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MITRE · 7 hours ago

Associate Project Leader for Air Combat Command

Hampton, VA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$159K/yr - $238K/yr

8+ years exp

MITRE is a not-for-profit corporation committed to tackling the nation's toughest challenges. They are seeking an Associate Project Leader to lead the technical execution of a major portfolio supporting Air Combat Command’s digital transformation, guiding the design and operationalization of data-driven and AI-enabled capabilities.

Cyber SecurityInformation TechnologyNon ProfitQuantum ComputingSaaS

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Refine and shape the technical work program in alignment with ACC’s digital transformation priorities and MITRE’s departmental strategy—ensuring outcomes directly advance the sponsor’s vision of becoming a fully data-driven, AI-enabled organization

Translate ACC’s mission objectives into actionable technical plans, decomposing capability needs into operational, functional, and technical requirements that directly enhance mission readiness and decision advantage

Establish and track Mission Value Chains (MVCs) with Target, Threshold, and Objective (TTO) measures that connect technical outcomes to measurable operational and enterprise impacts

Leverage the full depth of MITRE’s technical capabilities, drawing on expertise across MITRE Labs in data engineering, cybersecurity, AI/ML, Zero Trust, and agile acquisition to integrate cross-domain innovation into ACC’s transformation initiatives

Build and sustain collaborations with external partners—including FFRDC, DoD innovation organizations, academia, and non-traditional vendors—to accelerate technology transition and maximize mission impact

Shape and grow the work program by identifying new opportunities that strengthen ACC’s governance, data management, and AI adoption frameworks in support of broader Air Force digital modernization goals

Work side-by-side with ACC Headquarters and mission partners to develop trusted, collaborative relationships built on technical credibility, transparency, and impact

Engage with a multi-disciplinary team integrating cyber engineers and systems architects to deliver cohesive, high-value technical outcomes across data, AI, and digital modernization domains

Foster innovation and cross-project collaboration across MITRE departments, ensuring lessons learned, leading practices, and emerging research are continuously integrated into sponsor work

Act as the technical integrator and strategic translator, ensuring MITRE’s work aligns with ACC’s mission priorities, governance direction, and operational tempo

Mentor and develop staff, promoting a culture of curiosity, adaptability, and excellence that reflects MITRE’s values of technical rigor and mission-driven innovation

Represent MITRE’s technical posture in engagements with ACC leadership, articulating how MITRE’s work advances digital transformation outcomes, risk reduction, and readiness

Lead the delivery of high-quality, data-driven technical products and recommendations that inform and enhance ACC’s digital transformation, data governance, and AI capability integration

Drive the design, integration, and operationalization of data and AI solutions that deliver measurable improvements in mission efficiency, decision advantage, and cyber resilience

Identify and elevate project risks or dependencies early, developing mitigation strategies and coordinating with leadership to ensure technical and mission continuity

Integrate research-to-operations (R2O) transition pathways, connecting MITRE Innovation Program (MIP) projects, Firefly prototypes, and MITRE Labs research to operational pilot efforts within ACC

Ensure MITRE’s technical activities are informed by the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, DoD Zero Trust principles, and threat-informed defense strategies to strengthen the Command’s resilience posture

Maintain accurate staffing plans and align team expertise with sponsor priorities, ensuring resources are optimized for mission impact

Collaborate with Department leadership to forecast workforce and skillset needs, support the next year’s work program planning, and prepare formal staffing requests that sustain mission continuity and capability growth

Qualification

CybersecurityAI/MLData governanceTechnical leadershipProject managementCommunication skillsCollaborationMentoring

Required

Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering, cybersecurity, or a related field; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience

Experience in complex technical or mission environments

Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance

Deep understanding of cyber security and defense and its implementation across enterprise and tactical environments, including: Cyber threat analysis and analytics, Threat-informed defense strategies and operations, Deception techniques and adversary emulation, Cyber risk assessment and mitigation, Application of NIST Cybersecurity Frameworks and associated DoD guidance

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable sponsor communications

Demonstrated track record of achieving significant technical or mission outcomes, whether through project leadership, program execution, or sponsor collaboration

This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site

Preferred

Active TS/SCI clearance

Knowledge of machine learning, AI analytics, and data science methodologies for operational or cyber defense applications

Expertise with MITRE's cyber tools and frameworks, including ATT&CK®, CALDERA™, D3FEND™, CORA™, and related knowledge bases

Experience applying Agile development and engineering processes to deliver iterative, testable outcomes in complex mission environments

Experience with MITRE's Project Leader processes, business systems, and internal work program management practices, including cross-sponsor collaboration and outcome measurement

Benefits

Competitive benefits

Exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth

Company

MITRE

Glassdoor2.8

The MITRE Corporation is working to solve some of the nation’s biggest challenges in defense, cybersecurity, healthcare, homeland security, the judiciary and transportation.

Founded in 1958

Bedford, Massachusetts, USA

5001-10000 employees