Principal Engineer – Industrial Cybersecurity

The Principal Engineer for Industrial Cybersecurity at The Ohio State University’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) leads large-scale industrial cybersecurity research and development while delivering customer-focused cybersecurity assistance. The role also supports curriculum development, technical standards, learning platform administration, and business development activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, lead, and execute large-scale industrial cybersecurity research and development efforts for CDME.
• Collaborate with industry partners to scope complex projects and develop detailed statements of work.
• Plan, develop, and adapt virtual cybersecurity curriculum focused on manufacturing, operational technology (OT), CMMC readiness, and trustworthy use of artificial intelligence.
• Establish technical standards for program delivery and oversee the accuracy and relevance of materials presented by staff (webinars, workshops, and events).
• Administer learning platforms and participant data systems; set programmatic goals, track key performance indicators, and drive continuous improvement in engagement and completion.
• Engage customers and associated support staff; independently manage and execute the full sales process.
• Serve as lead writer on large-scale proposals and technical reports for sponsoring agencies.
• Work with OSU faculty, CDME staff, and students to complete multi-disciplinary engineering tasks.
• Provide guidance and leadership to less experienced staff within areas of expertise.
• Execute technical engineering work using personal expertise and advanced manufacturing equipment and software, delivering innovative solutions that may establish new precedents and standards.
• Provide intensive customer cybersecurity assistance, including structured intake, OT threat-surface review, prioritized findings, 90-day action plans, and qualified referrals.
• Manage projects independently by applying developed industry knowledge and advanced understanding of technical concepts, ensuring completion within milestones, deliverable requirements, and agreed cost and schedule.
• Lead development and maintenance of partner-ready facilitator guides, implementation resources, assessment instruments, technical-assistance protocols, adaptable state and sector modules, and national replication packages.
• Support business development by researching funding opportunities, traveling to customer facilities for project meetings, and presenting research results at conferences and symposia.
• Set priorities and supervise student employees, including providing developmental opportunities, coaching, and performance evaluation.
• Support professional development and student program activities of CDME in the area of expertise.
• Ensure sufficient funding is secured to support the position and any direct reports.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Information Systems, or a related degree.
• 6 years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relevant experience must include progressively responsible work in industrial cybersecurity, operational technology, manufacturing information systems, applied research, or technical program delivery.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex multidisciplinary projects.
• Experience developing proposals, statements of work, and technical reports.
• Experience engaging industry or government sponsors.
• Ability to manage technical work to defined milestones, deliverables, budgets, and schedules is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of: industrial control systems; PLC or SCADA environments; connected manufacturing equipment; OT network architecture; cyber-physical systems; CMMC readiness; NIST SP 800-171; NIST SP 800-82; incident response; disaster recovery; or continuity of operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, or Information Systems.
• Experience with industrial equipment.
• Experience in a supervisory capacity over direct reports or processes is highly desired.
• Extensive hands-on experience in industrial cybersecurity, OT environments, or manufacturing information systems, including industrial control systems, programmable logic controllers, SCADA networks, or connected manufacturing equipment.
• Current or prior security clearance, or experience supporting defense or other regulated programs, is preferred.

Technologies and Focus Areas

• Operational technology (OT)
• CMMC readiness
• Artificial intelligence
• NIST SP 800-171
• NIST SP 800-82
• Industrial control systems
• PLC, SCADA
• OT network architecture
• Cyber-physical systems
• Incident response, disaster recovery, continuity of operations

Export Control and Eligibility

This position requires access to export-controlled data and work in an export-controlled facility. Eligibility is restricted to “U.S. persons” as defined in U.S. export control regulations.

Location and Work Details

• Location: Bevis Hall (0307), Columbus, OH (onsite)
• Position type: Regular
• Scheduled hours: 40
• Shift: First Shift

Target Hiring Range

The target hiring range for this job profile is $103,000-$134,500 per year.