Mid-Level OT/IT Network & Cybersecurity Engineer

Leidos is a global science and technology company dedicated to solving complex challenges in the defense, aviation, information technology, and biomedical research sectors. The company prides itself on innovation, advanced engineering, and delivering mission-critical solutions that improve the way governments and businesses operate securely and efficiently. Leidos is recognized for its commitment to forward-thinking technology, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity, data analytics, and connected systems.

The Health and Services Sector within Leidos is currently seeking a Mid-Level OT/IT Network and Cybersecurity Engineer to join the Saxton Lab Team. Located in McLean, VA, the Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory (STOL) is a USDOT research facility that advances the science and technology behind connected and automated vehicles as well as digital roadway infrastructure. STOL's mission is to enhance transportation safety, mobility, and environmental outcomes by pushing innovation boundaries, conducting rigorous testing, and demonstrating cutting-edge transportation communication technologies in real-world conditions. This includes vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, alongside cooperative driving automation. The lab is distinguished by its culture of initiative, curiosity, collaboration, and a profound public service commitment.

This mid-level engineer role is vital for maintaining the operational technology (OT) and IT infrastructure that supports the lab's sophisticated connected-vehicle testbeds and research experiments. The position involves ownership of network design, construction, operation, security, and cybersecurity across both OT and IT systems to ensure maximum reliability and protection of these critical research assets. The responsibilities extend to maintaining the cybersecurity posture of industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology environments while facilitating the lab’s groundbreaking transportation cybersecurity research initiatives. Operating within the lab's Operations team and a matrix organizational structure, this engineer partners closely with researchers and project engineers to enable seamless testing campaigns and demonstrations that directly impact national transportation technology efforts.

The role prioritizes expertise in OT/IT network engineering and cybersecurity operations, including practical experience managing VLAN segmentation, firewall policies, routing, wireless distribution, and fiber/copper cabling. It also involves stewardship of security frameworks such as the Purdue Model and NIST standards tailored to a dynamic research environment. The incumbent will set up and manage cybersecurity elements like PKI and SCMS credentialing for V2X communications, conduct vulnerability assessments, handle incident response protocols, and maintain secure and reliable network infrastructure for both lab and field sites.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $110,000 to $130,000 annually, commensurate with experience, while providing a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision insurance, a retirement plan, and paid time off. Candidates must be able to work full-time on-site in McLean, VA, maintain a Public Trust clearance—which requires three years of continuous U.S. residency—and hold a valid driver’s license. This is a unique career opportunity to work at the forefront of transportation technology, contributing to pioneering federal research projects within a fast-paced and mission-driven environment. The role also promises career growth at the rare intersection of OT networking, V2X communications, and cybersecurity within the federal transportation research sector.