Senior Principal Cybersecurity Specialist at Mercer University in Warner Robins, GA

Job description

Application Instructions: External Applicants: Please upload your resume on the Apply screen. Your application will automatically populate your resume details, and you may verify and update data on the My Information page. IMPORTANT: Please review the job posting and load ALL documents required in the job posting to the Resume/CV document upload section at the bottom of the My Experience application page. Use the Select Files button to add multiple documents including your Resume/CV, references, cover letter, and any other supporting documents required in the job posting. The " My Experience" page is the only opportunity to add your required supporting document attachments. You will not be able to modify your application after you submit it . Current Mercer University Employees : Apply from your existing Workday account. Do not apply from the external careers website . Log in to Workday and type Jobs Hub in the search bar. Locate the position and click Apply . Job Title: Senior Principal Cybersecurity Specialist Department: MERC College/Division: Mercer Engineering Research Center Primary Job Posting Location: Warner Robins, GA 31088-7810 Job Details: Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC), a research institute of Mercer University, provides high quality engineering, scientific, and technical support services to both government and private industry customers. The Senior Principal Cybersecurity Specialist leads and conducts cybersecurity operations for enterprise-based information technology (enclave, systems, or networks), platform-based information technology (systems or aircraft), and/or software development activities. The Senior Principal Cybersecurity Specialist may perform evaluations (compliance audits and/or vulnerability assessments), and is involved in the establishment of strict program control processes to ensure risk mitigation and adherence to national, state, and local laws, and/or MERC policy. The incumbent also supports the development of new techniques and capabilities for system security. Directs and conducts cybersecurity operations for enterprise IT, platform IT, and software development programs. Provides senior-level technical oversight to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of mission-critical systems. Leads multidisciplinary cybersecurity teams, projects, and initiatives to meet organizational and mission objectives. Performs compliance audits, vulnerability assessments, and security evaluations to identify and mitigate risks. Establishes and enforces program control processes to ensure adherence to DoD, federal, state, and local regulations, as well as MERC policy. Develops and maintains risk management frameworks, ensuring systems meet accreditation and certification standards. Researches, develops, and implements new cybersecurity techniques, tools, and capabilities. Advises leadership on emerging threats, evolving technologies, and best practices for proactive defense. Contributes to the design, validation, and continuous improvement of secure systems and software. Partners with program managers, engineers, and external stakeholders to integrate cybersecurity into all phases of system development and operations. Provides expert guidance and mentorship to junior cybersecurity professionals. Represents the organization in technical exchanges, audits, and compliance reviews. Oversees the operation and security of dedicated cybersecurity laboratories used for research, testing, training, and evaluation. Designs and maintains lab environments that replicate enterprise and platform IT systems for vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, and secure system validation. Manages lab resources, schedules, and personnel to support multiple concurrent projects. Ensures lab compliance with DoD, federal, and organizational security standards, including proper handling of classified or sensitive data. Drives innovation by piloting new tools, techniques, and methodologies within the lab before