemedicine, and on‑demand mental health. Specialized programs extend support for diabetes care, family building, midlife health, and child development, alongside covered preventive care.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans with a company match and immediate vesting of matching contributions. Long‑term financial security is further supported through planning resources and savings vehicles.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid time away includes PTO, company holidays, and dedicated family/caregiver leave. Parental bonding leave is provided for birth or adoption, and resources are available for prospective and new parents.
VERISIGN Insights
What We Do
Verisign, a global provider of domain name registry services and internet infrastructure, enables internet navigation for many of the world’s most recognized domain names. Verisign helps enable the security, stability, and resiliency of the Domain Name System (DNS) and the internet by providing root zone maintainer services, operating two of the 13 global internet root servers, and providing registration services and authoritative resolution for the .com and .net top-level domains, which support the majority of global e-commerce.
