James Pavur

James Pavur

Hacker, Engineer, Civic Technologist

Hello!

I’m an engineer, security researcher, and policy wonk. My primary research interests relate to space systems security. I’ve also written a bunch of code, hacked (and defended) some neat systems, and worked to improve technology policy. I believe safe and trustworthy computers can help build a magical future.

Interests
  • Space Systems Security
  • Technology Policy
  • Software Engineering
  • Embedded Security
Education
  • DPhil, Computer Science, 2022

    University of Oxford, Rhodes Scholarship

  • Bachelor of Science, Foreign Service, 2016

    Georgetown University

Experience

 
 
 
 
 
US Department of State
Presidential Innovation Fellow (GS-15)
June 2024 – Present Washington, DC
The Presidential Innovation Fellows Program embeds the nation’s top engineers, designers, and strategists within federal agencies as yearlong entrepreneurs in residence. We advise, prototype, and scale solutions using industry best practices across data science, design, engineering, product, and systems thinking.
 
 
 
 
 
Istari Digital
Principal Engineer
May 2023 – June 2024 Virginia
I served as Lead Engineer for the Security & Infrastructure team in a rapidly growing digital engineering startup. Did a lot of different things as the company rapidly grew, from owning technical aspects of product security to supervising software engineers and developing next-generation systems for building physical things in a digital way.
 
 
 
 
 
Defense Digital Service, Office of the Secretary of Defense
Digital Service Expert (GS-15)
January 2022 – April 2023 Washington, DC
I advised senior DOD leadership on diverse technology matters as part of “a SWAT team of nerds” within the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
 
 
 
 
 
The Corp (_Students of Georgetown Inc._)
Director of Information Security
April 2014 – January 2017 Washington, DC
I oversaw security for an entirely student-run 501(c) non-profit with more than 300 employees and $5 million annual revenues. Prior to taking on the security role, I supervised 17 direct engineering reports as GM of IT (2015-2016) and developed web and mobile applications.
 
 
 
 
 
Other Stuff!
January 2013 – January 2017
I’ve done bunch of other fun things in part time jobs and internships. Working a library IT help desk, investigating cyber crimes with the US Postal Service, hacking HVAC controllers, etc.

Selected Press

The Financial Times | John Thornhill
A Global Satellite Blackout is a Real Threat — Can Hackers Help?
Bloomberg: The Big Take (Podcast) | Wes Kosova
How A Satellite Hack Became a Cybersecurity Wakeup Call
The New York Times | Kashmir Hll
Want Your Personal Data? Hand Over More Please.

Consulting & Speaking

I am occasionally available for ad-hoc consulting, teaching, and speaking engagements. If you have a project you think I may be helpful with, feel free to reach out.

    Contact

    Let me know if you have any questions or want to chat about something!

    • james@<the_domain_you're_on_right_now>