Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity Lead
About The Position
MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, designated by the Department of War (DoW). MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected. Flexible work arrangements and unlimited paid time-off programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides its employees. MxD embodies a strong, fast-paced, and dynamic working environment while also fostering curiosity and innovation.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in industrial, mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering, or computer science; or 6+ years of direct, hands-on OT or industrial automation experience in lieu of a degree (Preferred)
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with PLCs, HMI/SCADA platforms, or industrial network protocols (Modbus, DNP3, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET) — practical, field-level experience is valued as much as formal credentials, since this role regularly works with audiences who can quickly spot someone who only knows the material from a book
- Familiarity with ISA/IEC 62443
- Experience reviewing technical proposals, writing technical assessments, or serving on a grant/contract review panel — e.g., evaluating whether a performer's proposed approach to meeting requirements is sound and will deliver the intended results
- Ability to work independently and make defensible risk calls in the absence of a perfect solution — for example, recommending a compensating control over a more widely implemented solution when that's the right tradeoff for the environment
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable with public speaking
- Must be available for some travel and to work onsite as required for demonstrations, site visits, and mandatory company functions
- Must be willing and able to work on a factory floor, including around industrial equipment
- Candidates based in the Chicagoland area are preferred; however, candidates outside the area will also be considered
- U.S. citizenship is required for this position due to contractual obligations
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in relevant discipline, preferred
- GICSP, Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist (or higher), ISSEP, or ISC-Cert, preferred
Responsibilities
- Serve as the OT cybersecurity lead for R&D and technical assistance projects, from early design conversations through implementation
- Evaluate incoming research proposals for technical soundness and feasibility, including assessing whether a performer's (grant/contract applicant's) proposed technical approach is realistic and likely to produce the intended results
- Represent the institute at arsenals, depots, shipyards, and defense manufacturing plants
- Assess OT network architectures (Purdue model segmentation, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, historians) and identify realistic risks
- Advise manufacturing, mechanical, and industrial engineering staff on how to build security into automation and digitization projects
- Support institute leadership in scoping new OT security work and writing the technical sections of proposals
- Advise IT administrators on corporate IT/OT resource management
- Demonstrate and maintain live demonstrations of OT security technologies on the factory floor
- Other duties as required, including supporting and evolving factory-floor OT demonstrations as new use cases arise
Benefits
- Flexible work arrangements
- Unlimited paid time-off programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
