Principal Cyber Engineer

Leonardo DRS; Germantown (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo DRS is seeking a Principal Cyber Engineer in Germantown, MD to lead cyber strategy across radar programs. You will own vulnerability management, STIG implementation, and the end-to-end ATO process, guiding audits and mentoring engineers while ensuring DoD security alignment.

The role demands DoD-focused expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to communicate security posture to program teams and executives. A top-tier security mindset and DoD certifications are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Cybersecurity or related field.
• 8+ years of DoD/federal cybersecurity engineering experience.
• Hands-on with vulnerability scanning tools (ACAS, Nessus) and remediation workflows.
• Mastery of STIG implementation and hardening across platforms.
• Experience leading ATO/RMF processes and RMF artifacts.
• DoD 8570/8140 IAT/IAM cert or eligible within defined period.
• Strong mentoring and technical leadership experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across technical/executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• Own cybersecurity strategy across programs and set standards for vulnerability management and compliance.
• Lead vulnerability scanning activities and drive remediation of findings.
• Oversee STIG implementation across hardware, software, and network baselines.
• Own the ATO process end-to-end with ISSMs/ISSOs and program stakeholders.
• Mentor engineers and communicate security posture to management and customers.
• Develop SSPs/POA&Ms and RMF/ATO documentation; support rapid proposals.

Skills

Cybersecurity leadership

Mentoring

DoD cybersecurity

Vulnerability scanning

RMF/ATO

Communication skills

Technical strategy

Threat analysis

Education

Master's degree in Cybersecurity or related field

8+ years DoD/federal cybersecurity experience

DoD 8570/8140 IAT/IAM cert or eligible

Tools

ACAS

Nessus

SCAP

Job description

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Principal Cyber Engineer

Location: Germantown, MD, US, 20876

Job ID: 115287

DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.

Business Unit: DRS RADA Technologies
Location: Germantown, MD

About the Role

We're hiring a Cyber Engineer 4 to lead cybersecurity engineering across our radar programs — owning vulnerability scanning, STIG compliance, and the Authorization to Operate (ATO) process from initial assessment through accreditation. This is a senior technical leadership role for someone who can set cyber strategy, drive audits and assessments, and mentor engineers while ensuring our systems meet DoD security requirements.

What You'll Do

Lead Cybersecurity Strategy

• Own cybersecurity engineering strategy across programs, setting standards for vulnerability management, hardening, and compliance
• Lead vulnerability scanning activities (e.g., ACAS/Nessus) across systems, networks, and endpoints, and drive remediation of findings
• Lead implementation and validation of STIGs (Security Technical Implementation Guides) across hardware, software, and network baselines
• Own the ATO process end-to-end — coordinating with ISSMs/ISSOs, Authorizing Officials, and program stakeholders to achieve and maintain accreditation
• Serve as the technical authority for resolving the most complex security findings and compliance gaps

Drive Technical Delivery

• Drive cybersecurity assessment and accreditation activities to completion on time and within budget, often across multiple concurrent programs
• Develop and maintain System Security Plans (SSPs), Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), and supporting RMF/ATO documentation
• Analyze system architectures to identify security risks early and drive mitigation strategy
• Document security control implementation, test results, and continuous monitoring artifacts
• Provide budget, cost, and schedule input at the program level for cybersecurity scope

What You'II Do

• Mentor and coach engineers across all levels on cyber scanning tools, STIG remediation, and RMF/ATO processes
• Communicate security posture, risks, and compliance status clearly to program management, customers, and Authorizing Officials
• Review customer specifications and requirements, and lead development of security approaches that best support them, including cost as a design variable
• Participate heavily in preparation of complex, high-value proposals with cybersecurity scope
• Represent cybersecurity engineering in customer, program, and business reviews
• Support, communication, reinforce and defend the mission, values, and culture of the organization

What You Bring

• Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Assurance, or a related technical field; advanced degree a plus
• 8+ yearsof experience in cybersecurity engineering supporting DoD or federal system
• Hands‑on expertise with vulnerability/cyber scanning tools (e.g., ACAS, Nessus, SCAP) and remediation workflows
• Demonstrated mastery of STIG implementation and hardening across multiple platforms
• Proven experience leading systems through the ATO/RMF process, including SSPs, POA&Ms, and continuous monitoring
• DoD 8570/8140 IAT/IAM certification (e.g., Security+, CISSP, CASP+) required or obtainable within a defined period
• Strong mentoring and technical leadership experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across technical and executive audiences

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $150,452.00/year-$203,111.00/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

• Integrity
• Agility
• Excellence
• Customer Focus
• Community & Respect
• Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.