Cyber Systems Analyst, Operational Technology Focus

Come and help defend the nation in cyberspace! In the Cyber Operations & Analysis Technology Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, we research challenging technical problems in cyber security, develop new technologies, and prototype first-of-a-kind systems. We have particular focus on enabling human operators and improving operational systems, orienting our work toward strong practical impact.

We work across a variety of cutting‑edge national‑security applications:

• Quantifying risk posed by adversary cyber threats to key national security missions
• Enhancing the cyber security and resilience of critical infrastructure and other operational technology
• Protecting and defending U.S. weapon systems in cyber contested environments
• Helping the nation’s cyber operators do their jobs better, faster, and at greater scale
• Creating game‑changing capabilities for defensive cyberspace operations

As an interdisciplinary group, we innovate by drawing insights from computer science, software engineering, data engineering, data science, artificial intelligence/machine learning, electrical engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, and allied technical fields. We collaborate with research partners across MIT, offering frequent opportunities to team and learn in new areas. If you want a career in R&D with the opportunity to have real impact on important problems, join us!

• Analyzing OT systems and systems that use OT, informed by both the missions they support and potential threats, to discover and communicate cyber risk to mission.
• Applying systems‑level thinking to understand mission impacts and threats to systems that intersect with OT, or go beyond OT.
• Diving deep with real data and systems.
• Proposing novel solutions to enhance cyber resilience and defensibility, and prototyping solution concepts as appropriate.
• Collaborating with a dynamic team to rapidly acquire new skills and apply them to emerging application areas, expanding your technical capabilities and expertise.
• Contributing to project leadership, technical execution, and knowledge sharing through publications, presentations, and other community engagement activities.
• Participating in a culture of continuous learning and growth, with opportunities to advance as a researcher and technical expert.

• A degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related technical field and work experience.
  • PhD degree, with experience preferred in applying skills beyond a pure research environment.
  • Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant technical experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of relevant technical experience.
• Experience with Operational Technology, which can include embedded systems, IC/SCADA, Facility‑Related Control Systems (FRCS) and/or weapon systems.
• Experience with standard OT protocols and technology stacks (e.g., modbus, DNP3).
• Cyber security experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including technical communication for non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on difficult, open‑ended problems in cyber security and operations with interdisciplinary technical teams.
• Motivation to identify underlying technical problems and investigate solutions proactively.

Is desired but not required, with research experience especially valued.

• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, Java, or similar.
• Mathematical or statistical modeling and problem‑solving.
• Participation in Capture‑the‑Flag or similar events, especially if they have an OT focus.
• Critical U.S. government systems and/or cyber operations.

• Selected candidate will be subject to a pre‑employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret‑level DoD security clearance.
• Must be within commutable distance of Lexington, Massachusetts.
• This is a technical staff position conducting R&D in cyber security. Applicants looking for IT or Information Systems Security roles should look for other opportunities in those roles available at Lincoln Laboratory.

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000

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