Lead Applied Cybersecurity Engineer - Systems Security

MITRE; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 159,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE in Colorado Springs seeks a senior Systems Security Engineer to advance security capabilities for national security programs. You will apply cyber test principles, conduct adversary emulation, and lead threat-driven exercises in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The role requires 8+ years of related experience with a degree, active Secret and eligibility for Top Secret/SCI, and on-site work at least 3 days a week.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years with a bachelor’s degree; or 6 years with a master’s; or a PhD with 3 years’ experience, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated depth in Systems Security Engineering, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, or Systems Engineering.
• Experience developing or evaluating Systems Security Engineering solutions and capabilities.
• Ability to think critically and pursue research with minimal supervision.
• Understanding of cybersecurity missions and MITRE sponsor work.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication; collaborative mindset.
• Knowledge of D3FEND, ATT&CK, Caldera, and MITRE’s public-interest work.
• Experience scoping and conducting adversary emulation, simulation, or purple teaming.
• Hands-on red teaming, penetration testing, and offensive security operations.
• Experience leading threat-driven cyber exercises (tabletop/readiness) with risk-based prioritization.
• Active Secret clearance and eligibility for Top Secret/SCI; U.S. citizenship required.
• Minimum three days on-site.

Responsibilities

• Advise sponsors in developing and acquiring secure, resilient cyber-physical systems for mission success.
• Apply Systems Security Engineering and Cybersecurity concepts to assessments and purple team engagements.
• Provide recommendations to ensure systems meet security, resiliency, and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with sponsors and DoD customers to define priorities and support cyber assessments.
• Assist in security strategy development, system testing and evaluation, and verification activities.
• Communicate effectively with MITRE, government, and contractors; write and present findings.
• Promote cross-team collaboration within the System Security Engineering department and MITRE.
• Research and develop advanced security capabilities and resilience analyses for sponsor programs.
• Contribute to cybersecurity problem-solving for sponsors and AI use cases.
• Maintain pace with evolving technologies to support sponsor programs.

Skills

Systems Security Engineering

Cybersecurity

Software Engineering

Threat Emulation

Purple Teaming

Red Teaming

Communication Skills

MITRE/ATT&CK knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

D3FEND

ATT&CK

Caldera

MITRE ATT&CK Evaluations

Job description

MITRE in Colorado Springs seeks a senior Systems Security Engineer to advance security capabilities for national security programs. You will apply cyber test principles, conduct adversary emulation, and lead threat-driven exercises in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The role requires 8+ years of related experience with a degree, active Secret and eligibility for Top Secret/SCI, and on-site work at least 3 days a week.