Security Efficiency and Acquisition Reform Researcher (Intellige

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The N922 Threat Mitigation Department is seeking a talented and adaptable security practitioner to support a critical sponsor area focused on Acquisition Security Reform. This role involves applying behavioral, data, and cyber sciences to evaluate and streamline acquisition security policies and procedures that impact the defense industrial base (DIB) and national security industrial base (NSIB). The successful candidate will work with government and industry stakeholders to identify inefficiencies; analyze trade-offs between cost, schedule, performance, and security; and develop actionable recommendations to improve acquisition processes while maintaining security objectives.

At MITRE, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that shape national security and defense policies. You'll collaborate with leading experts across disciplines, access unique resources, and contribute to innovative solutions that make a difference. If you're passionate about advancing security efficiency, streamlining acquisition processes, and driving meaningful change, we encourage you to apply.

Key Functions

The position involves advancing MITRE's capability to apply behavioral, data, and cyber sciences to critical national security policies that bring security to the acquisition lifecycle. The position requires a combination of security expertise, technical expertise, policy implementation experience, research acumen, and stakeholder engagement skills to address challenges in acquisition security policies, such as foreign ownership, cybersecurity, classified facility accreditation, and facility clearances. The ideal candidate will have experience integrating security into acquisitions, analyzing complex systems, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to drive impactful solutions.

Research and Analysis:

• Conduct interviews and surveys with government and DIB stakeholders to identify critical challenges in acquisition security policy implementation.
• Analyze cost, schedule, performance, and security trade-offs associated with existing policies and processes.
• Collect and synthesize data on compliance costs, delays, and inefficiencies.

Study Plan Development:

• Develop comprehensive study plans to prioritize and address key challenges in acquisition security reform.
• Propose methodologies for deeper exploration of high-priority issues, including foreign ownership, cybersecurity, information system authorizations, and classified facility accreditation.

Execution of Reform Study:

• Conduct systematic, deep-dive examinations of prioritized challenges using appropriate research methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, data analysis).
• Collaborate with government officials, program managers, contracting officers, security officers, DIB representatives, and other stakeholders to gather insights and recommendations.

Recommendations and Reporting:

• Conduct systematic examination of high-priority challenges in acquisition security.
• Develop reports and briefings with actionable recommendations for regulatory changes, process improvements, and technological solutions.
• Quantify cost and time savings associated with proposed reforms and identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.
• Provide targeted training recommendations for government and industry stakeholders to improve implementation of security requirements.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with relevant experience who can immediately contribute at this job step; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Practitioner experience in acquisition security (i.e., acquisition security professional), national security policy implementation, insider threat programs, or related areas.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in combining technical expertise with knowledge of acquisition processes and security principles.
• Experience with acquisition policy applications, cybersecurity policy application, or industrial security policy and programs.
• Experience with relevant acquisition security policies, such as:
  • 32 CFR 117, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual
  • DFARS 252.204-7012, Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting
  • DoDI 5205.85, Enhanced Security Program to Support the DoD Innovation Initiative
  • DFARS 252.204-7021, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Requirements
• Expertise in senior stakeholder interview data collection, analysis, and recommendation development.
• Active Government TS/SCI clearance.
• This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven ability to execute research projects, analyze complex systems, and deliver actionable insights.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as an Acquisition Security Professional, with expertise in in acquisition policy implementation, cybersecurity policy implementation, or industrial security policy and programs.

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

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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