Cyber Operations Engineer

MITRE; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 159,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE in McLean, Virginia, is a leading nonprofit engineering and advanced technology organization delivering national security benefits. MITRE’s Offensive Operations & Effects department develops cyber capabilities and mission-focused technology solutions for sponsor programs.

The role involves prototyping capabilities in C and Python, performing software reverse engineering, and collaborating with sponsor teams to address operational needs. A Top Secret/SCI clearance and U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of related experience, or 6 years with a Master's, or 4 years with a PhD.
• Experience performing software reverse engineering and code analysis.
• Proficiency in developing, debugging, and testing software in C and Python on Linux.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance and U.S. citizenship.
• On-site work requirement: 5 days a week.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research and prototype new demonstration capabilities aligned with sponsor priorities and operational needs.
• Analyze state-of-the-art technologies and software to understand design, behavior, security properties, and mission applicability.
• Perform software reverse engineering, code analysis, programming, and debugging to identify options, capability opportunities, and implementation risks.
• Create software prototypes in C, Python, and related environments to demonstrate new capabilities and validate research concepts.
• Collaborate within and outside MITRE to bring the best available mix of skills to sponsor challenges.
• Clearly document research analysis, code, test results, progress, and recommendations; communicate findings effectively to sponsors and MITRE staff.

Skills

Communication

Clearance

Education

Bachelor of Science in CS/EE/CE/Cybersecurity

Tools

C

Python

Linux

Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We’re a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future.

Department Summary:

MITRE’s Offensive Operations & Effects department, part of the Cyber Operations & Effects Innovation Center, develops advanced cyber capabilities and mission-focused technology solutions supporting national security objectives. Our teams conduct applied research, operational analysis, prototype development, and technical experimentation across cyber operations, digital investigations, reverse engineering, vulnerability research, network analysis, and cyber-enabled mission support. We leverage emerging technologies and advanced analytics to deliver innovative capabilities for real-world operational environments.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Conduct advanced research and prototype new demonstration capabilities focused on sponsor priorities and operational needs.
• Analyze state-of-the-art technologies and associated software to understand design, behavior, security properties, and mission applicability.
• Perform software reverse engineering, code analysis, programming, and debugging to identify technical options, capability opportunities, and implementation risks.
• Devise, test, evaluate, and recommend new technical approaches that enable required cyber capabilities.
• Create software prototypes in C, Python, and related environments to demonstrate possible new capabilities and validate research concepts.
• Collaborate within and outside MITRE to bring the best available mix of skills and knowledge to sponsor challenges.
• Clearly document research analysis, code, test results, progress, and recommendations; communicate findings effectively to sponsors and MITRE staff.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 4 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field.
• Experience performing software reverse engineering and code analysis of complex software systems.
• Proficiency developing, debugging, and testing software in C and Python in Linux environments.
• Ability to create software prototypes and develop innovative research proposals focused on operational needs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly document research analysis, code, progress, and recommendations.
• Must have an active Top Secret/SCI U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
• Experience in a technical field conducting cyber research, software analysis, reverse engineering, or prototype development.
• Experience developing or applying agentic AI tools to accelerate reverse engineering, analysis, automation, or prototype workflows.
• Experience with vulnerability analysis, exploitability assessment, or secure software analysis.
• Java programming experience.
• Experience transitioning research prototypes into demonstrations, operational evaluations, or sponsor decision materials.
• History of building trusted relationships with demanding sponsors or leaders; excellent interpersonal skills, judgment, discretion, and tact.

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

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

$158,800 - $198,500 - $238,200 Annual

Work Location Type:

Onsite

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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