Principal Engineer – Industrial Cybersecurity
Ohio State University· Higher Education· Oct 15, 2026 · 13d ago
Columbus Campus
In office
Full-time
Principal
$103K–$135K
6+ years exp
Job description
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Job Title: Principal Engineer – Industrial Cybersecurity
Department: Engineering | Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence
The Principal Engineer designs, develops, leads, and executes large-scale industrial cybersecurity research and development efforts for the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME); works closely and interacts with industry partners to scope out highly complex projects and develop detailed statements of work; plans, develops, and adapts virtual cybersecurity curriculum focused on manufacturing, operational technology (OT), CMMC readiness, and the trustworthy use of artificial intelligence; establishes technical standards for program delivery, and oversees materials (webinars, workshops, events) presented by staff for accuracy and relevance; administers learning platforms and participant data systems, sets programmatic goals, tracks key performance indicators, and drives continuous improvement in participant engagement and completion; engages customers and associated support staff and independently manages and executes entire sales process; serves as lead writer on large-scale proposals and technical reports to sponsoring agencies; works closely with OSU faculty, CDME staff, and students to accomplish multi-disciplinary engineering tasks; provides guidance and leadership to less experienced staff members in areas of expertise; executes technical engineering work through use of personal expertise, advanced manufacturing equipment and software, providing innovative solutions which may set new precedents and standards; provides intensive cybersecurity assistance to customers, including structured intake, OT threat-surface review, prioritized findings, 90-day action plans, and qualified referrals; applies developed industry knowledge and advanced understanding of concepts, principles, and technical capabilities to manage projects independently and ensure they are completed in accordance with project milestones, deliverable requirements, and within the agreed upon cost and schedule; leads development and maintenance of partner-ready facilitator guides, implementation resources, assessment instruments, technical-assistance protocols, adaptable state and sector modules, and national replication packages; contributes to business development activities by researching funding opportunities, traveling to customer facilities for project meetings, and presenting research results at conferences and symposia; establishes priorities and supervises student employees (e.g. provides developmental opportunities, coaches to foster development, evaluates performance); supports professional development and student program activities of CDME in area of expertise; responsible for bringing in sufficient funding to support position and any direct reports; performs special projects and other duties as assigned.
This position will require access to export controlled data and work in an export controlled facility. Eligibility for this position is restricted to “U.S. persons” as defined in U.S. export control regulations. “U.S. persons” include: (1) U.S. citizens or nationals; (2) permanent residents; (3) asylees or refugees; or (4) individuals otherwise described as “protected individuals” pursuant to Title 8 U.S. Code Section 1324b(a)(3)(b).
Additional Information: Qualifications:
Education Required:
Bachelor s Degree:
Major: Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, or Information Systems or related degree
Desired:
Master s Degree:
Major: Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, or Information Systems
Experience Required:
6 years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; relevant experience must include progressively responsible work in industrial cybersecurity, operational technology, manufacturing information systems, applied research, or technical program delivery; demonstrated experience leading complex multidisciplinary projects; developing proposals, statements of work, and technical reports; engaging industry or government sponsors; and managing technical work to defined milestones, deliverables, budgets, and schedules is required. Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: industrial control systems, PLC or SCADA environments, connected manufacturing equipment, OT network architecture, cyber-physical systems, CMMC readiness, NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-82, incident response, disaster recovery, or continuity of operations.
Desired:
Experience with industrial equipment; experience in a supervisory capacity over direct reports or processes is highly desired. Extensive hands-on experience in industrial cybersecurity, OT environments, or manufacturing information systems, including industrial control systems, programmable logic controllers, SCADA networks, or connected manufacturing equipment. Current or prior security clearance, or experience supporting defense or other regulated programs, is preferred.
The target hiring range for this job profile is $103,000- $134,500. The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limit to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.
Location: Bevis Hall (0307)
Position Type: Regular
Scheduled Hours: 40
Shift: First Shift
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
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Benefits
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Professional Development