Non-Kinetic Operations Engineer

MITRE; Fairborn (OH); On-site; USD 159,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE seeks highly technical engineers for Non-Kinetic Operations within the Cyber Effects and Information Warfare team. You will support advanced systems engineering, non-kinetic operations, and applied research to deliver secure, scalable, and mission-ready communications architectures.

Expect collaboration across sponsors and leadership, with a focus on resiliency and innovation. The role requires strong problem-solving, operational analysis, and the ability to mentor junior staff while

Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of advanced degree and equivalent experience in related technical fields
• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field
• Evidence of systems engineering, cybersecurity, networking, or infrastructure engineering in secure or mission-critical contexts
• Practical knowledge of RF and networking fundamentals
• Familiarity with non-kinetic operations concepts and objectives
• Ability to solve complex technical problems and meet demanding timelines
• Strong written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience collaborating with system owners, operators, engineers, and sponsors
• Ability to convey technical risks, trade-offs, and operational impacts to leadership
• Active Top Secret clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI/SAP; 4 days on-site in a SCIF

Responsibilities

• Perform operational analysis with stakeholders to deliver resilient mission-focused solutions
• Support applied R&D addressing sponsor gaps and challenges
• Design, develop, implement, and assess systems for mission objectives and innovation
• Identify opportunities for automation, optimization, and resiliency across workflows
• Develop prototypes/tools/workflows involving RF emulation systems
• Research and evaluate emerging non-kinetic technologies
• Prepare technical docs, assessments, demonstrations, testing reports, and briefings
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to teams
• Rapidly learn and apply new technologies in evolving environments

Skills

Non-kinetic operations

Systems engineering

Cybersecurity engineering

Networking fundamentals

RF engineering

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related technical field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Model-Based Systems Engineering

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. The Cyber Effects and Information Warfare department (N165) is well positioned to advise US Air Force, Joint Partners, and USCYBERCOM, deliver critical platforms, effects, weapons, and enhance national security operations to provide a combat ready cyber force to defeat peer threats, and provide freedom of action in and dominate the cyber domain. The department staff work across AFLCMC/HNC acquisition program offices and with the 16th Air Force to refine operational requirements for acquisitions, identify capabilities for transition, and work to deliver those capabilities to warfighters. Strategic objectives for the department include the following:

• Develop non-kinetic EW effects, infrastructure, and globally available capabilities to improve munitions efficiency, increase warfighting asset survivability, and hold adversary capabilities at risk.
• Establish global, all domain situational awareness and C2 for dynamic operations across the competition continuum.
• Accelerate operational adoption of non-kinetic capabilities from DoD, industry, and university labs to enhance warfighter readiness and resiliency.

Roles & Responsibilities:

MITRE is seeking highly technical Non-Kinetic Operations Engineers to support advanced systems engineering, non-kinetic operations, and applied research initiatives. These roles combine expertise in non-kinetic operations, secure systems engineering, and mission-focused engineering to develop and assess resilient capabilities supporting operational non-kinetic missions. Successful candidates will help drive the development of secure, scalable, and mission-ready communications architectures while supporting operational analysis, infrastructure defense, and operational resiliency efforts.

• Perform operational analysis in collaboration with system owners, operators, engineers, and multidisciplinary technical teams to deliver resilient mission-focused solutions
• Support applied research and development activities responsive to sponsor technical gaps and operational challenges
• Design, develop, implement, and assess systems supporting operational mission objectives and technology innovation initiatives
• Identify opportunities for automation, optimization, and improved operational resiliency across non-kinetic operations and development workflows
• Develop prototypes, tools, and workflows involving radio frequency emulation systems
• Research and evaluate emerging non-kinetic technologies
• Prepare and deliver technical documentation, assessments, demonstrations, testing reports, and operational briefings to sponsors and leadership
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to engineering and non-kinetic operations teams
• Work independently to rapidly learn and apply new technologies, platforms, security methodologies, and technical techniques in evolving mission environments

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or 3 years with a PhD and relevant experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience
• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related technical field
• Proven experience in systems engineering, cybersecurity engineering, networking, or infrastructure engineering supporting secure or mission-critical environments
• Practical knowledge of RF and networking fundamentals
• Familiarity with non-kinetic operations concepts and objectives
• Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex technical problems and deliver results within demanding operational timelines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience collaborating directly with system owners, operators, engineers, and sponsor organizations
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical risks, architectural trade-offs, and operational impacts to senior leadership
• Must have an active Top Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI w/SAP access 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 requires a minimum of 4 days on-site work in a Secure Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) and regular engagement with sponsor sites in the San Antonio area

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, mathematics, physical sciences, or related technical field
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Advanced experience in non-kinetic operations or RF engineering
• Experience developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) integrated or native systems and software
• Experience with warfighting concepts including
• Air Force doctrine, organizational structure, force development, and related concepts
• Joint doctrine, operations, and related concepts
• Experience supporting applied research and development activities focused on sponsor technical gaps and mission innovation
• Experience performing operational analysis, trade studies, Analysis of Alternatives, crown jewel, or other intensive analytical reports, technical white papers, and engineering documentation for government or sponsor audiences
• Experience with containerized or cloud-native infrastructure technologies such as Docker or Kubernetes
• Experience with systems architecture concepts and tools, such as Model-Based Systems Engineering languages and frameworks
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and leading multidisciplinary technical efforts
• Familiarity with operational non-kinetic mission and mission-focused engineering practices

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

• Top Secret

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

• SAP, 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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