Cyber Engineer – Australian Security Accelerator Program

Cyber Engineer – Australian Security Accelerator Program

MITRE Australia invites applications for the Cyber Engineer – Australian Security Accelerator Program (ASAP). This immersive program is designed to fast-track early- to mid-career technologists into national security roles with a three-month duration and a two-week immersion at MITRE’s U.S. headquarters. After completion, participants transition into permanent roles with MITRE Australia. The program is based in Canberra with hybrid work arrangements and travel as required.

Overview

MITRE Australia’s ASAP is designed to launch the next generation of technologists, engineers, and innovators into national security careers. Based in Canberra, ASAP offers early to mid-career professionals a unique opportunity to fast-track through real-world challenges, mentorship, and international collaboration.

Participants will work directly with technical teams on high-impact initiatives, receive structured mentorship from MITRE leaders, and deepen their understanding of the mission, systems, and technologies shaping Australia’s security future. The program culminates in a two-week immersion at MITRE’s U.S. headquarters, with time at facilities near Washington, D.C. and Boston, Massachusetts. At the end, participants will transition into permanent roles within MITRE Australia.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Support real-world cyber mission work, contributing to projects focused on cyber threat analysis, secure system design, vulnerability assessments, incident response preparedness, or cyber capability development.
• Apply cyber principles and best practices to help government and defence partners improve their ability to defend against threats, mitigate risk, and build operational resilience.
• Work with technical teams across domains, including systems engineers, data analysts, and software developers, to integrate security into system architectures and mission workflows.
• Contribute to assessments of cyber maturity and posture, including alignment with the Essential Eight, Information Security Manual (ISM), or other Australian Government frameworks.
• Participate in technical investigations, such as evaluating system vulnerabilities, assessing potential impacts of emerging threats, and supporting the development of actionable mitigation strategies.
• Engage in active mentorship with MITRE cybersecurity professionals, both in Australia and the U.S., receiving support and guidance across your technical and professional development.
• Learn how cybersecurity fits into the broader national security ecosystem, including its role in Defence capability development, intelligence operations, and allied collaboration frameworks like AUKUS.
• Take part in a two-week immersion at MITRE’s U.S. headquarters, where you’ll explore MITRE’s global cyber programs, tour cyber labs, and engage with mission teams operating at the cutting edge of cyber defence.

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7 or higher) in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Early to mid-career experience—we welcome applicants who are recent graduates with strong foundational skills, as well as those with several years of hands-on cybersecurity experience.
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity fundamentals, including topics such as secure network architecture, system hardening, identity and access management, cryptography, and vulnerability management.
• Experience using or familiarity with cybersecurity tools and frameworks, such as SIEM platforms, EDR, penetration testing tools, or threat modelling methodologies.
• Strong understanding of Australian Government cybersecurity policies and guidance, such as the Information Security Manual (ISM), Essential Eight, or PSPF.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive mindset for identifying risks and securing systems.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts and collaborate in multidisciplinary teams across technical and operational domains.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Government NV2 security clearance.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including for the two-week immersion in the United States.
• This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of Honours, Master’s, or PhD in Cybersecurity or a closely related field, or 5+ years of relevant post-Bachelor’s professional experience.
• Hands-on experience in cybersecurity engineering or architecture for government or defence systems
• Threat intelligence, vulnerability research, or adversary emulation
• Incident response, blue team operations, or penetration testing
• Development or application of cyber maturity assessments aligned with Australian government frameworks
• Familiarity with Australian Defence cyber capabilities or cybersecurity priorities across Defence, Intelligence, or national resilience agencies
• Awareness of allied cybersecurity collaboration in contexts like AUKUS or Five Eyes, or interest in international mission integration
• Current NV1 or NV2 security clearance, and eligibility to obtain a Positive Vetting (PV) clearance if required
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder technical environments and contribute to secure-by-design solutions
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., GSEC, GCIH, OSCP, CISSP, or CCSP) are beneficial but not required

Clearance

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): None

Work Location

Hybrid

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.

Benefits information may be found here.

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