Demo

Team Lead - Applied Network Defense

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/18/2026
Position Summary:

The person in this role will lead the Applied Network Defense team and their projects, working collaboratively with Cyber Risk and Resilience Directorate leadership to develop and execute the research and technical agenda of our technical cybersecurity assessment portfolio.

Requirements:

  • Education and Experience: BS degree in a relevant discipline with 8 years of applicable experience, or a MS degree in a relevant discipline with 5 years of applicable experience, or a PhD in a relevant discipline with 2 years of applicable experience.
  • You will have significant experience related to penetration testing; an OSCP, OSCE, or related certification is desired.
  • Technical Leadership and Project Management: You have a successful track record of leading, managing, and executing projects in cybersecurity or applied research. You are user-centered and accomplishment-focused, driving projects and the people that work on them to successful, high-impact outcomes.
  • Managing in a Creative, Dynamic Environment: You have experience leading multiple simultaneous projects and thrive in a creative and high-energy environment. You are willing to experiment with new management practices and develop effective processes, practices, and infrastructure to support successful people and projects.
  • Mentorship: You have experience mentoring, motivating, and empowering people.
  • Technical Expertise: Candidates must have broad experience and knowledge of technical cybersecurity assessment methods and related domains. This includes work experience related to penetration testing, red teaming, and technical audits.
  • Onsite work: This position is based onsite 5 days per week at an SEI facility and will require frequent (15-35%) travel to various locations within the SEI community, customer sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
  • Security Clearance: You will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a United States Department of War security clearance.

Duties:

  • Project Leadership and Customer Engagement (60%): You will lead research projects designed to advance the state of the art in technical cybersecurity assessments. You will represent the SEI regularly presenting our mission and our work to our stakeholders. You will lead efforts to develop penetration testing methodologies for our government customers.
  • People Development and Supervision (20%): You will mentor and develop a high-caliber, interdisciplinary team developing penetration testing for important and high-impact needs.
  • Community Engagement (15%): You will engage with our communities of interest; this includes presenting our mission and work via publication and presentation. You will build and maintain relationships with the relevant research and technology communities.
  • Professional Development (5%): You will continue to grow your knowledge and skills and stay up to date on emerging trends and topics relevant to the team’s portfolio.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Communication: You are an outstanding communicator and can interact collaboratively and diplomatically with customers and colleagues at all levels of knowledge and experience. You grasp the big picture, direction, and goals of an effort with ability to dig into the details on problems and technical concepts and provide clear direction. You can present complex ideas to people who may not have a deep understanding of the subject area.
  • Dedication and Motivation: You can meet deadlines while multi-tasking–sometimes under pressure and with shifting priorities. You are self-motivated and can work toward a common vision with little oversight.
  • Creativity and Innovation: You are creative and curious, and you are passionate about the prospect of collaborating with world-class researchers and visionaries at Carnegie Mellon University and innovation-focused organizations.
  • Knowledge and Learning: You are a penetration testing expert, possessing broad technical interests along with a deep knowledge in offensive security. You quickly learn new procedures, techniques, and approaches. You are forward-looking and can connect research with practical challenges.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

  • Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
  • Statement of Assurance

Salary.com Estimation for Team Lead - Applied Network Defense in Pittsburgh, PA
$94,151 to $118,697
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