The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry. GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.
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The Electronic Systems Laboratory (ELSYS) Applied Embedded Systems (AES) Division is currently seeking an Information Cybersecurity Engineer for the Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) Platform & Training Branch (EPTB). EPTB provides engineering and technical support for EMSO platforms to include the new United States Air Force (USAF) EA-37B Compass Call platform and the legacy EC-130H Compass Call platform. EPTB engineers provide 24/7/365 EMSO mission system rapid reprogramming support and development, integration, testing, and fielding of EMSO hardware/software tools for deployment of advanced missionware/applications (“apps”).
EPTB engineers also provide advanced and tailored Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) and EMSO education and training courses to U.S. Military personnel, Government civilians, and U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) partner nations. In addition to training products, EPTB also performs assessments and direct support to Department of War (DoW) elements involved in EMSO. This opportunity within EPTB will provide direct support to 55th Electronic Combat Group (55 ECG), and the EC-130H/EA-37B Compass Call on site at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMAFB), Tucson, AZ. This position will utilize their background in classified computer systems to execute the cybersecurity management program and processes on application-based capabilities developed for the Compass Call Mission Systems.
The purpose of this job is to architect, design, implement, and maintain classified computer systems/networks and cyber security solutions for classified networks including government enclaves. This includes identifying and defining new cybersecurity objectives and controls as well as developing and maintaining automated security validation toolsets. Conducts system, network or software risk assessments. Performs vulnerability analysis of open source software. Integrates new architectural features into existing infrastructures, create cybersecurity architectural artifacts, provides architectural analysis of cybersecurity features and relates existing system to future needs and trends, leverages advanced forensic tools and techniques for Incident response, provides engineering recommendations, and resolves integration and testing issues. Serve in consultative role, on GTRI systems and projects. Defining cybersecurity controls for different systems and networks. Uses defined threats of what the controls are trying to mitigate or that an analyst in a SOC would monitor for, responding to alerts with the system or networks. Interact, advise, and counsel on a regular basis with internal staff as well as project directors and other internal/external stakeholders. Ensures cybersecurity needs established and maintained for operations, security requirements definition, security risk assessment, information systems analysis, information systems design, certification and accreditation, information systems hardening, configuration and maintenance of other security boundary devices (IDS/IPS, Firewalls, perimeter routing) and vulnerability scanning, incident response, disaster recovery, and operations continuity planning and provides analytical support for security policy development and analysis. Engineers, implements, and maintains Information Technology Infrastructure and associated cybersecurity controls. Including but not limited to supporting and maintaining virtual infrastructure, servers, workstations, storage fabrics, heterogeneous operating systems, and networking infrastructure. Maintaining backups and managing disaster recovery and business continuity plans is a core function of this role as well, along with performing routine maintenance, upgrades, and deploying new classified information systems to enhance the capabilities of GTRI.
- System Architecture design (compute, hardware/virtual, OS, storage, networking, security)
- Translate researcher IT needs into robust and scalable IT Solutions/Infrastructure
- Contribute to the development of Continuous Integration and Continuous Development (CICD) processes using DevOps and DevSecOps principles
- Cross Domain Data Exchange and Systems Integration Implementer of Infrastructure as Code
- Virtual machine management
- Validates security control configuration on systems, ensure all systems are configured to to necessary controls, such as STIGS, CMMC, and other similar requirements
- Actively collaborates with customers and external teams, derives tasks from detailed requirements
- Provide tasking to other team members, based off of derived tasks
- Provide software and merge request code reviews
- Act as the primary gatekeeper for infrastructure as code merges
- Ensure software adheres to coding standards and practices
- Perform day-to-day cybersecurity tasks for classified hardware and software across the application development lifecycle, from requirements through sustainment
- Execute “boots on the ground” Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM)-like duties in support of the program Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) and Program Manager, including security documentation and tracking
- Develop, update, and maintain Risk Management Framework (RMF)/Authorization to Operate (ATO) artifacts such as System Security Plan (SSP), Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), procedures, checklists, and evidence
- Provide hands-on IT support for classified IT equipment, including Compass Call mission system application Software Development Kits (SDKs)/Hardware Development Kits (HDKs), trainers, radios, test equipment, and encrypted media
- Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot secure workstations, servers, and lab systems in classified environments
- Handle, label, track, and sanitize various levels of classified and controlled unclassified information (CUI) media in accordance with applicable policies and procedures
- Support security assessments, audits, inspections, vulnerability management activities, and the implementation of mitigations
- Assist in preparing and coordinating cybersecurity and authorization packages with internal stakeholders
- Support interactions with all stakeholders (DoW, Intelligence Community, USAF, other US Military Services, 55 ECG personnel, and other contractors) by responding to data calls and providing technical cybersecurity input
- Participate in incident response, technical reviews, and user training and awareness activities as needed to meet evolving Compass Call program needs
- Support incident response activities for secure systems, including initial triage, documentation, and coordination with appropriate security and IT personnel
- Participate in design and technical review meetings to provide cybersecurity input and ensure compliance with DoW and USAF requirements
- Assist with user training, briefings, and awareness activities related to secure system operations and cybersecurity policy compliance
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance
- Hands-on experience with:
- Managing or supporting secure/classified IT systems (e.g., classified workstations, lab equipment, secure networks)
- Implementing and documenting security controls in accordance with DoW, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), or similar frameworks
- Preparing or maintaining cybersecurity documentation (SSPs, POA&Ms, procedures, system diagrams, etc.)
- Understanding of RMF processes and ATO/authorization activities
- Ability to work on-site in secure areas and handle classified materials in accordance with applicable regulations
- Active Secret Clearance or Active Top Secret Clearance
- DoD 8570/8140-compliant certification (e.g., Security+, CySA+, CASP+, CISSP, or equivalent)
- Experience supporting USAF or other US Military Service-specific cybersecurity processes, particularly with organizations such as USAF Program Offices (to include 645th Aeronautical Systems Group “Big Safari”), 16th Air Force , Headquarters Air Combat Command, or Headquarters USAF
- Experience with developmental and operational test (DT/OT) environments and handling of classified test data
- Familiarity with:
- Windows and/or Linux system administration in secure environments
- Networking concepts and secure configuration (firewalls, VLANs, VPNs, etc.)
- Secure lab operations, including test equipment, radios, and embedded or tactical systems
- Strong documentation skills and attention to detail; ability to translate technical configurations into clear, compliant artifacts.\
- Comfortable performing hands-on “boots on the ground” IT tasks, including physical system setup, troubleshooting, and inventory/asset management
- Experience or expertise in one or more of the following: (1) EMSO (2) EW test and evaluation, (3) Military Planning (4) Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), (5) Tactical datalinks and/or military communications protocols
10% - 25% travel
Levels 3, 4
This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook
- 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field of study
- 3 years of related experience with a Masters’ degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field of study
- 0 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field of study
Please refer to our Research Faculty Technical Level Guidelines for minimum requirements at the higher levels.
Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.
Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.
Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.
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