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 Sr Engineer - Research Engineering plays a lead technical 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:
- Works closely with business and technology leaders to identify research and development opportunities based on long-term business strategy and objectives. Provides business and technology leaders with active support enhancing the forward direction and innovative potential of their areas.
- 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.
- Serves as a recognized technical expert. Mentors and provides guidance to more junior level engineers. Coordinates and provides leadership in interdepartmental research projects and efforts, for example, organizing and directing the Research summer internship program.
- 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:
- Bachelors and Masters degrees in Computer Science, Engineering or a related technical field are required; PhD is preferred
- 8-10+ years’ experience in research engineering, ideally with a mix of professional and academic experience
- Experience with systems development research and/or prototype development
- Experience with network security, including cryptography, privacy, identification, and authentication
- Experience presenting ideas and prototypes at public forums, such as technical conferences
- Authorship on one or more peer reviewed publication(s)
- 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
- Deep hands on technical skills combined with experience working in research teams on fast paced, high impact projects
- Knowledge of *nix operating systems
- Strong development background
- C, C++, Java, and/or Python
- 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 $164,300 - 222,300.
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, Engineering, or related field
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
- PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years experience in research engineering
- Experience with systems development research and prototype development
- Experience with network security, including cryptography, privacy, identification, and authentication
- Experience presenting ideas and prototypes at public forums (e.g., conferences)
- Authorship on one or more peer-reviewed publications
- Experience with open standard Internet protocols and/or services (e.g., DNS, IP, RDAP)
- Experience with large-scale data analysis and evaluation of network traffic data
- Deep hands-on technical skills and experience working in research teams on high-impact projects
- Knowledge of *nix (Unix/Linux) operating systems
- Strong software development background
- Proficiency in C, C++, Java, and/or Python
- Experience with SQL, NoSQL, or equivalent data storage schema design and use
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 is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, prescriptions, telemedicine, behavioral-health resources, and specialized programs for family building and midlife support. Onsite wellness amenities such as the Reston fitness center further support day-to-day wellbeing.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include Traditional and Roth 401(k) with company match, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and access to licensed financial coaching. These offerings provide structured support for long-term savings as part of total compensation.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Employer-posted salary ranges and structured pay bands reduce uncertainty and clarify how roles are compensated. Public ranges for technical roles indicate competitive positioning relative to the market.
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.
