Cybersecurity Software Engineer - GTRI - CIPHER - Open Rank

Project/Unit Description

A full-time, permanent position is available as a Cybersecurity Software Engineer within the Command and Control Mission Assurance Division (C2MA) in the CIPHER Lab at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). C2MA develops cyber-resilient C4ISR systems for tactical and operational environments. The Division designs, tests, and fields new technologies and architectures, including secure network enclaves, virtualization, multi-level security, and adaptive quality of service management. C2MA has around 100 employees providing analysis, research and development supporting mission-critical command and control systems and associated testing and development efforts. The team is distributed across multiple sites in the Atlanta area, with field offices in San Diego, Phoenix, Orlando, and Utah.

Job Purpose

The Cyber Security Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests cybersecurity software in languages such as Java, C, and C++. The Cyber Security Software Engineer requires extensive knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems in order to apply engineering principles to software creation. The necessary skill areas for the Cyber Security Software Engineer include programming and coding, fundamentals of computer science, design and architecture, algorithms and data structures, information analysis, debugging software, and testing software. The Cyber Security Software Engineer also creates novel cyber security technology components and software to ensure that critical systems and information are resilient to cyber exploits and attacks. The researcher also performs attendant vulnerability assessments, analysis, and software engineering and design. The Cyber Security Software Engineer also develops hardware and software prototypes, and tests those prototypes in realistic environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test secure software using C#, Java, C++ or similar
• Create novel cybersecurity technology components to defend against cyber exploits
• Conduct software and code reviews ensuring adherence to standards and best practices
• Develop kernel and user-level software with security-first design principles
• Contribute to the development of Continuous Integration and Continuous Development (CI/CD) processes using DevOps and DevSecOps principles
• Implement Infrastructure as Code to maintain Linux environments
• Use Ansible and Terraform to deploy and configure systems
• Perform vulnerability assessments and validate security controls (STIGs, CMMC)
• Participate in Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes
• Document software installation, configuration, and dataflows for accreditation
• Translate business needs into technical requirements and system designs
• Integrate custom and third-party components across complex systems
• Partner with multidisciplinary engineering teams and government sponsors
• Deliver technical briefings to diverse audiences
• Contribute to proposals, white papers, and research reports
• Mentor junior engineers (senior-level candidates)

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, CentOS or Fedora
• Proficiency in C#, Java, C++, or similar high-level languages
• DevSecOps automation and testing frameworks (Cypress or similar)
• Virtualization technologies (vmware) and Infrastructure as Code (Ansible, Terraform)
• Experience with software design, architecture, debugging, and testing
• Ability to investigate, reproduce, and resolve technical problems
• Demonstrated ability to independently acquire new technical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to thrive in collaborative team environments
• Proven ability to work across multiple technical areas

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance
• 5+ years of relevant technical experience
• Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) development or operations
• RMF process and Security Controls Traceability Matrix (SCTM) experience
• Technical leadership, project management, or mentorship experience
• SELinux and security-hardened system configuration
• Networking and system administration background
• Experience with regulatory compliance and proposal development

Travel Requirements


Education and Length of Experience

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity or related.
• 0 years of related experience with a Masters' degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity or related.

U.S. Citizenship Requirements


Clearance Type Required

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Benefits at GTRI

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link:

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia ("USG") and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual's race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at _personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at