Cyber Operations Engineer – Secure Communications & Cyber InnovationMITRE's Offensive Operations & Effects department, part of the Cyber Operations & Effects Innovation Center, develops advanced cyber capabilities and mission-focused technology solutions supporting national security objectives. Our teams conduct applied research, operational analysis, prototype development, and technical experimentation across offensive cyber operations, digital forensics, reverse engineering, vulnerability research, network analysis, and cyber-enabled mission support. We leverage emerging technologies and advanced analytics to deliver innovative capabilities designed for real-world operational environments.MITRE is seeking highly technical Cyber Operations Engineers – Secure Communications & Cyber Innovation to support advanced secure communications, cyber operations, and applied research initiatives.
These roles combine expertise in cybersecurity operations, secure systems engineering, networking, digital forensics, and mission-focused engineering to develop and assess resilient communication capabilities supporting operational cyber missions. The successful candidates will help drive the development of secure, scalable, and mission-ready communications architectures while supporting cyber analysis, infrastructure defense, and operational resiliency efforts.In this role, they will:Design, develop, implement, and assess secure communications systems supporting operational mission objectives and technology innovation initiativesLead threat modeling and security architecture analysis for mission-critical communications infrastructure and cyber-enabled systemsApply information security principles to the design, development, auditing, and hardening of communications systems and supporting infrastructureIdentify opportunities for automation, optimization, and improved operational resiliency across cyber operations and communications workflowsConduct analysis of network traffic, packet captures, logs, and operational data sources to support technical assessments and operational analysisDevelop prototypes, tools, and workflows supporting secure communications, cyber operations, vulnerability research, and network analysis activitiesResearch and evaluate emerging cyber technologies, communications protocols, forensic techniques, and operational tradecraft for mission applicabilitySupport applied research and development activities responsive to sponsor technical gaps and operational challengesCollaborate with system owners, operators, engineers, and multidisciplinary technical teams to deliver resilient mission-focused solutionsPrepare and deliver technical documentation, assessments, demonstrations, testing reports, and operational briefings to sponsors and leadershipProvide technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to engineering and cyber operations teamsWork independently to rapidly learn and apply new technologies, platforms, security methodologies, and technical techniques in evolving mission environmentsBasic Qualifications:Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 5 years and a Master's degree; or 3 years with a PhD and relevant experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experienceDegree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related technical fieldActive TS clearancePer the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.Proven experience in security engineering, systems programming, networking, or infrastructure engineering supporting secure or mission-critical environmentsStrong programming proficiency in Python, Go, Rust, C++, or similar languages with demonstrated ability to develop production-quality solutionsStrong familiarity with Linux systems administration and command-line automationPractical knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, UDP, and Internet Protocol routingExperience applying information security principles to communication systems and supporting infrastructureFamiliarity with cyber operations concepts and objectivesFamiliarity with one or more of the following areas:Secure communications systemsNetwork security and traffic analysisThreat modeling and system hardeningDigital forensicsReverse engineeringVulnerability researchDemonstrated ability to independently solve complex technical problems and deliver results within demanding operational timelinesStrong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiencesExperience collaborating directly with system owners, operators, engineers, and sponsor organizationsThis position requires full-time on-site work in a Secure Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) at MITRE's McLean campus and regular engagement with sponsor sites throughout the DC areaThis position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-sitePreferred Qualifications:Graduate degree in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, mathematics, physical sciences, or related technical fieldAdvanced expertise in threat modeling methodologies and secure systems architectureTS/SCI with polygraphExperience supporting applied research and development activities focused on sponsor technical gaps and mission innovationExperience with Linux kernel internals, low-level networking concepts, or systems programmingExperience developing automation, scripting, or operational tooling supporting cybersecurity or communications analysisExperience with containerized or cloud-native infrastructure technologies such as Docker or KubernetesExperience authoring technical white papers, security assessments, or engineering documentation for government or sponsor audiencesDemonstrated ability to communicate technical risks, architectural trade-offs, and operational impacts to senior leadershipRelevant industry certifications such as CISSP, GIAC, GNFA, GSEC, Security+, or related cybersecurity certificationsExperience mentoring junior engineers and leading multidisciplinary technical effortsFamiliarity with operational cyber mission environments, secure communications ecosystems, and mission-focused engineering practicesThis requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):Top SecretThis requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):Top Secret/SCI/PolygraphSalary compensation range and midpoint:$158,800 - $198,500 - $238,200 AnnualWork Location Type:OnsiteCommitment to Non-DiscriminationAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals.
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