Vulnerability Researcher Contractor Jobs in Chelsea, MA

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. MITRE's Nuclear Weapon Systems and C2 Platforms Department is seeking an engineer with expertise in Nuclear Codes and Cryptography to join a team focused on building security into the acquisition of a modern nuclear weapon system. The selected candidate will contribute to advancing and providing cutting edge systems and resiliency engineering services for an Air Force Weapons System Program Office at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This position is located with the Sponsor at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The position could potentially be filled by a candidate located in Bedford, MA which would require additional travel to Hill AFB, UT. Responsibilities Include: * Conduct engineering analysis of contractor's proposed design the following technical / cyber areas: cybersecurity; nuclear command & control (NC2) cryptography; nuclear codes and critical signals; government and commercial cryptographic solutions, algorithms, and lifecycle support; COMSEC and key management; vulnerability analysis and mitigation development; post-quantum cryptography; and digital engineering.
* Evaluate and validate prime contractor's design for the sufficiency of NC2, non-NC2, and commercial cryptographic capabilities including hardware and software, algorithm selection, and key, nuclear code and certificate management to meet weapon system requirements and national, DoW, and Air Force cybersecurity requirements. Perform trade studies and system level tradeoffs.
* Advise senior material leaders on the use of COMSEC devices and algorithms in accordance with National Security Systems and Air Force policies. Prepare and present technical presentations and papers and present to senior Air Force leaders.
* Research cutting-edge technical capabilities and processes for understanding, assessing, and analyzing systems and technology resilience and security.
* Develop cryptographic roadmaps, modernization strategies and integration plans for the use of cryptography in an Air Force weapon system and be interoperable with STRATCOM nuclear keys & codes distribution methods. Basic Qualifications * Typically requires a minimum, of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, or related discipline; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
* Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
* U.S. Citizenship required.
* Familiarity with National Security System (NSS) cryptography and cybersecurity requirements.
* Demonstrated success in applying cybersecurity knowledge to conduct systems engineering analysis.
* Ability to clearly summarize technical concepts and research results verbally and in writings/presentations.
* Ability to work as part of a Government, FFRDC/UARC, and Contractor team to solve challenging technical problems.
* Must be a self-starter with creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities, able to function within an ambiguous and dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
* This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site. Preferred Qualifications * Experience in nuclear keys & codes, government and commercial cryptographic capabilities, algorithms, and security services and their application in a National Security System.
* Experience with quantum computing and the effects of quantum computing on cryptography and cyber security.
* Skills and commitment to building, contributing to, and sustaining high-performance teams, achieving team goals, growing trust, and collaboration.
* Experience with tools such as DOORS, Cameo, TeamCenter, STK, AFSIM, Matlab
* Experience supporting a major Department of Defense acquisition program.
* Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret level security clearance including SAP access. This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$158,800 - $198,500 - $238,200 Annual Work Location Type:
Onsite It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here . Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.