At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber security for mission-critical product development and ensure compliance with US DoD requirements.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation in Buckinghamshire focused on innovative defence solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible hourly rate, professional growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Onsite role 4 days a week with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in cyber security while working with cutting-edge technology in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive cyber security experience and strong understanding of secure development practices required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Copello are looking for a Product Cyber Security Lead to join an organisation in the Buckinghamshire area on an initial 12 month contract. The Cyber Security Lead will assist with the end‑to‑end implementation of US Department of Defense (DoD) cyber security requirements for a mission‑critical product development programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Cyber Requirement Implementation
- Interpret and implement US Government‑flowed cyber and information‑assurance requirements across the product lifecycle.
- Ensure compliance with the following (non‑exhaustive) set of standards and contractual flows:
- DoD 8140.01 (cyber workforce qualification)
- NIST SP 800‑171 (CUI protection)
- DI-IPSC‑82249, DISA STIGs, DI‑MGMT‑82191, DI-MISC‑80508
- Product and Engineering Assurance
- Define and maintain the programme Cyber Security Plan, including CUI handling, secure development practices and compliance evidence.
- Lead cyber risk assessments, threat modelling and vulnerability assessments for embedded systems, software, firmware and Special Test Equipment (STE).
- Guide teams on secure coding, static/dynamic code analysis, secure configuration, hardening baselines, cryptographic controls and data‑at‑rest/data‑in‑transit protection.
- Ensure firmware, embedded applications and STE conform to defined security controls, logging, access control and audit requirements.
- Programme Execution
- Own the cyber schedule, deliverables and risks within the programme.
- Drive timely completion of artefacts required for customer acceptance, including SSPs, POA&Ms, incident response plans, configuration baselines and security test evidence.
- Coordinate with US prime/DoD representatives on security clarifications and compliance submission.
- Governance and Compliance
- Implement a compliant environment for development, test and integration, aligned to NIST 800‑171, DFARS, STIGs and applicable ITAR/Export Control constraints.
- Ensure cyber incident reporting processes are in place and tested per DFARS 252.204‑7012.
- Support internal audit, external customer audit and formal assessment activities.
- Technical Leadership
- Provide expert coaching to firmware, software, systems and STE engineers.
- Ensure cyber requirements are correctly decomposed, allocated and verified.
- Act as the technical authority for all product cyber security matters on the programme.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Essential
- Extensive cyber security experience in defence, aerospace or other mission‑critical regulated environments.
- Strong understanding of secure development for embedded systems, firmware, RTOS platforms and bespoke STE.
- Demonstrable experience implementing NIST SP 800‑171, DoD cyber requirements, and DISA STIGs on hardware/software products.
- Experience producing and maintaining programme‑level cyber security documentation and compliance evidence.
- Ability to lead cyber work packages and influence multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.
- Eligibility to work with ITAR‑controlled and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
The role will require the candidate to be based onsite 4 days a week. The role will also require SC or eligibility for SC clearance. This role is offering a flexible hourly rate dependant on experience and will be INSIDE IR35.
Product Cyber Security Lead employer: Copello
Copello is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Buckinghamshire where innovation meets security. As a Product Cyber Security Lead, you will benefit from a culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration, with opportunities to lead critical projects in defence and aerospace. The company supports its employees with competitive remuneration, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to compliance and excellence in cyber security practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Cyber Security Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the cyber security field, especially those who work with DoD requirements. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with NIST SP 800-171 and other relevant standards. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing answers to common questions about cyber security implementation and risk assessments. We can help you with mock interviews if you need it!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Cyber Security Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Cyber Security Lead role. Highlight your experience with NIST SP 800-171 and DoD requirements, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on in defence or aerospace.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the key responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills related to secure development practices and cyber risk assessments. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Copello
✨Know Your Cyber Security Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key standards mentioned in the job description, like NIST SP 800-171 and DoD 8140.01. Brush up on how these apply to product development and be ready to discuss your experience with them.
✨Showcase Your Technical Leadership
Prepare examples of how you've led cyber work packages or influenced engineering teams in the past. Highlight your ability to coach others on secure coding practices and risk assessments, as this will demonstrate your fit for the technical leadership aspect of the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about past challenges you've faced in cyber security and how you navigated them, especially in mission-critical environments.
✨Understand the Compliance Landscape
Familiarise yourself with compliance processes related to ITAR and DFARS. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented compliant environments in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
