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Melisa K. Savich
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Cybersecurity Engineer
Permanent contract
Hybrid remote
Technologies
About
Melisa K. Savich
Security Research Engineer | Threat Detection & Vulnerability Management
Cybersecurity EngineerDetroit, United States
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Description

Cybersecurity R&D Engineer with over 7 years of experience in threat intelligence, fuzzing techniques, and security engineering. Expertise in Python and building secure infrastructures for high-consequence networks. Adept at enhancing threat detection, automating defense systems, and solving complex cybersecurity challenges. Eager to apply skills in security engineering, threat detection, and automated defenses to help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and address emerging threats.

Professional experiences
7 years of experience as Cybersecurity Engineer (or similar)
Cybersecurity, R&D S&E
Sandia National Laboratories - LivermoreJun 2020 - Oct 2023 · 3 years 4 months

• Developed a novel in-house fuzzer using ensemble fuzzing, harmonizing 5-10 unique fuzzers, leading to improved threat detection and response capabilities.
• Created testing harnesses for 4 binary-only targets of interest using AFL++ variants, reaching 70-90% in coverage, satisfying our sponsor’s requirements for robust security assurance.
• Improved threat detection capabilities by leveraging underutilized malware analysis reports to recommend 3 robust malware targets for fuzzing, enhancing threat intelligence and promoting InnerSource collaboration.
• Strengthened threat analysis capabilities using an in-house scalable similarity engine to create additional similarity measures from the CVE dataset, improving the effective identification of crucial areas of the binary, contributing to improved security and threat mitigation strategies.
• Researched and implemented organizational frameworks to meet CISA IOD’s needs, laying the foundation for the Sensemaking framework used in the CISA’s Operational Activities Explorer, enhancing real-time operational analysis and coordination across critical infrastructure sectors.
• Led the independent management of weekly backlog refinement, ensuring project alignment and efficient progress, traditionally handled by product managers.
• Identified 50 top intern candidates and recruited 5 interns for the CCD program, strengthening the talent pipeline for cybersecurity R&D.
• Proposed and enforced team development standards, such as requiring two reviewers per pull request, resulting in a 30% reduction in debug time and fostering a collaborative, high-performance environment for developing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.

Critical Skills Recruiting Program Fellow
Sandia National Laboratories - AlbuquerqueJun 2018 - May 2020 · 1 year 11 months

• Developed a comprehensive framework for ICS/SCADA modeling with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), improving data acquisition processes and bolstering infrastructure security across critical systems.
• Conducted research on cyber modeling and simulation for high-consequence networks and embedded systems, delivering actionable insights that enhanced security protocols and risk mitigation strategies.

Center for Cyber Defenders Intern
Sandia National Laboratories - AlbuquerqueMay 2017 - May 2018 · 1 year

• Deployed honeypots in an experimental cyber range, providing key insights into sophisticated threat behavior and improving defensive strategies against emerging cyber threats.
• Streamlined ELK dashboard deployment and monitoring for an ICS/SCADA platform, improving analysis efficiency and enhancing the visibility of cyber/physical impacts on critical infrastructure systems.
• Optimized modeling environment orchestration by targeting 5 key protocols using protonuke, enhancing simulation accuracy and improving system defense strategies.
• Developed a drone simulation program with cyber disruption features, identifying critical vulnerabilities and strengthening defense strategies for unmanned systems.

Instructional Aide for Introduction to Computer Security
University of Michigan College of Engineering - Ann ArborSep 2017 - Apr 2018 · 7 months

• Enhanced Cybersecurity course content and projects, ensuring alignment with educational objectives, which contributed to increased student engagement and positive course feedback.
• Managed the administration of exams for 300+ students, improving the efficiency of grading and testing processes, ensuring a smooth experience and timely feedback for all students.
• Provided daily support to students by addressing 10+ curriculum-related questions on Piazza daily, fostering a dynamic learning environment that improved student understanding and overall course performance.

Instructional Aide for Programming and Introductory Data Structures
University of Michigan College of Engineering - Ann ArborSep 2016 - May 2017 · 8 months

• Managed exam logistics for 1000+ students, ensuring smooth processes and upholding academic integrity.
• Expanded Stanford's MOSS with custom scripts, identifying 5-7% of projects as potential academic misconduct violations.
• Led weekly sessions for 25 students, improving understanding of introductory programming concepts.

Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts - Ann ArborJan 2016 - Dec 2016 · 11 months

• Conducted literature reviews, recommending relevant academic papers to support research.
• Authored summaries and analyses to enhance understanding of research findings.

Computer Operator
University of Michigan Medical School - Ann ArborSep 2015 - Sep 2016 · 1 year

• Served as the first point of contact for technical issues within the Medical School, offering support across various platforms and devices.
• Efficiently handled calls and service requests through a ticketing system.
• Addressed and resolved issues in Windows, OSX, mobile devices, and Microsoft Office products.

Grader for Programming and Introductory Data Structures
University of Michigan College of Engineering - Ann ArborMay 2016 - Aug 2016 · 3 months

• Graded weekly lab assignments for accuracy and course adherence.
• Provided feedback on coding style, encouraging best practices.

Schools
7 years of higher education
New York University
Master of Science - Computer Science2020
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science2018
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science - Women's Studies2018
Technologies
Skills
Interested by...Zero Trust, Cloud Security
Languages
  • English
  • French
Tests
Python - October 7, 2024Top 4% with a score of 2696 points