Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity Lead

Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity Lead 

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.  

About MxD 

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, designated by the Department of War (DoW). Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.   

MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected.  Flexible work arrangements and unlimited paid time-off programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides its employees.  MxD embodies a strong, fast-paced, and dynamic working environment while also fostering curiosity and innovation.    

Position Overview 

The OT Cybersecurity Lead works with industry, government, and academic stakeholders on projects that expand and improve cybersecurity across the industrial base. The role requires credibility on both sides of the conversation — security and manufacturing. The ideal candidate uses their knowledge of OT to demonstrate security technology in industrial environments, vet proposals, sit on technical review panels, evaluate deliverables, and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. This person will use their credibility in manufacturing and their expertise in security to advocate for the adoption of security technology and practices. This position reports to the Director of Cybersecurity. 

Position Responsibilities 

• Serve as the OT cybersecurity lead for R&D and technical assistance projects, from early design conversations through implementation  
• Evaluate incoming research proposals for technical soundness and feasibility, including assessing whether a performer's (grant/contract applicant's) proposed technical approach is realistic and likely to produce the intended results  
• Represent the institute at arsenals, depots, shipyards, and defense manufacturing plants  
• Assess OT network architectures (Purdue model segmentation, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, historians) and identify realistic risks 
• Advise manufacturing, mechanical, and industrial engineering staff on how to build security into automation and digitization projects  
• Support institute leadership in scoping new OT security work and writing the technical sections of proposals  
• Advise IT administrators on corporate IT/OT resource management  
• Demonstrate and maintain live demonstrations of OT security technologies on the factory floor 
• Other duties as required, including supporting and evolving factory-floor OT demonstrations as new use cases arise  

 Position Requirements 

• Bachelor's degree in industrial, mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering, or computer science; or 6+ years of direct, hands-on OT or industrial automation experience in lieu of a degree (Preferred)  
• Master’s degree in relevant discipline, preferred 
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with PLCs, HMI/SCADA platforms, or industrial network protocols (Modbus, DNP3, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET) — practical, field-level experience is valued as much as formal credentials, since this role regularly works with audiences who can quickly spot someone who only knows the material from a book  
• Familiarity with ISA/IEC 62443  
• GICSP, Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist (or higher), ISSEP, or ISC-Cert, preferred 
• Experience reviewing technical proposals, writing technical assessments, or serving on a grant/contract review panel — e.g., evaluating whether a performer's proposed approach to meeting requirements is sound and will deliver the intended results  
• Ability to work independently and make defensible risk calls in the absence of a perfect solution — for example, recommending a compensating control over a more widely implemented solution when that's the right tradeoff for the environment  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable with public speaking   
• Must be available for some travel and to work onsite as required for demonstrations, site visits, and mandatory company functions 
• Must be willing and able to work on a factory floor, including around industrial equipment 
• Candidates based in the Chicagoland area are preferred; however, candidates outside the area will also be considered 
• U.S. citizenship is required for this position due to contractual obligations 

Salary Range:  $100,000 to $140,000 

How to Apply  

• Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting.   

Work with Us   

• MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.  

• Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.  

• MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options; additionally, we have free parking available for employees.  

Flexible Work Policy   

• MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.  

Equal Opportunity Employer  

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.   

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens to be eligible for this position. This position does not offer employment visa sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, TN, O-1) support now or in the future. This position is not eligible for candidates on temporary work authorization (e.g., OPT, STE OPT, CPT). 

Accommodations Statement   

• We recognize that individuals may require different types of accommodations to perform their jobs effectively. We encourage candidates who need accessibility assistance or have specific needs to apply and reach out to us.   

Accommodations Include:   

• Application Process: If you need assistance with the application process due to a disability or other accessibility needs, please contact our People & Culture department at [email protected]. To the extent possible, we are happy to provide alternative formats for our application materials or support you through the process.   

• Interview Process: If you require any accommodations for the interview process, such as assistive technology, modified interview formats, or additional time, please let us know in advance. We are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible interview experience.   

• Workplace Accommodations: Once employed, employees can request reasonable accommodations to perform their job duties. This may include adjustments to workstations, flexible scheduling, or other modifications. Please contact the People & Culture department to discuss your needs. We strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.