(L4) Lead Engineer, Digital Asset Payments

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.The Cyber for Identity Trust and Assurance department is comprised of an inspired multi-disciplinary team of researchers and practitioners driving innovation in the department’s technical areas of focus, with particular emphasis in Cryptography and Trust; Software Assurance (SWA); Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM); and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI). We develop and apply scalable approaches for systems and software, evaluate technology and solutions, lead and foster external partnerships within the communities we support, and conduct novel research and development. We serve in critical roles including:Aiding the Federal Government as a community in architecting and applying modern cryptography and PQC technologies to secure systems, software, and protocols.Developing strategies, assessing policy and technical constraints, and facilitating the deployment of cryptography solutions into cloud, hybrid, and on-premises infrastructures for enterprise and tactical environments. As senior trusted advisors and leaders within the cryptography and PQC community internally and external to MITRE, we apply our knowledge of industry trends, advances in commercial technology, and relevant industry standards and protocols to inform our sponsors’ decision-making.Performing research and development, evaluation and testing and operational support for high-priority sponsor mission applications, MITRE’s internal research and development program, and strategic initiatives.Roles & Responsibilities:Lead projects and R&D functions that are focused on digital assets,cryptocurrency, and Web3 ecosystemsAnalyze Web3 market trends including DeFi, DAOs/Governance, and game theoretic mechanisms of incentivization and their security impactDeveloping thought leadership regarding emerging digital topics like crypto, DeFi, fintech, and the projected use of AI agents to handle a meaningful percentage of all U.S. e-commerceBuild networks through the organization and with partners in related areas, such as AI (both, for fraud detection and as an emerging risk), digital identity, and cryptographyEngage with Web3 market participants to help differentiate MITRE capabilitiesLead efforts to determine vulnerabilities, threats, and risks that may compromise digital asset ecosystemsDevelop actionable frameworks and plans to safeguard digital asset ecosystemsServing as digital assets subject matter expert leading trainings and educational sessions for internal teams and sponsorsBasic Qualifications:8+ years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree, 5 years of work experience with a Masters, or at least 3 years of work experience with a PhDDemonstrated experience and passion in the cybersecurity aspects of Web3, digital assets, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and/or DAOs; follows developments and knowledgeable about the market, relevant technology companies and productsExpertise in web3 asset classes (e.g. NFTs, smart contracts, and digital currencies)Deep technical understanding of Web3 protocols and relevant cybersecurity concerns8+ years of relevant experience in financial services industry, payments, consulting or similar.Demonstrable knowledge of the digital and cryptocurrency ecosystem, specifically expertise in topics like payments systems, De-fi, blockchain, web 3.0, and open bankingDemonstrable technical program management experience at a technology company and/or in a technical capacity.Strong analytical/problem-solving skills and sound technical judgment.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Demonstrated ability to deliver results and collaborate across teams.Ability to work effectively in secure/classified environments.Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.TS eligibility required.This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-sitePreferred Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mathematics or related field.Experience applying cryptographic standards and guidelines in real-world deployed systemsExperience with design and/or development of technology for implementing digital assets, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, DAOs, DeFi protocols, and/or blockchain applicationsAdvanced knowledge of banking and financial regulation, cloud development, workflow, and data analytic packagesExperience with AI and ML to analytically assess risk and detect fraudThis requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):NoneThis requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):Top SecretSalary compensation range and midpoint:$158,800 - $198,500 - $238,200 AnnualWork Location Type:HybridIt is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Commitment to Non-DiscriminationAll 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.MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE’s employment process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for general support and View email address on click.appcast.io for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply.Benefits information may be found here.Copyright 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only. Job SummaryJob number: R116601Profession: Engineering