Applied Cybersecurity Engineer, Lead

MITRE’s Mission Assured Engineering Department is seeking an Applied Cybersecurity Engineer, Lead to support DoD sponsors as a systems security and cybersecurity subject matter expert. In this onsite role in Colorado Springs, CO, you will advise, assess, and test secure system design and defensive cyber readiness through hands-on engagements and actionable analysis.

This position combines systems security engineering guidance with cyber assessment and purple teaming support, with direct in-person contributions to sponsor programs. You will also help develop and mature advanced capabilities for understanding, analyzing, and improving system resilience and security.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise sponsors on developing and acquiring secure, resilient cyber-physical systems, with emphasis on protecting mission systems, strengthening defenses, and addressing security weaknesses
• Use Systems Security Engineering and Cybersecurity expertise to execute cyber assessments and purple team engagements across fielded and acquisition systems
• Recommend how systems are specified, designed, developed, implemented, integrated, tested, and sustained to meet security, resiliency, and safety requirements
• Collaborate with sponsors and DoD customers to define priorities, support planning and execution of cyber assessments, and deliver clear, actionable findings
• Support development of systems security and cybersecurity strategy, system testing and evaluation, and verification and validation efforts
• Work effectively with MITRE, government, and contractors while communicating through writing, presentations, and collaborative discussions across peers, managers, and sponsors
• Promote collaboration and integration across the System Security Engineering department and throughout MITRE
• Research and develop new technical capabilities and processes for assessing system and technology resilience and security
• Contribute to projects or small teams to solve complex cybersecurity problems for sponsors
• Contribute to innovation of AI use cases applied to cyber operational challenges
• Maintain cutting-edge support by keeping pace with the rapidly evolving lifecycle of emerging technologies

Required Qualifications

• Typically requires 8 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 6 years with a master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Technical depth in Systems Security Engineering, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, or Systems Engineering
• Experience developing or evaluating Systems Security Engineering solutions and capabilities
• Ability to think critically and be proactive in research and problem-solving with minimal supervision
• Understanding of MITRE sponsor missions, domains, and cybersecurity challenges
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and a strong desire to learn
• Knowledge of D3FEND, ATT&CK, Caldera, ATT&CK Evaluations, and MITRE’s public interest work
• Experience scoping and conducting adversary emulation, simulation, or purple teaming
• Experience with hands-on red teaming, penetration testing, and other offensive security operations
• Experience designing and leading threat-driven cyber exercises, including tabletop and readiness exercises, plus threat assessments prioritized for adversary and mission relevance to stakeholders
• Must have an active Secret U.S. Government issued Security Clearance and be eligible to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI; U.S. citizenship is required per U.S. Government eligibility requirements
• Requires a minimum of 3 days on-site

Technologies

• D3FEND
• ATT&CK
• Caldera
• ATT&CK Evaluations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in planning and leading cyber exercises
• Demonstrated track record building strong internal and external partnerships
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance

Location and Clearance Requirements

• Location: Colorado Springs, CO (onsite)
• Minimum clearance required: Secret
• Must obtain within one year of hire: Top Secret/SCI

Salary

• USD 158,800 - 238,200 per year
• Midpoint range listed as $158,800 - $198,500 - $238,200 Annual