Cyber Operational Testing Lead

Cardinal Engineering LLC provides world-class marine engineering services to the U.S. Navy, industry partners, and other government agencies, supporting programs of national importance. Our core capabilities include structural engineering, survivability, power and energy systems, hydrodynamics, signal processing, digital engineering, systems and software development, and rapid prototyping.

Cardinal supports the full life cycle of U.S. Navy surface ships, aircraft carriers, submarines, and submersibles—from early research and requirements development through design, engineering, testing, construction, operation, maintenance, and modernization. The company also contributes to marine renewable energy initiatives for the U.S. Department of Energy, partnering with private industry, national laboratories, and government test facilities.

Our mission is to deliver objective, technically rigorous engineering solutions and trusted, independent assessments that enable informed decision‑making through innovative and cost‑effective application of advanced technologies.

Cardinal Engineering is seeking a Cyber Operational Testing Lead to support Operational Testing (OT) and Developmental Testing (DT) activities, with an emphasis on cyber survivability testing of U.S. Navy ship systems. This position supports Navy acquisition and fleet readiness by leading the planning, execution, and assessment of cybersecurity testing, including vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and other cyber evaluation activities. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams while coordinating with government stakeholders to ensure effective and mission‑focused test execution.

• Lead and mentor a team of cyber engineers conducting cybersecurity assessments in support of Operational Testing (OT) and Developmental Testing (DT).
• Plan, coordinate, and execute cyber survivability assessments, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing activities.
• Coordinate and synchronize Blue Team (defensive cybersecurity) and Red Team (adversarial cybersecurity) operations, including test planning, rules of engagement development, and execution oversight.
• Collaborate with Participating Acquisition Resource Managers (PARMs), system owners, program offices, and operational users to align test objectives, schedules, and technical approaches.
• Develop and deliver technical briefings, status updates, and decision‑support materials for senior leadership and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Lead technical working groups, planning meetings, and technical exchange meetings.
• Document, manage, and verify Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) supporting test planning, execution, findings, and recommendations.
• Track and analyze system deficiencies, assess operational and mission impacts, and develop prioritized risk mitigation recommendations.
• Identify technical risks, dependencies, and potential conflicts; recommend solutions and support issue resolution.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and present formal out‑briefs summarizing test methodologies, results, findings, and recommendations.

• Provide technical engineering support and risk assessments to Ship Design Managers and the Aviation Systems Engineering Manager in support of Ford Class aircraft carrier design, integration, and delivery.
• Lead the Aviation Installation Coordination Team (ICT) and serve as a member of the Warfare Systems Installation Coordination Team (WSICT). Coordinate technical activities among the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Participating Acquisition Resource Managers (PARMs), Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Newport News (SUPSHIP Newport News), and the shipbuilder to resolve aviation warfare system integration issues.
• Ensure aviation warfare system hardware and software are properly installed, integrated, configured, and tested in accordance with ship construction contract requirements to support successful ship delivery.
• Coordinate rapid resolution of installation, integration, and testing issues identified during warfare system integration by leading the Installation Coordination Team and…