Role Snapshot
The Principal Engineer leads large-scale industrial cybersecurity research, development, and curriculum for Ohio State's Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence, serving industry and government partners. The role shapes cybersecurity education and assistance in manufacturing, operational technology (OT), CMMC readiness, and trustworthy AI.
Job Description
Screen reader users may encounter difficulty with this site. For assistance with applying, please contact hr-accessibleapplication@osu.edu. If you have questions while submitting an application, please review these frequently asked questions.
Current Employees and Students: If you are currently employed or enrolled as a student at The Ohio State University, please log in to Workday to use the internal application process. Welcome to The Ohio State University's career site. We invite you to apply to positions of interest. In order to ensure your application is complete, you must complete the following: Ensure you have all necessary documents available when starting the application process. You can review the additional job description section on postings for documents that may be required. Prior to submitting your application, please review and update (if necessary) the information in your candidate profile as it will transfer to your application.
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. Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions. The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. At Ohio State, you’ll find work that inspires you. We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you. Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including: • Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost. • Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays. • State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions. As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care. Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you. Review the Frequently Asked Questions for details on using Workday and submitting your application.

