Principal Engineer – Industrial Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Jobs; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 103,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University CDME seeks a Principal Engineer for Industrial Cybersecurity to lead large-scale R&D, coordinate with industry partners, and advance OT security curricula. The role includes technical leadership, program delivery, and business development activities on onsite, Columbus campus.

Responsibilities cover proposal leadership, stakeholder engagement, and guidance to junior staff, with focus on advancing cybersecurity standards and deploying innovative solutions in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, CS, cybersecurity, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in industrial cybersecurity or OT.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary projects and delivering proposals.
• Experience with industry or government sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale industrial cybersecurity R&D for CDME.
• Collaborate with partners to scope projects and create SOWs.
• Develop curricula focused on OT, CMMC readiness, and AI ethics.
• Oversee program materials, webinars, and events for accuracy.

Skills

Industrial cybersecurity

Project leadership

Proposal development

Client engagement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field

Master’s Degree preferred

Tools

PLC/SCADA

OT network architecture

NIST SP 800-171

NIST SP 800-82

Job description

The Principal Engineer for Industrial Cybersecurity at The Ohio State University’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) leads large-scale industrial cybersecurity research and development while delivering customer-focused cybersecurity assistance. The role also supports curriculum development, technical standards, learning platform administration, and business development activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, lead, and execute large-scale industrial cybersecurity research and development efforts for CDME.
• Collaborate with industry partners to scope complex projects and develop detailed statements of work.
• Plan, develop, and adapt virtual cybersecurity curriculum focused on manufacturing, operational technology (OT), CMMC readiness, and trustworthy use of artificial intelligence.
• Establish technical standards for program delivery and oversee the accuracy and relevance of materials presented by staff (webinars, workshops, and events).
• Administer learning platforms and participant data systems; set programmatic goals, track key performance indicators, and drive continuous improvement in engagement and completion.
• Engage customers and associated support staff; independently manage and execute the full sales process.
• Serve as lead writer on large-scale proposals and technical reports for sponsoring agencies.
• Work with OSU faculty, CDME staff, and students to complete multi-disciplinary engineering tasks.
• Provide guidance and leadership to less experienced staff within areas of expertise.
• Execute technical engineering work using personal expertise and advanced manufacturing equipment and software, delivering innovative solutions that may establish new precedents and standards.
• Provide intensive customer cybersecurity assistance, including structured intake, OT threat-surface review, prioritized findings, 90-day action plans, and qualified referrals.
• Manage projects independently by applying developed industry knowledge and advanced understanding of technical concepts, ensuring completion within milestones, deliverable requirements, and agreed cost and schedule.
• Lead development and maintenance of partner-ready facilitator guides, implementation resources, assessment instruments, technical-assistance protocols, adaptable state and sector modules, and national replication packages.
• Support business development by researching funding opportunities, traveling to customer facilities for project meetings, and presenting research results at conferences and symposia.
• Set priorities and supervise student employees, including providing developmental opportunities, coaching, and performance evaluation.
• Support professional development and student program activities of CDME in the area of expertise.
• Ensure sufficient funding is secured to support the position and any direct reports.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Information Systems, or a related degree.
• 6 years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relevant experience must include progressively responsible work in industrial cybersecurity, operational technology, manufacturing information systems, applied research, or technical program delivery.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex multidisciplinary projects.
• Experience developing proposals, statements of work, and technical reports.
• Experience engaging industry or government sponsors.
• Ability to manage technical work to defined milestones, deliverables, budgets, and schedules is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of: industrial control systems; PLC or SCADA environments; connected manufacturing equipment; OT network architecture; cyber-physical systems; CMMC readiness; NIST SP 800-171; NIST SP 800-82; incident response; disaster recovery; or continuity of operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, or Information Systems.
• Experience with industrial equipment.
• Experience in a supervisory capacity over direct reports or processes is highly desired.
• Extensive hands-on experience in industrial cybersecurity, OT environments, or manufacturing information systems, including industrial control systems, programmable logic controllers, SCADA networks, or connected manufacturing equipment.
• Current or prior security clearance, or experience supporting defense or other regulated programs, is preferred.

Technologies and Focus Areas

• Operational technology (OT)
• CMMC readiness
• Artificial intelligence
• NIST SP 800-171
• NIST SP 800-82
• Industrial control systems
• PLC, SCADA
• OT network architecture
• Cyber-physical systems
• Incident response, disaster recovery, continuity of operations

Export Control and Eligibility

This position requires access to export-controlled data and work in an export-controlled facility. Eligibility is restricted to "U.S. persons" as defined in U.S. export control regulations.

Location and Work Details

• Location: Bevis Hall (0307), Columbus, OH (onsite)
• Position type: Regular
• Scheduled hours: 40
• Shift: First Shift

Target Hiring Range

The target hiring range for this job profile is $103,000-$134,500 per year.