Andres Mercado
Los Banos,CA
Summary
Results-driven cybersecurity researcher specializing in the development of malware simulation tools, adversary emulation, and offensive security techniques to strengthen organizational threat detection and incident response capabilities. Skilled in designing realistic attack simulations, performing post-attack analysis, and supporting proactive security readiness initiatives. Seeking all opportunities (open to remote) in threat intelligence, Red Team, R&D, incident response, or cybersecurity operations within a collaborative security team.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Independent Cybersecurity Researcher & Developer
Almaden Hills Center Service LLC
Los Banos, CA
01.2025 - Current
- Designed AV-undetectable malware simulation tools for advanced red team exercises and defender readiness training
- Developed attack chain simulations and realistic cyber-attack scenarios to improve detection and incident response practices
- Conducted post-execution malware analysis and technical reporting to enhance security tool tuning, and threat visibility.
- Created resources and tooling for internal red team exercises and security awareness programs
Drone Operator
Almaden Hills Center Service LLC
Los Banos, CA
02.2024 - Current
- FAA-certified commercial drone pilot providing aerial imaging services for inspections, surveys, and marketing media
- Delivered high-quality aerial content while adhering to strict safety and compliance standards
Logistics Specialist
Honest Street LLC
San Jose, CA
05.2022 - 05.2023
- Implemented logistics chain integrity protocols, ensuring the accurate tracking and verification of incoming and outgoing shipments to prevent fraud and unauthorized access.
- Conducted cybersecurity-aligned quality control checks by inspecting shipments for discrepancies, tracking defects, and verifying records to safeguard against malicious tampering.
- Analyzed supply chain data to identify potential risks in inventory management, optimizing workflows, and reducing vulnerabilities in product handling processes.
- Supported the implementation of secure record-keeping practices by scanning invoices and updating control systems, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of digital inventory data.
- Utilized proprietary software to track and document shipments, applying best practices for maintaining data accuracy, and mitigating the risk of data breaches or fraud.
- Enhanced systematic analysis of shipping workflows, identifying weaknesses in security measures, and suggesting improvements for fraud prevention and efficiency.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure all processes met safety and compliance standards, further safeguarding against potential cybersecurity threats within the supply chain.
Security Specialist
Security Industry Specialists
Cupertino, CA
12.2015 - 12.2018
- Secured sensitive R&D environments through access control management and incident response support.
- Collaborated with security operations teams to monitor and address security incidents in real time.
- Maintained operational security standards and compliance in high-security areas.
Education
High School Diploma -
Oak Grove High School
San Jose, CA01.2015
Skills
- Malware simulation development for red team training and defense testing
- Adversary emulation and attack scenario design based on MITRE ATT&CK
- Incident response support and post-event malware analysis
- Threat intelligence analysis and attack chain identification
- Recognition of abuse of legitimate system tools by attackers
- Programming in Python, C, C, and PowerShell for security tooling
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and technical reporting
- Programming Languages: C, C, Python, PowerShell
- Security Tools: Hybrid Analysis, YARA, Recorded Future Triage
- Frameworks & Standards: MITRE ATT&CK, ZERO TRUST
- Productivity Tools: Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint
- Cybersecurity Operations: Incident response, IOC identification, threat actor profiling
Certification
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
- Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Certificate
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License
Projects
Advanced Custom Malware for Cyber Offensive Security Research (April 2025), Developed a suite of malware simulation tools designed to support red team operations and defender training exercises, Focused on techniques including persistence, privilege escalation, and evasion within controlled environments, Mapped tools and techniques to MITRE ATT&CK for structured adversary emulation and scenario development
Timeline
Independent Cybersecurity Researcher & Developer
Almaden Hills Center Service LLC
01.2025 - Current
Drone Operator
Almaden Hills Center Service LLC
02.2024 - Current
Logistics Specialist
Honest Street LLC
05.2022 - 05.2023
Security Specialist
Security Industry Specialists
12.2015 - 12.2018
High School Diploma -
Oak Grove High School
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