Zero Trust Cyber Security Engineer

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MITRE's Cyber Defense - Installation to Edge seeks a technical leader to modernize and synchronize the Department of the Air Force's (DAF) Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) ecosystem. You will be on the team responsible for the design, integration, and operationalization of resilient, data-informed identity solutions aligned with the Department of War (DoW) Zero Trust Reference Architecture to directly enhance DAF mission readiness, agility, and decision advantage.

This role serves as the technical focal point and team integrator for DAF ICAM, partnering across MITRE, industry partners, and government Sponsors to translate Zero Trust strategy into executable technical roadmaps and mission-aligned outcomes. Candidate will possess acquisition systems engineering and deep identity expertise-ensuring MITRE's work meets rigorous technical standards and delivers measurable operational and enterprise value across Air Force networks. As the Air Force's trusted FFRDC, MITRE brings objective, cross-domain insight to accelerate the transition of resilient ICAM capabilities.

Roles and Responsibilities

Qualified candidates will lead technical efforts and teams executing analyses and proof of concepts across enterprise, mission, and tactical environments-covering identity services, authentication and authorization services, PKI enhancements, federated identity, and access governance. The work will drive a unified approach to ICAM and data governance, ecosystem management, and platform integration (e.g., Okta and SailPoint) to scale modernization with consistency, interoperability, and security.

This role requires close coordination with ongoing Zero Trust and enterprise modernization initiatives to maintain alignment and momentum, and regular on-site collaboration with sponsors and mission partners to sustain shared situational awareness, alignment, and impact.

Basic Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in complex technical or mission environments with a Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering, cybersecurity, or a related field; 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.
• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
• Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S. Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• Deep understanding of defensive cyber strategies and their implementation across enterprise and tactical environments, including:
  • DAF acquisition processes
  • Systems Engineering
  • DoW ZT Reference Architecture
  • PKI and ICAM technologies
  • AF Enterprise networks
  • Understanding of and the differences between authentication and authorization
  • Application of NIST Cybersecurity Frameworks and associated DoW guidance
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable communications.
• Demonstrated track record of achieving significant technical outcomes, whether through technical leadership, project execution, or stakeholder/customer collaboration.
• This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Understanding of current DAF PKI and ICAM implementations.
• Knowledge of commercial solutions, such as Okta and/or SailPoint.

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

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

Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$129,200 - $161,500 - $193,800 Annual

Work Location Type:
Onsite

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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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