Secure Computing Engineer - ELSYS - Tucson, AZ - (Open Rank)
The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Founded in 1934, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry. GTRI's researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.
About the Unit
The Electronic Systems Laboratory (ELSYS) Applied Embedded Systems (AES) Division is currently seeking an Information Cybersecurity Engineer for the Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) Platform & Training Branch (EPTB). EPTB provides engineering and technical support for EMSO platforms, including the U.S. Air Force (USAF) EA-37B Compass Call and legacy EC-130H Compass Call platforms. Engineers provide 24/7/365 EMSO mission system rapid reprogramming support, development, integration, testing, and fielding of EMSO hardware/software tools for deployment of advanced missionware/applications. EPTB also delivers tailored Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) and EMSO education and training to U.S. Military personnel, Government civilians, and U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) partner nations. This role supports the 55th Electronic Combat Group (55 ECG) and the EC-130H/EA-37B Compass Call at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMAFB), Tucson, AZ.
Purpose
Architect, design, implement, and maintain classified computer systems/networks and cybersecurity solutions for government enclaves. Identify and define cybersecurity objectives and controls, develop automated security validation toolsets, conduct risk assessments, and perform vulnerability analysis. Integrate new architectural features, create cybersecurity artifacts, and provide forensic incident response. Serve as a cybersecurity consultant for GTRI systems and projects, defining controls, monitoring threats, and ensuring compliance with security requirements.
Responsibilities
- Design system architecture (compute, hardware/virtual, OS, storage, networking, security).
- Translate researcher IT needs into scalable solutions and contribute to CI/CD processes using DevOps/DevSecOps principles.
- Implement cross-domain data exchange and Infrastructure as Code.
- Manage virtual machines and validate security control configurations (e.g., STIGS, CMMC).
- Collaborate with customers and external teams, derive tasks from requirements, and provide software/code reviews.
- Act as gatekeeper for infrastructure-as-code merges and enforce coding standards.
- Perform cybersecurity tasks across the application development lifecycle, including ISSM-like duties (documentation, tracking).
- Develop and maintain RMF/ATO artifacts (SSP, POA&Ms, procedures, checklists).
- Provide hands-on IT support for classified equipment (SDKs/HDKs, trainers, radios, test equipment, encrypted media).
- Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot secure workstations, servers, and lab systems in classified environments.
- Handle, label, track, and sanitize classified/CUI media per policies.
- Support security assessments, audits, vulnerability management, and mitigation implementation.
- Coordinate cybersecurity packages with stakeholders (DoW, USAF, Intelligence Community, contractors).
- Participate in incident response, technical reviews, and user training/awareness activities.
- Assist with design reviews, user training, and compliance briefings.
Requirements
- Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.
- Hands-on experience with:
- Managing/supporting secure/classified IT systems (workstations, lab equipment, secure networks).
- Implementing/documenting security controls (DoD, NIST, or similar frameworks).
- Preparing/maintaining cybersecurity documentation (SSPs, POA&Ms, system diagrams).
- RMF processes and ATO/authorization activities.
- Ability to work on-site in secure areas and handle classified materials per regulations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance.
- DoD 8570/8140-compliant certification (e.g., Security+, CySA+, CASP+, CISSP).
- Experience with USAF or US Military cybersecurity processes (e.g., 645th Aeronautical Systems Group, 16th Air Force, ACC, HAF).
- Experience with developmental/operational test (DT/OT) environments and classified test data.
- Familiarity with:
- Windows/Linux system administration in secure environments.
- Networking concepts (firewalls, VLANs, VPNs).
- Secure lab operations (test equipment, radios, embedded/tactical systems).
- Expertise in EMSO, EW test/evaluation, military planning, SIGINT, or tactical datalinks/military communications protocols.
- Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
- Comfort with hands-on IT tasks (physical setup, troubleshooting, inventory management).
Travel
10% - 25% travel.
Education and Experience
- 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field.
- 3 years of related experience with a Master’s degree in the above fields.
- 0 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in the above fields.
U.S. citizenship required due to federal research contracts.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits including health/welfare, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, time off, and professional development. Learn more.