Patch Research Engineer

Windows Patch Management Catalog Researcher to build and maintain a comprehensive patch catalog for third-party Windows software. Key duties include researching, authoring, and validating patch metadata across a broad catalog; identifying new software releases and security updates from vendor sources; mapping releases to metadata schemas (version strings, download URLs, detection logic, installation parameters); tracking End-of-Life dates; documenting silent install parameters (MSI, NSIS, InnoSetup, WiX) and correct msiexec switches; determining reboot behavior and exit codes; manually testing patches in sandbox environments; researching registry keys used to detect installed software versions (Uninstall hive, DisplayVersion, etc.) and understanding 32-bit vs 64-bit views; understanding patch discovery and deployment concepts within enterprise tools (WSUS, SCCM/ConfigMgr, Ivanti, Adaptiva, Qualys); scripting in Python or PowerShell. The role involves joining Qualys patch management efforts, contributing to a detailed patch catalog, and ensuring accurate detection and deployment workflows.