Job Abstract

Department Summary: 

The explosion and complexity of cybersecurity problems facing organizations requires innovative approaches which the Homeland Security Center (HLSC) is leading through the development and application of new methods, technologies, and techniques.   Our mission-driven team works directly with MITRE’s government and industry homeland security sponsors to improve industrial control system cybersecurity across government organizations and critical infrastructure providers.  We’re seeking cyber defenders with expertise and innovative ideas in Operational Technology (OT)/ICS SCADA/IOT with an interest in integrated security operations (IT, OT and Physical), threat-informed cyber defense, cyber resiliency, adversary emulation, threat hunting, cyber deception, forensics analysis, and/or safety-critical systems.   

The HLSC Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE) Division, Cybersecurity Capabilities Department is seeking a Group Leader who will be responsible for first line supervision of staff members in a Operational Technology Security Group.  The Department provides operational technology cybersecurity support to the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Department of Energy, and to critical infrastructure sector entities.   

As a Group Leader, you will work with the Department Manager to define the strategic direction of the Department, identify technical capability development opportunities, shape the Department’s evolution, and identify/shape business opportunities with the Department’s varied sponsor base.   You will focus on hiring, staff development, coaching, mentoring, and supervising assigned staff.    

A successful candidate will have the following attributes: 

• Be comfortable working with multiple Department Managers to understand HSE staffing needs  

• Be comfortable leading staff, contributing to a team, and working independently 

• Deliver and incorporate feedback and foster a continuous growth mindset in assigned staff 

• Take an active role in growing the team and growing work opportunities 

• Take an active role in developing and applying technical capabilities to sponsors 

• Respect a diversity of opinion and encourage diversity in the organization 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

The Group Leader will have the job responsibilities described below.  

Department and Team Engagement: 

• Serve as the direct supervisor and advocate for 6-8 assigned team members. This will involve providing feedback, addressing concerns, and furthering staff opportunities through work programs, training, research, and department activities.    

• Mentor early career staff on career development, educational and training opportunities, 

• Find work opportunities that support team member’s development goals, department and division goals, and sponsor outcome priorities.    

• Assist staff create performance and development goals.   

• Engage with project and task leaders for feedback on staff member performance and conduct regular development and performance conversations with group members 

• Participate in Division/Department assessment, promotion, and salary discussions about assigned staff 

• Support creation of on-boarding and development programs for new staff  

• Support department and division operational functions as requested by department manager. 

• Foster effective and timely communication and collaboration among your staff members. Proactively seek opportunities for staff members to collaborate and communicate across portfolios. 

• Encourage diversity of opinion and respect the opinions of others while leading assigned team members and participating in department and division meetings. 

Recruiting and Hiring: 

• Play an active role in recruiting and hiring OT cybersecurity staff to support projects with government and critical infrastructure entity sponsors. 

• Coordinate with Division Department Managers and Project Leaders to identify Division-wide needs for OT cybersecurity staff.  

External and Internal Engagement: 

• Engage frequently with HSE Project Leaders and Task Leaders to match the right talent to outcomes, and to ensure high quality deliverables. 

• Engage in work program development with the Department Manager; engage and advise HLSC Project Leaders, as needed. 

Project/Task Leadership 

• Lead or support OT-focused tasks or projects with supported Federal sponsors or critical infrastructure entities. 

Basic Qualifications:  

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience in OT cybersecurity. 

• Strong desire and demonstrated ability to lead and supervise various levels of technical staff. 

• Strong verbal and written communications skills and excellent interpersonal skills. 

• Must have DHS Fitness or ability to obtain it within first 6 months of hire date as evidenced by an existing DoD or other USG clearance. 

• Bachelors in one of the following disciplines:  Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Electrical, Computer or Systems Engineering, Information Systems, or similar technical field and 10+ years of related experience, including 5 years of leadership experience. 

• ??This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site? 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Previous MITRE Group, Project, or Task leader experience in cybersecurity-related technical areas. 

• Recent DHS CISA work experience. 

• Recent experience in OT cybersecurity project work supporting critical infrastructure entities (e.g., electric utilities, water/wastewater utilities, gas utilities, manufacturing utilities, etc.). 

• Master’s in one of the following disciplines: Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Systems Engineering.