Job Information
The MITRE Corporation Chief Scientist for Maritime Cyber Innovation in McLean, Virginia
Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges—and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day—working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE—and make a difference with us.
Department Summary:
Do you have a Maritime Operations and Cyber background and an interest in Operational Technology (OT) or Control Systems? Have you learned about or worked with OT/Control Systems and have an interest in supporting a Deterrence mission set? The Cyber Physical Deterrence Technologies (L543) department is focused on capabilities and technologies designed to deter our adversaries from holding our infrastructure at risk. This includes technical deterrence capabilities such as forensics and attribution, device countermeasures, adversary emulation, and deception capabilities. Policy-based capabilities also play a critical role in the execution of the deterrence mission. Development of normative behaviors and well-defined coordinated response options, for example, are achieved by reducing the ambiguity surrounding cybersecurity capabilities possessed, and the consequences for leveraging these capabilities against global infrastructure. L543 examines both domestic and foreign control systems and weapons systems technologies for hardware and software weaknesses. CIPIC views deterrence as a capability achieved in a coordinated fashion using both technical and non-technical means; the Policy Support core LOE is heavily engaged by L543.
We are seeking a Chief Scientist for Maritime and Critical Infrastructure Cyber Innovation to lead cutting-edge research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity resilience of maritime systems and critical infrastructure systems. You will work closely with senior leadership and oversee multiple projects to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Your role will involve strategic planning, team leadership, and collaboration with various stakeholders to drive innovation in Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Strategy:
Lead and manage cyber innovation projects, focusing on cybersecurity for maritime and critical infrastructure sectors.
Develop and implement advanced cybersecurity strategies for OT systems, ensuring alignment with national security objectives.
Provide strategic guidance and technical expertise to support organizational goals and key stakeholders.
Research and Development:
Conduct groundbreaking research in OT cybersecurity, including cyber-physical systems and industrial control systems.
Lead high-risk, high-visibility experimentation and operations to identify and mitigate cyber threats to critical infrastructure.
Oversee the development of new cybersecurity technologies and solutions for OT systems in maritime and other critical infrastructure sectors.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
Collaborate with stakeholders, including commercial fleet owners/operators, government agencies, and industry partners, to identify cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
Present research findings and policy recommendations to senior leadership and industry forums.
Engage in business development efforts to expand the company’s cybersecurity portfolio across maritime and critical infrastructure sectors.
Team Leadership:
Lead and mentor a team of researchers and engineers in the development and deployment of cybersecurity measures.
Ensure the team is well-organized, trained, and equipped to handle the complexities of OT cybersecurity challenges.
Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team.
Basic Qualifications:
Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI eligible.
Advanced degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
Extensive experience in maritime cybersecurity and cyber warfare, with a strong understanding of cyber-physical systems and industrial control systems.
Proven track record of leading innovative projects and teams in a high-stakes environment.
Deep technical expertise in cybersecurity research and development.
Strong knowledge of maritime operations and national security matters.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
Expertise in cybersecurity technologies and best practices, particularly in the maritime context.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience growing and managing technical teams.
Ability to conduct and lead cutting-edge research and experimentation.
Excellent project management skills, with a focus on delivering high-impact results.
Ability to work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives.
This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site.
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD in Computing & Information Systems or related field.
Prior experience in the maritime industry and familiarity with regulatory requirements in maritime cybersecurity.
Experience with cyber-physical systems, IoT, and industrial control systems in maritime contexts.
Demonstrated ability to brief and work with senior government and military leaders.
Preferred Certifications:
GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
GIAC Critical Infrastructure Protection (GCIP)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Other relevant cybersecurity certifications (GDSA, GCIH, GPEN, GWAPT, GSEC, etc.)
Our culture is a tangible asset that endures through our people and leaders. At MITRE, our leaders must also demonstrate and continually develop a consistent set of shared Leadership Competencies:
Lead with a Strategic Mindset: Drives alignment across MITRE to achieve our mission by engaging across and beyond the enterprise, making and executing decisions, and activating the Good Growth Strategy.
Create Value: Takes a broad approach to solving complex problems using a national and global lens. Unleashes the full capabilities of our people in a relentless pursuit of innovative solutions that are scalable, equitable, transferable, and sustainable.
Cultivate Inclusion: Creates an environment and opportunities, built on trust, where people can be their whole authentic self, feeling welcomed, supported, engaged, and respected for who they are and what they contribute to the organization. Embraces and engages all dimensions of diversity to exponentially expand MITRE’s impact in solving problems for a safer world.
Communicate for Impact: Conveys powerful messages tailored to the unique needs of stakeholders—and desired outcomes—in a style that engages and inspires action. Exemplifies active listening to foster collaboration, understanding, and alignment.
Commit to Action and Outcomes: Holds self and others accountable for acting on and achieving established objectives. Exemplifies cultural attributes while executing and delivering impactful outcomes.
This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI
This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI
Work Location Type:
Onsite
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