The Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (CMU SEI) is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Within the SEI, the CERT® Division of the SEI is a leader in cybersecurity and partners with government, industry, law enforcement, and academia to improve the security and resiliency of computer systems and networks.
The Technical Director, Cybersecurity Innovations and Initiatives (TD/CII) will lead the CERT Program Development Office and coordinate CERT’s strategic mission partner pursuits, the fielding of technology innovations, and community outreach efforts. The TD/CII will be responsible for the proactive identification, qualification, and pursuit of a portfolio of new and existing engagements that support the CERT technical and program development strategies (representing an annual revenue of approximately $80M) in support CERT’s research and technical strategy. CERT partnerships and revenue are comprised of a mix of Department of Defense (DoD), Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB), and Intelligence Community mission partners and stakeholders, with a smaller amount of private sector and academic funded collaborations.
In leading CERT Program Development efforts, the TD/CII will recognize and link mission partner and community demand to current and future CERT technical capabilities and applied research and development efforts. The Technical Director will lead efforts to coordinate with CERT and SEI technical staff in developing novel and effective alternatives and approaches to meeting mission partner requirements and needs, supporting CERT and SEI technical objectives, and complying with FFRDC and CMU processes and procedures. Successful funded engagements include applied research, prototype development, operational cyber support and guidance, capacity building, and technology transition.
The Technical Director will across CERT directorates and the SEI to ensure that the necessary program, project, financial, and risk management assistance is provided in support of planned and ongoing CERT technical and operational projects. The TD/CII will maintain awareness of emerging capabilities generated by foundational research and, in conjunction with the CTO and Chie Engineer, guide efforts to align foundational and applied research and development efforts to enhance mission partner success. The Technical Director will be responsible for defining, coordinating, and executing activities targeting measuring, improving and maintaining quality and consistency within CERT and SEI deliverables, products, and services. The D/CII will work with the CERT Director, Deputy Director, and the other CERT and SEI Technical Directors to define and develop program/project practices, processes, and internal policy to ensure alignment with SEI and CERT strategy and goals. The D/CII will also lead CERT’s strategic communications and marketing activities, working in collaboration with others in CERT and the SEI community. The Director is charged with executing the CERT outreach strategy, including, but not limited to, professional technical organizations, internal and external webinars, public relations placement of CERT personnel for articles and interviews, and conferences & trade shows.
The TD/CII will use their experience in the acquisition and development of large Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and/or FCEB government software-intensive systems to support program development, mission partner relationship management, program/project management, and strategic planning activities. The Director communicates and regularly interacts with external stakeholders (mission partners, collaborators, sponsors) and internal stakeholders (technical teams, support services, technology transfer) at various levels. The TD/CII may also represent CERT, SEI, and CMU at a variety of technical venues, forums, and working groups. Ultimately, Director, Cybersecurity Innovations and Initiatives performs these roles to position CERT and SEI to increase mission impact and advance CERT’s technical strategy and research interests.
The Director will occasionally serve as a technical contributor on select CERT and SEI projects.
Minimum Requirements:
Educational Requirements:
- BS in a related field with a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience.
- An advanced degree in a relevant technical field or an advanced degree in a business-related field with experience leading complex programs/projects is strongly preferred.
- You will be subject to a background check and must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance. Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.
Work Experience Requirements:
Developing and executing business strategies and opportunities collaborating with senior executives, technical management, and technical staff Engaging in research, operations, and transition activities with DoD, FCEB agencies, industry, and academia; working knowledge of how DoD and related government organizations fund and conduct research, innovation, and tech transition Communicating and marketing through professional organizations, webinars, public relations, and conferences and trade shows Experience in leading the creation and execution of strategic planning activities Demonstrated experience in successfully leading diverse, multi-disciplinary groups.
Type of Required Experience:
Ability to communicate the major initiatives, research interests, and priorities within the CERT Division, including the following areas of work: AI/ML security, cyber workforce development, monitoring and response, cyber security foundations, risk and resilience, security automation, and threat analysis Ability to represent the SEI and CERT to senior government and industry leaders and technologists to elicit and distill capability gaps and needs and translate those needs against SEI and CERT technology focus areas Ability to work with technical staff to articulate tailored approaches, goals, schedules, and funding commitments Ability to define and assess business development activities to achieve programmatic, technical, and operational goals Ability to recognize and deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information Ability to provide leadership skills working with medium-to-large technical and operational teams Ability to utilize strong reasoning and problem-solving skills Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in written and oral form Ability to work independently and be self-sufficient, while recognizing the need for teamwork to achieve team goals
Licenses/Certifications:
Certified Project Management Professional (preferred) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or similar (preferred)
Responsibilities
- Mission Partner and Stakeholder Engagement: TD/CII will regularly engage with mission partners and stakeholders. TD/CII will represent the CERT Division portfolio by presenting and showcasing our work to mission partners, sponsors, and stakeholders. Will help build and maintain relationships with the DoD, IC, and FCEB cybersecurity innovation and technology ecosystems including relevant mission, research, and technology development communities.
- Portfolio Management and Growth: Will establish strategic business development goals and plans and implement actions to achieve goals. TD/CII will contribute to the CERT and SEI’s continual process of planning, developing, and carrying out an overall business and technology strategy. TD/CII will work closely with/as a member of the SEI CERT Division leadership team to strengthen and grow the business, technical, and operational capabilities of the division and the larger institute to increase the impact of our work for mission partners and grow an increasingly meaningful portfolio of work.
- Leadership and Management: TD/CII will be a key member of the division leadership team and will manage a team of technical program developers. Will strengthen and grow their team as the division’s portfolio of work grows to support our mission partners. TD/CII will establish goals, objectives, and plans to sustain and grow a well-aligned and high-impact portfolio of work.
- Collaboration: TD/CII will represent SEI products and services, and actively engage with our staff and government customers in various forums to understand their challenges, needs, and offer potential solutions. Will contribute to improving our technical capabilities by sharing their knowledge and insight
- Process Improvement: TD/CII will identify and suggest improvements to how we engage our customers, execute our work, develop our people, and function as a leading-edge research and development lab.
Location
Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff – Regular
Full time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information: