Technical Director - Threat Analysis

About us:

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 CERT Cyber Threat Analysis (TA) Directorate conducts research and development activities to identify, analyze, coordinate disclosure, and mitigate vulnerabilities in systems and software. The TA Directorate is currently comprised of two teams: Malware Analysis and Vulnerability Analysis. The Malware Analysis team works to improve cyber-tradecraft analysis within strategic target communities to counter adversarial use of the Internet and related technologies. The Vulnerability Analysis team (home of the CERT Coordination Center) works with an expansive network of vendors, partners, and collaborators to reduce the societal harm of vulnerable software and systems.

About the role:

Are you knowledgeable and enthusiastic about leading technical efforts in support of the US Federal Government and Department of Defense? Are you a cybersecurity thought leader seeking a place to combine your passion with an opportunity to have a direct impact on national security? Do you have broad experience setting technical direction for a cybersecurity team, including managing financials, business development, and people management? If the answer is yes, you may be a great fit for our organization!

Who you are:

• A skilled strategic thinker and community builder with relevant subject knowledge and expertise, organization knowledge, and awareness of customer and stakeholder needs. Using these skills, you will make efficient and effective use of directorate and SEI resources, aligning them to a strategic vision and the goals and initiatives required to achieve division and directorate success.
• Have proven experience conducting and leading technical efforts in support of the US Federal Government and Department of Defense; have experience managing technical teams; are self-directed; have a track record of creating interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving; have experience in coordinating and collaborating with diverse organizational and technical entities; and demonstrate exceptionally strong presentation and writing skills. You are an effective communicator, with ability to interact with clients and staff of all levels in a highly professional and proficient manner.
• Have experience building and leading diverse and multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Have solid understanding of how DoD and related government organizations fund and conduct research and innovation. A qualified candidate will be knowledgeable about the current DoD innovation ecosystem and how a software and cybersecurity-focused Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) at a major research university can and should fit into that ecosystem.
• Have extensive knowledge of: information technology, networking, and telecommunications; network security, survivability, and resiliency concepts and issues; vulnerability analysis and coordinated vulnerability disclosure, systems and/or software engineering; project planning and management; US Government and DoD cybersecurity tools, techniques, methods, operations, policies, and directives.
• Have exceptional communications skills, with the ability to present technical information to customers, stakeholders, and SEI staff. You are an effective communicator, with the ability to interact with clients and staff of all levels in a highly professional and proficient manger.
• Have ability to meet inflexible deadlines with frequent interruptions.
• Have a BS in computer science, software engineering, information systems, or a related field, with ten (10) years of relevant experience. A MS degree in a relevant field is desired, as is a CISSP or similar cybersecurity certification.
• Comfortable with ~25% travel to customer sites and conferences
• You will be a subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.
  

What you’ll do:

• Manage the execution of the TA directorate’s project work plan (PWP) customer and line-funded portfolio of work; set goals and objectives for operational and functional activities; identify risks and define risk mitigation strategies; coordinate with peer CERT directorates and across the SEI and CMU to execute the work.
• Manage and or supervise a group of approximately 25, including activities related to performance management, salary adjustments, task assignments, and setting a positive tone and culture within the group.
• Develop, communicate, and implement the Threat Analysis Directorate technical strategy.
• Identify, develop, execute, and cultivate long-term funded engagements and collaborative relationships/partnerships.
• Cultivate a positive culture with defined expectations for performance and teamwork.
• Build a diverse body of work sufficient to advance the Directorate’s technical strategy.
• Ensure that Directorate work is delivered on time, within budget, and meets or exceeds quality criteria.
• Attract, hire, develop, and retain staff; build community; develop leaders.
• Represent the CERT technical portfolio of work and operations; communicate and negotiate with external and internal customers and collaborators.
  

Our benefits

Our benefits philosophy encompasses three driving priorities: choice, control and well-being. Through Carnegie Mellon University, SEI offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits to help you live well, including comprehensive health insurance, tuition benefits, and a generous PTO and retirement savings policy to name a few.

To learn more, visit these resources:

• Why Carnegie Mellon to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Benefits at Glance to get a listing of all employee benefits.
• Staff Member Benefits to get detailed information about benefits for employees who are not faculty.
  

Why work here?

1. Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.

2. Get 8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to make a contribution yourself.

3. Get tuition benefits to CMU for you and your dependent children.

4. Get access to university resources including campus fitness facilities, mindfulness programs, child care, free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System, etc.

5. Enjoy annual professional development opportunities to attend conferences and training or obtain a certification.

6. Get relocation assistance.

CMU’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: As a condition of employment, Carnegie Mellon University requires all staff and faculty working in the United States to be fully vaccinated, including a booster when eligible, against COVID-19. Prior to commencement of employment, new hires in the United States must provide proof of vaccination or obtain an approved exemption. (Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or for religious or strong moral or ethical conviction.) Those granted an exemption must comply with all applicable COVID-19 mitigation requirements. The most up-to-date information on CMU's COVID-19 mitigation requirements can be found here: Minimum Requirements to Return to Campus .

Location

Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

University Administration and Management

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

• Please visit “ Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  
  
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  
  
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .
  
  
• Statement of Assurance