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QinetiQ US

Lead Software Engineer - Cybersecurity

QinetiQ US, Mc Lean, Virginia, us, 22107

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Company Overview We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems.

In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer with cybersecurity expertise to provide technical oversight and coordination of cybersecurity activities across multiple Integrated Project Teams (IPTs). This role serves as the primary cybersecurity technical lead, working with subcontractors responsible for cybersecurity implementation while ensuring technical adequacy, compliance, and integration across all software systems. The ideal candidate will have deep cybersecurity knowledge combined with software engineering experience to effectively evaluate cybersecurity approaches, challenge processes, and coordinate cybersecurity requirements across complex defense programs.

Responsibilities Cybersecurity Technical Oversight & Evaluation

Provide technical oversight and evaluation of subcontractor cybersecurity implementation processes, methodologies, and deliverables

Review and assess cybersecurity architectures, security controls implementation, and risk mitigation strategies proposed by subcontractors

Challenge cybersecurity approaches and validate technical adequacy of proposed solutions across all software systems

Evaluate cybersecurity testing procedures, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing methodologies

Assess compliance with cybersecurity standards and frameworks (NIST, RMF, STIG, FedRAMP) and identify gaps or deficiencies

Cross-IPT Cybersecurity Coordination

Coordinate cybersecurity requirements and implementation across Payload, Ground Systems, Network, and specialized software IPTs

Ensure consistent application of cybersecurity standards and controls across all software development efforts

Manage cybersecurity interfaces and dependencies between multiple project teams and subcontractors

Lead cybersecurity integration planning for multi-system software architectures

Facilitate cybersecurity knowledge sharing and best practice coordination across IPTs

Government Cybersecurity Process Management

Oversee subcontractor preparation of Authority to Operate (ATO) packages, System Security Plans (SSP), and cybersecurity documentation

Review and validate Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) development and remediation strategies

Coordinate cybersecurity compliance activities with government cybersecurity authorities and certification bodies

Manage cybersecurity requirement flow-down from government standards to subcontractor implementation

Support cybersecurity audits, assessments, and government reviews by providing technical evaluation and oversight

Software Security Architecture & Risk Management

Lead cybersecurity risk assessments across integrated software systems and identify cross-system security vulnerabilities

Coordinate software security architecture decisions and ensure security-by-design principles across all IPTs

Evaluate software security controls including encryption, authentication, access control, and secure communications

Assess cybersecurity impacts of software integration, interface changes, and system modifications

Lead cybersecurity technical risk identification, assessment, and mitigation planning across multiple projects

Contractor Management & Technical Evaluation

Manage technical aspects of cybersecurity subcontractor performance including deliverable quality and process adherence

Conduct technical evaluations of cybersecurity vendor capabilities, tools, and proposed solutions

Coordinate cybersecurity technical requirements with subcontractors and ensure appropriate implementation approaches

Evaluate cybersecurity cost proposals and technical approaches during contractor selection and management

Facilitate resolution of cybersecurity technical issues between subcontractors and government stakeholders

Cybersecurity Standards & Compliance Coordination

Ensure software systems meet DoD cybersecurity requirements including DISA STIGs, NIST frameworks, and RMF processes

Coordinate cybersecurity compliance activities across multiple software development efforts

Manage cybersecurity configuration management and change control processes across IPTs

Oversee cybersecurity patching strategies, vulnerability management, and incident response coordination

Support cybersecurity authorization processes and ongoing compliance monitoring

Required Qualifications Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or related technical field

12+ years of relevant software engineering experience with 5+ years in cybersecurity roles

Demonstrated experience managing cybersecurity across large-scale software programs

Cybersecurity Expertise

Deep knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and standards (NIST RMF, FISMA, FedRAMP, DISA STIGs)

Expert understanding of ATO processes, SSP development, POA&M management, and government cybersecurity authorization

Proficiency in cybersecurity risk assessment methodologies and vulnerability management

Experience with software security architecture, secure coding practices, and security testing methodologies

Knowledge of encryption, PKI, identity management, and secure communications protocols

Software Engineering & Technical Skills

Strong software engineering background with understanding of secure software development lifecycle

Experience with cybersecurity in distributed, cloud-native, and enterprise software architectures

Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and continuous security integration in software development

Understanding of network security, application security, and infrastructure security controls

Experience with cybersecurity tools evaluation and technical assessment capabilities

Leadership & Coordination Skills

Demonstrated ability to manage and evaluate cybersecurity contractors and technical service providers

Strong technical communication skills for interfacing with government cybersecurity authorities, contractors, and development teams

Experience coordinating cybersecurity activities across multiple engineering disciplines and project teams

Ability to challenge technical approaches and provide authoritative cybersecurity guidance

Conflict resolution skills for cybersecurity requirement conflicts across teams

Domain Knowledge

Knowledge of DoD cybersecurity processes and authorization requirements

Experience with government cybersecurity compliance and audit processes

Understanding of cybersecurity requirements for defense software systems deployment

Security & Travel:

Active Secret clearance required with ability to obtain higher clearances as needed

Limited travel to support cybersecurity assessments and government coordination

Preferred Qualifications Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, or related field

Professional cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CISM, CEH, Security+)

Knowledge of cybersecurity for airborne, space, or embedded defense systems

Experience with cybersecurity authorization for classified systems

Familiarity with supply chain cybersecurity and software assurance requirements

Additional Requirements:

Ability to work effectively in dynamic, fast-paced environment with multiple competing cybersecurity priorities

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex cybersecurity integration challenges

Ability to maintain technical credibility while managing cybersecurity contractors and evaluating their work

Experience working in matrix organizations coordinating cybersecurity across peer-level teams

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 4 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.