Senior Principal Cybersecurity Specialist

Mercer University seeks a Senior Principal Cybersecurity Specialist to lead and conduct cybersecurity operations across enterprise IT, platform IT, and software development activities at the Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC). This onsite role supports mission-critical security through audits, assessments, risk management, and laboratory oversight.

Role Overview

The Senior Principal Cybersecurity Specialist directs cybersecurity operations for enterprise IT, platform IT, and software development programs. The position provides senior-level technical oversight to help ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of mission-critical systems. The role also supports organizational and mission objectives by leading multidisciplinary cybersecurity teams, projects, and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and conduct cybersecurity operations for enterprise IT, platform IT, and software development programs.
• Provide senior technical oversight to support confidentiality, integrity, and availability of mission-critical systems.
• Lead multidisciplinary cybersecurity teams, projects, and initiatives aligned to organizational and mission objectives.
• Conduct compliance audits, vulnerability assessments, and security evaluations to identify and mitigate risks.
• Establish and enforce program control processes to ensure adherence to DoD, federal, state, and local regulations, as well as MERC policy.
• Develop and maintain risk management frameworks, ensuring systems meet accreditation and certification standards.
• Research, develop, and implement new cybersecurity techniques, tools, and capabilities.
• Advise leadership on emerging threats, evolving technologies, and best practices for proactive defense.
• Support the design, validation, and continuous improvement of secure systems and software.
• Partner with program managers, engineers, and external stakeholders to integrate cybersecurity across system development and operations.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to junior cybersecurity professionals.
• Represent the organization in technical exchanges, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Oversee the operation and security of dedicated cybersecurity laboratories for research, testing, training, and evaluation.
• Design and maintain lab environments that replicate enterprise and platform IT systems for vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, and secure system validation.
• Manage lab resources, schedules, and personnel supporting multiple concurrent projects.
• Ensure lab compliance with DoD, federal, and organizational security standards, including proper handling of classified or sensitive data.
• Pilot new tools, techniques, and methodologies in the lab to support innovation and potential enterprise-wide deployment.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.
• Education and experience combination requirements: Ph.D. (ABET-accredited) in a related information security field with 9 years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree with 14 years of relevant experience; or undergraduate degree with 15 years of relevant experience.
• Nine years of experience leading/organizing cybersecurity projects and/or personnel at any level.
• Expertise requirements: expert in three of the following areas, proficient in one area, and varying levels of knowledge in the remaining areas: software security, system administration, security testing, information assurance, design, implementation, validation, and compliance.
• CompTIA Security+ C

Education

Ph.D. in a related information security field from an ABET-accredited institution, or Master’s/undergraduate alternatives as specified in the requirements.

Work Location and Schedule

• Primary job posting location: Warner Robins, GA 31088-7810 (onsite)
• Scheduled weekly hours: 40

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vacation/sick leave accrual
• Holiday pay
• Comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents)
• Generous retirement contributions
• Tuition waivers
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Technology discounts
• Schedules that allow for work-life balance

Additional Information

• Job family: Staff MERC Exempt
• EEO statement: EEO/Veteran/Disability