Secret Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

Insight Global is seeking a Principal Cyber Systems Engineer for a top Defense client. This candidate will drive the integration of cybersecurity, system survivability, and secure engineering practices into mission-critical DoD tactical systems. The ideal candidate will leverage Systems Security Engineering principles to influence requirements development, system architecture, program protection strategies, and acquisition milestones throughout the system lifecycle. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, this individual will help ensure cybersecurity is engineered into the foundation of advanced defense capabilities while supporting programs operating in highly contested cyber environments. This is an excellent opportunity for a cleared cyber professional looking to make a significant impact on national defense systems and acquisition programs.

Day-to-Day:

• Drive integration of cybersecurity and cyber survivability requirements into DoD tactical systems
• Apply Systems Security Engineering (SSE) principles across the full system lifecycle
• Support requirements development, architecture design, verification, validation, and deployment activities
• Develop secure, resilient system architectures for contested cyber environments
• Lead Program Protection efforts including AT, SCRM, and Software Assurance initiatives
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and engineer mitigation strategies early in system development
• Collaborate with software, hardware, systems engineering, and DevSecOps teams
• Participate in engineering reviews, milestone decisions, and risk assessments
• Ensure cybersecurity is incorporated into system design from inception rather than compliance-driven implementation
• Support DoD acquisition programs with technical cyber expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related STEM field
• 5+ years of Systems Engineering, Cyber Systems Engineering, or Systems Security Architecture experience supporting DoD programs
• Experience supporting the DoD acquisition lifecycle
• Experience providing technical input for engineering reviews, program milestones, and V&V activities
• Experience leading Program Protection capability development
• Knowledge of Anti-Tamper (AT), Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), and Software Assurance
• Ability to develop and analyze system-level security architectures
• Strong understanding of secure engineering design principles
• Current IAT/IAM Level III or DoD 8570 IASAE Level II compliant certification (e.g., CISSP)
• Active DoD Secret Clearance
• Experience integrating cyber survivability requirements into complex system architectures
• Familiarity with NIST SP 800-160 Systems Security Engineering principles

Nice to Have Skills & Experience

Master’s degree in a technical field Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) experience Experience with MBSE tools and methodologies Experience supporting a Navy acquisition program office Experience with DevSecOps pipelines Familiarity with SonarQube, Fortify, or similar security tools

This position requires a U.S. Secret Security clearance and is willing to pay between $130,000-$195,000 depending on experience and qualifications., Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.