Lead Cyber Operations Engineer

The MITRE Corporation•McLean, VA

8d•$158,800 - $238,200•Onsite

About The Position

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We’re a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future. Department Summary: MITRE’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 a highly technical Lead Cyber Operations Engineer – Secure Communications & Cyber Innovation to support advanced secure communications, cyber operations, and applied research initiatives. This role combines 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 candidate will help drive the development of secure, scalable, and mission-ready communications architectures while supporting cyber analysis, infrastructure defense, and operational resiliency efforts.

Requirements

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 experience
Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related technical field
Proven experience in security engineering, systems programming, networking, or infrastructure engineering supporting secure or mission-critical environments
Strong programming proficiency in Python, Go, Rust, C++, or similar languages with demonstrated ability to develop production-quality solutions
Strong familiarity with Linux systems administration and command-line automation
Practical knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, UDP, and Internet Protocol routing
Experience applying information security principles to communication systems and supporting infrastructure
Familiarity with cyber operations concepts and objectives
Familiarity with one or more of the following areas: Secure communications systems, Network security and traffic analysis, Threat modeling and system hardening, Digital forensics, Reverse engineering, Vulnerability research
Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex technical problems and deliver results within demanding operational timelines
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
Experience collaborating directly with system owners, operators, engineers, and sponsor organizations
This 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 area
Must have an active Top Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance and must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, mathematics, physical sciences, or related technical field
Advanced expertise in threat modeling methodologies and secure systems architecture
Experience supporting applied research and development activities focused on sponsor technical gaps and mission innovation
Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph
Experience with Linux kernel internals, low-level networking concepts, or systems programming
Experience developing automation, scripting, or operational tooling supporting cybersecurity or communications analysis
Experience with containerized or cloud-native infrastructure technologies such as Docker or Kubernetes
Experience authoring technical white papers, security assessments, or engineering documentation for government or sponsor audiences
Demonstrated ability to communicate technical risks, architectural trade-offs, and operational impacts to senior leadership
Relevant industry certifications such as CISSP, GIAC, GNFA, GSEC, Security+, or related cybersecurity certifications
Experience mentoring junior engineers and leading multidisciplinary technical efforts
Familiarity with operational cyber mission environments, secure communications ecosystems, and mission-focused engineering practices

Responsibilities

Design, develop, implement, and assess secure communications systems supporting operational mission objectives and technology innovation initiatives
Lead threat modeling and security architecture analysis for mission-critical communications infrastructure and cyber-enabled systems
Apply information security principles to the design, development, auditing, and hardening of communications systems and supporting infrastructure
Identify opportunities for automation, optimization, and improved operational resiliency across cyber operations and communications workflows
Conduct analysis of network traffic, packet captures, logs, and operational data sources to support technical assessments and operational analysis
Develop prototypes, tools, and workflows supporting secure communications, cyber operations, vulnerability research, and network analysis activities
Research and evaluate emerging cyber technologies, communications protocols, forensic techniques, and operational tradecraft for mission applicability
Support applied research and development activities responsive to sponsor technical gaps and operational challenges
Collaborate with system owners, operators, engineers, and multidisciplinary technical teams to deliver resilient mission-focused solutions
Prepare and deliver technical documentation, assessments, demonstrations, testing reports, and operational briefings to sponsors and leadership
Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to engineering and cyber operations teams
Work independently to rapidly learn and apply new technologies, platforms, security methodologies, and technical techniques in evolving mission environments