Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Cyber Resilient Capability Development Specialist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab$105K — $290K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelors in Computer Science, Engineering, or a relevant field.
  • 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity or cyber operations within critical infrastructure-related sectors.
  • 10+ years managing technical programs, preferably with DoD or IC sponsors.
  • Willingness to work approximately 75% at a sponsor site in Virginia.
  • Familiarity with operational technology systems and government regulations related to cybersecurity.
  • Knowledge of the critical infrastructure landscape, oversight organizations, and acquisition processes.
  • Strong skills in sponsor engagement and stakeholder relationship management.

Responsibilities

  • Operate at a sponsor site in Virginia, collaborating closely with government teams.
  • Develop relationships with the DoD Cyber Warfare Directorate and relevant program teams.
  • Identify sponsor needs and create compelling business development strategies.
  • Anticipate trends in critical infrastructure sectors and guide internal research accordingly.
  • Serve as a thought leader in OT cybersecurity and enhance the mission of protecting critical infrastructure.
  • Engage with executives to build trust and ensure stakeholder collaboration.
  • Monitor performance metrics and maintain operational discipline across program areas.

Benefits

  • Work within a mission-driven team focused on national security.
  • Opportunity to shape strategies for cyber resilience in critical sectors.
  • Engagement in executive-level discussions and relationship building.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge research and innovative technologies in cybersecurity.
Full Job Description
Description

We are seeking a forward-leaning leader with experience in critical infrastructure to help us develop and execute business strategies, technical concepts, and impactful capabilities in the domain of cyberspace security for operational technology (OT) systems supporting national critical assets. You'll join a mission-driven team of program managers, scientists, and engineers working to protect the Nation's most critical infrastructure, including SCADA systems in electric utilities, PLC-controlled systems in manufacturing plants, automated HVAC/BAS in secure government buildings, and defense industrial base assets.

Together, we strive to foster innovation and achieve mission impact through the application of science and technology to real-world challenges. As a member of our team, you will be a key mission partner to sponsors and stakeholders, helping to develop transformational capabilities and strategies focused on cyber resilience for National Security Systems and critical infrastructure.

As a Cyber Resilient Capability Development Specialist, you will...
  • Operate predominantly at a sponsor site in Virginia, working closely with APL's government team.
  • Develop and build out APL's relationship with DoD Cyber Warfare Directorate, working closely with APL program and line side team.
  • Spearhead strategic and tactical opportunities by identifying sponsor needs and crafting compelling business development and technical strategies for DoD, IC, state and local governments, and critical infrastructure organizations.
  • Anticipate trends in relevant critical infrastructure sectors and government departments, guiding internal research and developing custom strategies in response.
  • Serve as a thought leader in the domain of defensive cyber for OT environments and contribute to the long-term vision for protecting national critical infrastructure.
  • Lead executive-level engagements with sponsors and stakeholders to build trusted relationships.
  • Develop and track success metrics, maintaining high standards for operational discipline, performance monitoring, and monthly data-driven updates across the program area.
  • Collaborate with technical teams to lead proposal development for cyber-physical systems and OT cybersecurity initiatives.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a Bachelors in Computer Science, Engineering, or another field relevant to the duties as described above.
  • Have 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, cyber operations, or related areas in critical infrastructure, defense or intelligence sectors.
  • Have 10+ years of experience managing technical programs, ideally with DoD or IC sponsors.
  • Are willing to work (~75%) at a sponsor site in Virginia
  • Have a solid understanding of operational technology systems (e.g., SCADA, ICS) and can confidently represent technical concepts to sponsors and stakeholders, including knowledge of applicable government regulations, standards, and policies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of critical infrastructure sectors, their government oversight organizations, and associated budgets and acquisition processes-such as familiarity with CISA's Sector Risk Management Agencies (SRMAs), DOE's CESER Office, or DHS S&T investments in infrastructure resilience.
  • Are skilled in sponsor engagement.
  • Proven ability to influence prospective partners, executives, and teams.
  • Ability to network and collaborate across organizations and with external partners. Experience leading cross-organization and cross-functional teams.
  • Hold an active TS/SCI clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship. Willingness to take a full scope polygraph, per sponsor requirements.
  • Are self-driven and proactive.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Possess an advanced degree or have additional experience in critical infrastructure resilience, cybersecurity engineering, cyber-physical systems, or machine learning applications to cyber defense.
  • Hold PMP or DAWIA certification, or can obtain it within 12 months of employment.
  • Have hands-on OT product or network development experience.
  • Have a strong track record in developing long-term sponsor relationships and securing funding for large-scale technical programs ($5M-$10M).
  • Have proven ability to recruit and develop top talent.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a research and development organization that provides solutions to national security and scientific challenges. The laboratory was founded in 1942 and is located in Laurel, Maryland. APL is a division of the Johns Hopkins University and is a not-for-profit organization. The laboratory has expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, national security, and healthcare.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1942

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