Chief - Cyber Security Engineer

PUNCH Cyber Analytics Group; Great Falls Crossing (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

PUNCH Cyber Analytics Group seeks a Chief Cyber Security Engineer to spearhead innovative cybersecurity solutions for high-impact federal missions. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in hybrid environments, alongside a strong commitment to secure systems design and implementation. This role emphasizes technical expertise, team collaboration, and leadership in complex programs while ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity standards.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in cybersecurity engineering required.
• 5+ years in hybrid environments (on-premises + cloud) within FedRAMP context.
• Deep technical knowledge of automation and security protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture, engineering, and security integration for mission-critical environments.
• Design secure hybrid infrastructure solutions in compliance with federal standards.
• Supervise and mentor cybersecurity engineering teams.

Skills

Cybersecurity principles

Network architecture

System hardening

Secure development lifecycle (SDLC)

Education

Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity

CISSP certification

Advanced degree in cybersecurity or related field

Tools

AWS GovCloud

Azure Government

Job description

About PUNCH:

We’re problem solvers first & foremost. PUNCH’s origin story involves frustration with available INFOSEC tools and techniques—we came up thru the industry using these inefficient tools and decided there had to be a better way. We bring this laser focus on efficiency to every customer engagement.

We have trust as a hallmark in everything we do. PUNCH provides its team members with the maximum amount of ownership over their careers, the direction of the company, and the flexibility & freedom to accomplish their job without interference. Trust requires accountability; we live that, company-wide.

We back each other up. PUNCH is a supportive place to work. We’ve worked hard to create an environment that makes people better, encourages teamwork, and rewards a “pitch in” mentality.

We give back. To those in need. To the community. To the industry.

Does this sound like you?

Role Overview:

PUNCH is seeking a Chief Cyber Security Engineer to lead the design, architecture, and integration of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions supporting a high-impact federal mission. This role is ideal for an expert technologist with deep experience across on-prem and cloud environments, FedRAMP-compliant architectures, and secure system design. You must possess a current SECRET security clearance.

You’ll serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), guiding the technical execution of complex programs while collaborating with cybersecurity analysts, architects, engineers, and federal stakeholders. You’ll be tasked with transforming mission needs into technical architecture, mentoring teams, and implementing secure, scalable systems across hybrid environments.

Responsibilities:

• Lead system architecture, engineering, and security integration for large-scale, mission-critical environments
• Design and implement secure hybrid (on-premises/cloud) infrastructure solutions in accordance with federal (FedRAMP) compliance standards
• Supervise and mentor cybersecurity engineering teams across multiple concurrent workstreams
• Serve as SME on system security engineering, cloud migration, and secure network architecture
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to drive secure design practices and integrate new technologies
• Conduct trade-off analyses, proof-of-concept evaluations, and implementation roadmaps for security modernization initiatives
• Contribute to the design of enterprise cybersecurity strategies and guide the implementation of advanced security tools
• Participate in major incident response efforts, technical reviews, and vulnerability mitigation planning
• Support transition planning from on-prem to hybrid cloud solutions, with a focus on resilience, scalability, and zero trust principles

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or related field (or 3 additional years of experience in lieu of degree)
• CISSP certification OR advanced degree (M.S. or higher) in cybersecurity, information assurance, or related field (e.g., MBA or MS with cybersecurity emphasis)
• 8+ years of experience in cybersecurity engineering with advanced degree OR 10+ years working in government or government-contract cybersecurity environments
• 5+ years of experience working in hybrid (on-premises + cloud) environments within a FedRAMP context
• Demonstrated experience leading system design, integration, and architecture efforts involving high-security federal environments
• Deep technical knowledge of cybersecurity principles, network architecture, system hardening, and secure development lifecycle (SDLC)

Preferred:

• Experience migrating enterprise systems from on-prem to hybrid cloud models
• Hands-on experience with AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, or other federal cloud platforms
• Familiarity with NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, and other federal cybersecurity frameworks
• Experience leading red/blue team integration, secure DevSecOps pipelines, or advanced threat detection infrastructure