The Opportunity

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.

Department Summary: Congratulations on taking control of your career! We’re pleased you’re exploring opportunities to evolve and adapt your professional life. MITRE's diversity of sponsor missions, research areas, and cross-corporate capabilities translates into hundreds of meaningful projects at any given time. We invite you to discover how your unique combination of strengths and experiences can benefit our work program in new ways.

MITRE is seeking an experienced Senior Cyber Analyst who will lead high-visibility/high-impact efforts that provide significant contributions to the safety and security of the United States. The position will work closely with sponsor staff and regularly engage with senior leaders to understand their priorities and shape work, and they will be a strong collaborator across the Division, MITRE Labs, and the MITRE Public Sector (MPS). Major focus areas include criminal network analysis and disruption, digital marketplaces, and transnational criminal organizations and associated activities. Additional areas of responsibility include cybercrime investigation improvement, cyber-mission systems engineering and guidance, system-of-system engineering, data engineering and analysis, experimentation, communications, and acquisition.

Roles & Responsibilities: In this role, the selected candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership as a trusted advisor to senior leaders within the sponsor’s organization in the areas of analysis and tradecraft in the fight against crime. Further, the selected candidate will contribute to efforts to:

Conduct Threat Intelligence Analysis: Perform proactive research and analysis of current and emerging cyber threats, with an emphasis on understanding threat actor motivations, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
Perform Crypto tracing and Blockchain Analysis: Analyze blockchain transactions to trace cryptocurrency movements associated with malicious activities, collaborating with law enforcement and internal teams to identify potential threat actors.
Provide Attribution Analysis: Perform deep-dive analysis to identify threat actors, correlate various data sources, and leverage cyber threat intelligence databases to establish attribution.
Monitor and Analyze Dark Web Activities: Regularly assess and monitor Dark Web forums, marketplaces, and communication channels to gather intelligence on cybercriminals and their operations.
Develop Threat Reports and Briefings: Prepare comprehensive intelligence reports, briefings, and presentations that translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders.
Collaborate Cross-functionally: Work with other analysts, engineers, and threat intelligence teams to integrate findings, contribute to investigations, and enhance overall security posture.
Identify and Communicate Threat Trends: Proactively identify trends, vulnerabilities, and indicators of compromise (IoCs) to provide timely intelligence and risk assessments.
Drive Problem-solving Initiatives: Seek out difficult problems within the cyber threat landscape and address them innovatively. Serve as a go-to expert when team members and stakeholders face challenging cybersecurity issues.

Basic Qualifications:

3-5 years of experience in cyber threat intelligence, crypto tracing, digital forensics, or a related field.
Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with relevant experience who can immediately contribute at this job step; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
Relevant certifications (e.g., CEH, GCTI, GIAC) are a plus.
Relevant prior military and/or law enforcement experience can be accepted in place of formal education and/or experience requirements.
Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex datasets and draw meaningful insights. Ability to think critically, recognize patterns, and correlate disparate data points.
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience in creating analytical reports, summaries, and visual presentations tailored to different audiences.
Self-motivation: Must be a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with a proven track record of working independently and tackling complex, novel problems.
Collaborative Mindset: Demonstrated ability to work well within a team, share knowledge effectively, and contribute to a positive team environment.
Maintain a presence at the Sponsor Site – Houston, TX
Willingness to travel (up to ~20%)
Must be U.S. citizen to be eligible for a TS Clearance
This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Data Science, Cybersecurity, or related field with specialization in areas such as cryptocurrency analysis, blockchain forensics, or Dark Web intelligence.
Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python, R) for data analysis and automation.
Previous experience in monitoring and analyzing Dark Web forums and marketplaces.
Familiarity with intelligence-sharing platforms like ThreatConnect, OpenCTI, or MISP.
Experience with trusted AI or explainable AI techniques applied to cybersecurity and intelligence problems.
Technical Skills: Proficiency with tools and techniques used in threat intelligence, blockchain analysis, and open-source intelligence (OSINT), such as Maltego, Chainalysis, Palantir, or similar tools.
Cryptocurrency Knowledge: Strong understanding of cryptocurrency concepts, blockchain technology, and the role of cryptocurrencies in cybercrime.
Previous work experience in a classified environment, actively participating in cyber threat modeling, operational intelligence, or incident response.
Previous work experience performing (or providing data science support to) targeting analysis for HUMINT, cyber, and/or kinetic operations.
Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance is strongly preferred.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s): None

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: $129,200 - $161,500 - $193,800 Annual

Work Location Type: Onsite

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.

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Benefits information may be found here.

Senior Cyber Operations Analyst

The Opportunity

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