Job Abstract

At the SEI CERT Cyber Risk and Resilience Directorate, we enable organizations to achieve operational resilience by performing research in emerging areas of operational risk, producing measurement and assessment tools that help organizations better understand their current risk and resilience posture, and developing and validating models, frameworks, and controls that improve organizations’ risk and resilience posture. Our Applied Network Defense team leads and advances the state of the art in technical cybersecurity assessment methodologies, including penetration testing and red-teaming.
 

Are you creative, curious, energetic, collaborative, technology-focused, and hard-working? Are you a penetration testing subject matter expert with a passion for national security? At the SEI, you can make a difference by developing innovative cybersecurity solutions to solve technical challenges for government organizations and beyond. Apply to join our team.
 

Position Summary:

The person in this role will lead the Applied Network Defense team and their projects, working collaboratively with Cyber Risk and Resilience Directorate leadership to develop and execute the research and technical agenda of our technical cybersecurity assessment portfolio.
 

Requirements:

• Education and Experience: BS degree in a relevant discipline with 10 years of applicable experience, or a MS degree in a relevant discipline with 8 years of applicable experience, or a PhD in a relevant discipline with 5 years of applicable experience.
• You will have significant experience related to penetration testing; an OSCP, OSCE, or related certification is desired.
• Technical Leadership and Project Management: You have a successful track record of leading, managing, and executing projects in cybersecurity or applied research. You are user-centered and accomplishment-focused, driving projects and the people that work on them to successful, high-impact outcomes.
• Managing in a Creative, Dynamic Environment: You have experience leading multiple simultaneous projects and thrive in a creative and high-energy environment. You are willing to experiment with new management practices and develop effective processes, practices, and infrastructure to support successful people and projects.
• Mentorship: You have experience mentoring, motivating, and empowering people in ways that promote equity and inclusion.
• Technical Expertise: Candidates must have broad experience and knowledge of technical cybersecurity assessment methods and related domains. This includes work experience related to penetration testing, red teaming, and technical audits.
• Travel: Frequent (15-35%) to various locations within the SEI and CMU community, customer sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
• Security Clearance: You will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a United States Department of Defense top secret security clearance.
• Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Duties:

• Project Leadership and Customer Engagement (60%): You will lead research projects designed to advance the state of the art in technical cybersecurity assessments. You will represent the SEI regularly presenting our mission and our work to our stakeholders. You will lead efforts to develop penetration testing methodologies for our government customers.
• People Development and Supervision (20%): You will mentor and develop a high-caliber, interdisciplinary team developing penetration testing for important and high-impact needs.
• Community Engagement (15%): You will engage with our communities of interest; this includes presenting our mission and work via publication and presentation. You will build and maintain relationships with the relevant research and technology communities.
• Professional Development (5%): You will continue to grow your knowledge and skills and stay up to date on emerging trends and topics relevant to the team’s portfolio.
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Communication: You are an outstanding communicator and can interact collaboratively and diplomatically with customers and colleagues at all levels of knowledge and experience. You grasp the big picture, direction, and goals of an effort with ability to dig into the details on problems and technical concepts and provide clear direction. You can present complex ideas to people who may not have a deep understanding of the subject area.
• Dedication and Motivation: You can meet deadlines while multi-tasking–sometimes under pressure and with shifting priorities. You are self-motivated and can work toward a common vision with little oversight.
• Creativity and Innovation: You are creative and curious, and you are passionate about the prospect of collaborating with world-class researchers and visionaries at Carnegie Mellon University and innovation-focused organizations.
• Knowledge and Learning: You are a penetration testing expert, possessing broad technical interests along with a deep knowledge in offensive security. You quickly learn new procedures, techniques, and approaches. You are forward-looking and can connect research with practical challenges.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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