Job Description

Job Summary
The Charles D. McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security at Auburn University seeks a proven operations leader to serve as Cybersecurity Field Deployment & SOC Operations Manager. Reporting to the Senior Technical & Lab Director, this position leads the Field Deployment Command within McCrary’s Edge Lab and is responsible for the operational delivery, readiness, and sustainment of cybersecurity capabilities across Alabama and the Southeast.
This role directly supports the Alabama Cybersecurity Intelligence Center (ACIC), operated in partnership with the Alabama Office of Information Technology (AOIT), and ensures that validated technologies from the Southeast Region Cybersecurity Collaboration Center (SERC3) are successfully integrated into live operational environments. The Manager will lead field deployment teams supporting local governments, utilities, and critical infrastructure operators, as well as coordinate with federal and state partners such as FEMA, USDA, DOE, DHS/CISA, and DOT/FMCSA.
The position requires deep technical acumen, exceptional field leadership, and a commitment to advancing America’s cyber resilience through scalable, real-world solutions.

This position will be located on the campus at Auburn University

Why Join McCrary?
The McCrary Institute defends the systems that power our national and economic security, our communities, and our way of life. Through its Edge Lab, McCrary integrates research, policy, and real-world operations to deliver practical cybersecurity solutions.
By joining our team, you will play a leading role in building the infrastructure and workforce that will protect America’s most critical systems – right here in Auburn, Alabama.
Essential Functions
Lead operational planning and execution for McCrary’s Field Deployment Command supporting the Alabama Cybersecurity Intelligence Center (ACIC) and related SOC/ISAC initiatives.
Oversee deployment and sustainment of cybersecurity capabilities across state, local, and critical infrastructure networks, ensuring alignment Whole-Of-State cybersecurity plans.
Develop and maintain standardized playbooks, deployment frameworks, and field training programs for SOC and ISAC operations.
Direct field exercises, incident response surge operations, and continuity of operations (COOP) testing with partner agencies.
Manage workforce pipelines including staff, student analysts, contractors, and vendor partners to ensure operational readiness and continuity.
Serve as the principal interface with AOIT, FEMA, DOE, USDA, DOT, utilities, and other state and federal entities for field deployments, response coordination, and resilience planning.
Collaborate with McCrary’s Southeast Region Cyber Collaboration Center Validation Command to translate lab-tested tools into production environments.
Lead operational reporting and readiness reviews for the Field Deployment Command, including metrics tracking and performance dashboards.
Represent McCrary in statewide and national forums, field exercises, and strategic partner briefings.
Mentor field engineers, analysts, and students to develop the next generation of cybersecurity practitioners.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Why Work at Auburn?
Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Engineering and 5 years in cybersecurity operations, Security Operations Center (SOC) leadership, or Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) deployment.
Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications
Minimum Skills and Abilities
Proven ability to lead diverse, cross-sector teams in operational environments.

Strong understanding of OT (Operational Technology), ICS (Industrial Control System) cybersecurity, and SOC/ISAC operational models.

Demonstrated experience in deployment planning, project execution, and mission support for state, local, or federal entities.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to mentor and train field personnel.

Familiarity with CISA, FEMA, and DOE resilience frameworks and cybersecurity response coordination
Minimum Technology Skills
Minimum License and Certifications
Desired Qualifications
Desired Qualifications
Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Engineering, or Public Administration.

Program Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Experience working with state or local cybersecurity operations centers or fusion centers.

Prior leadership experience supporting Whole-of-State cybersecurity or public-sector resilience initiatives.