Lead Cyber Operations Engineer

The MITRE Corporation•McLean, VA

1d•$158,800 - $238,200•Hybrid

About The Position

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 investigations, reverse engineering, vulnerability research, malware analysis, and cyber-enabled mission support. We leverage emerging technologies, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence to deliver innovative capabilities designed for real-world operational environments. MITRE is seeking a highly technical Lead Cyber Operations Engineer – focusing on Cyber Operations & AI Innovation to support advanced cyber operations, digital investigations, and applied research initiatives. This role combines expertise in cybersecurity operations, digital forensics, AI/ML technologies, reverse engineering, and mission-focused engineering to develop and integrate innovative capabilities supporting operational cyber missions. The successful candidate will help drive the adoption of AI-enabled solutions for cyber investigations, data analysis, operational automation, vulnerability research, and mission decision support across collaborative R&D and operational environments.

Requirements

Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience
Degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or related technical field
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
Experience designing, developing, or deploying AI/ML systems in operational or research environments
Experience programming in languages such as Python, Java, C++, or C
Experience with AI/ML frameworks and tooling such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, LangChain, MLflow, Hugging Face, Sage, Cursor, Claude Code, or equivalent
Familiarity with deploying AI solutions within secure, enterprise, cloud, hybrid, or disconnected operational environments
Strong familiarity with Linux systems and development environments
Familiarity with cybersecurity operations concepts and objectives
Familiarity with one or more cyber technical disciplines such as: Digital forensics, Mobile or cloud forensics, Reverse engineering, Vulnerability research, IoT analysis, Network packet capture and analysis
Familiarity with database systems such as PostgreSQL and/or SQLite
Experience applying professional engineering principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to complex technical problems
Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Experience applying AI/ML to cyber operations, reverse engineering, digital investigations, or mission analytics
Experience developing or integrating large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), autonomous agents, or generative AI solutions
Familiarity with AI security, adversarial machine learning, model validation, and responsible AI governance practices
Experience with cloud-native AI/ML infrastructure and containerized deployments (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift, etc.)
Operational experience with network forensics and PCAP analysis
Experience conducting applied research, rapid prototyping, or proof-of-concept development in mission environments
Experience supporting outward-facing sponsors and collaborative technical engagements
Familiarity with DevSecOps, MLOps, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure automation
Experience briefing technical strategies, assessments, and demonstrations to leadership or sponsor organizations
Prior experience working within government, defense, intelligence, or national security environments
Having previously held a Top Secret/SCI clearance or equivalent suitability determination
Demonstrated technical leadership of multidisciplinary engineering or research teams

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement advanced cyber and AI-enabled capabilities supporting operational mission objectives and technology innovation initiatives
Lead development and integration of AI/ML tools and supporting infrastructure for cyber operations, digital investigations, reverse engineering, and mission analytics
Identify opportunities for automation, optimization, and data-driven decision-making across cyber operations and digital investigation workflows
Conduct and support digital, mobile, cloud, and network forensic analysis activities in support of mission requirements
Develop prototypes, tools, analytics, and workflows supporting cyber operations, vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and investigative activities
Research and evaluate emerging AI cyber technologies applicable to forensic techniques and/or operational tradecraft
Establish and implement best practices for AI governance, operational security, responsible AI usage, and secure deployment within mission environments
Support sponsor engagements and collaborate with technical representatives, investigators, operators, and multidisciplinary engineering teams
Prepare and deliver technical documentation, assessments, demonstrations, testing reports, and operational briefings to internal and external stakeholders
Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to cyber operations and engineering teams
Work independently to rapidly learn new technologies, platforms, operational methodologies, and investigative techniques in evolving cyber mission environments