Energy Control Systems Cybersecurity Analyst

The Energy Systems Group is part of the Homeland Protection Division and focuses on assisting the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security in securing the nation from energy-related threats. Our group works on diverse programs including domestic and tactical military base energy resilience, microgrids - energy systems that can operate independently from the bulk electric grid, cyber security of control systems that interface with energy systems, and development of advanced energy technologies. The group leads systems analysis efforts focusing on the gaps between infrastructure and operational requirements, executes live exercises for testing energy and cyber resilience posture, builds hardware-in-the-loop and real-time simulation platforms, does basic and applied research on technologies, and fields functional prototypes. Projects are typically conducted in a small team environment, leveraging expertise from within Lincoln Laboratory and MIT campus to successfully execute nationally important and cutting-edge efforts.

Job Description

 The Energy Systems Group is interested in candidates with experience and interest in the cybersecurity of control systems, control system architectures, and power systems interfaces to increase the resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure. The candidate hired for this position will work with teams of cross-disciplinary scientists and engineers to assess existing systems and capabilities, rapidly develop and deploy technology solutions to operators, and provide guidance to senior leaders in the U.S. government.

Responsibilities

• Work with a team to analyze and develop architectures, software, and security controls to increase the resilience of energy control systems that interface with microgrid equipment, protection relays, generators, critical loads, batteries, solar, and power converters.
• Work hands-on with our existing power system control system testbeds to develop algorithms, perform data analysis, interface software with hardware devices, and manage the resulting data.
• Travel to Department of Defense installations to determine existing capabilities, design mission and system tests, and to improve the security and resilience of those systems.

Required

• Doctoral degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field or a Master's degree with 2-5+ years of work experience
• Experience reverse engineering or performing vulnerability assessments of control systems
• Proficient at high-level programming languages (e.g., Python, Matlab) and real-time hardware and simulation platforms (e.g., RTDS, OPAL-RT, Typhoon)
• Knowledge to develop, implement, test and evaluate new algorithms and concepts
• Ability to work effectively with a high level of uncertainty and conflicting or limited information
• Ability to quickly learn new technical areas and apply that knowledge to solve challenging problems
• The ability to clearly present complicated technical concepts to a wide range of audiences

Desired

• Familiarity with electrical infrastructure and documentation (e.g., one-line diagrams)
• Familiarity with industrial control system protocols (e.g., Modbus, IEC 61850, DNP3, OPC, BACnet) and network analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark or Zeek)
• Knowledge of system programming languages (e.g., C/C++, Rust, or Go)
• Familiarity with zero trust architecture concepts and principles
• Familiarity with relevant control system and cybersecurity frameworks and guidelines (e.g., NIST 800-82r3, UFC 4-0101-6, NIST 800-207, DODI 8510.01)
• Familiarity with architecting and provisioning cloud services, particularly using Infrastructure-as-Code methodologies and tools
• Familiarity with any of the following security areas:
  • Basic cryptographic principles and their practical application (e.g., ECC, RSA, JWT)
  • Penetration testing, adversary emulation, or red team operations
  • Anomaly or intrusion detection techniques and systems

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options
• ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 41707 

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