Operational Technology; OT) Cybersecurity Lead Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL

Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity Lead

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.

About MxD

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, designated by the Department of War (DoW). Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.

MxDis passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected.

Flexible work arrangements and unlimited paid time-off programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits

MxDprovidesits employees.

MxDembodies a strong,fast-paced, and dynamic working environment while also fostering curiosity and innovation.

Position Overview

The OT Cybersecurity Lead works with industry, government, and academic stakeholders on projects that expand and improve cybersecurity across the industrial base. The role requires credibility on both sides of the conversation - security and manufacturing. The ideal candidate uses their knowledge of OT to demonstrate security technology in industrial environments, vet proposals, sit on technical review panels, evaluate deliverables, and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

This person will use their credibility in manufacturing and their expertise in security to advocate for the adoption of security technology and practices. This position reports to the Director of Cybersecurity.

Position Responsibilities

• Serve as the OT cybersecurity lead for R&D and technical assistance projects, from early design conversations through implementation
• Evaluate incoming research proposals for technical soundness and feasibility, including assessing whether a performer's (grant/contract applicant's) proposed technical approach is realistic and likely to produce the intended results
• Represent the institute at arsenals, depots, shipyards, and defense manufacturing plants
• Assess OT network architectures (Purdue model segmentation, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, historians) and identify realistic risks
• Advise manufacturing, mechanical, and industrial engineering staff on how to build security into automation and digitization projects
• Support institute leadership in scoping new OT security work and writing the technical sections of proposals
• Demonstrate and maintain live demonstrations of OT security technologies on the factory floor
• Other duties as required, including supporting and evolving factory-floor OT demonstrations as new use cases arise

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in industrial, mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering, or computer science; or 6+ years of direct, hands-on OT or industrial automation experience in lieu of a degree (Preferred)
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with PLCs, HMI/SCADA platforms, or industrial network protocols (Modbus, DNP3, Ether Net/IP, PROFINET) - practical, field-level experience is valued as much as formal credentials, since this role regularly works with audiences who can quickly spot someone who only knows the material from a book
• Familiarity with ISA/IEC 62443
• GICSP, Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist (or higher), ISSEP, or ISC-Cert, preferred
• Experience reviewing technical proposals, writing technical assessments, or serving on a grant/contract review panel - e.g., evaluating whether a performer's proposed approach to meeting requirements is sound and will deliver the intended results
• Ability to work independently and make defensible risk calls in the absence of a perfect