Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity Lead

The Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity Lead will expand and strengthen cybersecurity across the industrial base by collaborating with industry, government, and academic stakeholders. The role blends technical evaluation, hands-on demonstration, and advisory support for OT and IT resource management.

Location and Employment Details

• Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid)
• Ability to commute: Chicago, IL (required)
• Work location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL
• Salary range: USD 100,000 to 140,000 per year

Role Summary

The OT Cybersecurity Lead serves as an operational technology security authority for research and technical assistance efforts. Responsibilities include demonstrating OT security technologies, evaluating proposals and deliverables, advising on OT/IT resource management, and communicating results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the OT cybersecurity lead for R&D and technical assistance projects, supporting engagement from early design discussions through implementation
• Evaluate incoming research proposals for technical soundness and feasibility, including assessing whether a proposed technical approach is realistic and likely to achieve intended results
• Represent the institute at arsenals, depots, shipyards, and defense manufacturing plants
• Assess OT network architectures, including Purdue model segmentation, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and historians, and identify realistic risks
• Advise manufacturing, mechanical, and industrial engineering teams on embedding security into automation and digitization projects
• Support institute leadership with scoping new OT security work and drafting technical sections of proposals
• Advise IT administrators on corporate IT/OT resource management
• Demonstrate and maintain live OT security technology demonstrations on the factory floor
• Perform other assigned duties, including supporting and evolving factory-floor OT demonstrations as new use cases arise

Required Qualifications

• 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)
• Hands-on experience with PLCs and HMI/SCADA platforms or industrial network protocols, including practical, field-level work (valuable for working with audiences that can validate real-world knowledge)
• Familiarity with ISA/IEC 62443
• Ability to review technical proposals or write technical assessments or participate in grant/contract review panels, including evaluating whether proposed approaches meet requirements and deliver intended outcomes
• Ability to work independently and make defensible risk calls when a perfect solution is not available, including recommending compensating controls when appropriate
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including comfort with public speaking
• Availability for some travel and to work onsite as required for demonstrations, site visits, and mandatory company functions
• Willingness and ability to work on a factory floor, including around industrial equipment
• Candidates based in the Chicagoland area are preferred; candidates outside the area will also be considered
• U.S. citizenship required due to contractual obligations

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Certifications such as GICSP, Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist (or higher), ISSEP, or ISC-Cert

OT and Cybersecurity Technologies

• PLCs, HMI/SCADA
• Modbus, DNP3, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET
• ISA/IEC 62443

Benefits

• 401(k) and 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan

How to Apply

Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers or use the link to the position posting.

Application Questions

• Are you authorized to work in the United States without restriction?
• This position requires U.S. Citizenship to obtain or maintain the required Facility Security Clearance (FCL). Are you a U.S. citizen?
• What is your desired salary? (The available salary range is posted in the job description.)