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Department Summary:
MITRE | Australia is redefining how national security challenges are tackled—not just for Australia, but for the world. As Australia’s first national security charity, we are driven by a bold vision: to harness cutting-edge science, technology, and strategic expertise to strengthen Australia’s defence and security ecosystem.
Working at the intersection of government, industry, and academia, we break down silos, accelerate time to impact, and foster game-changing collaboration. As a trusted partner, MITRE | Australia is committed to driving innovation that enhances the collective defence and technological edge of Australia together with the defence and technological edge of Australia.
This is not just another role—it’s an opportunity to be part of something transformative. MITRE | Australia brings the best minds together to solve the toughest security challenges, leveraging innovation to protect and defend in an increasingly complex world.
Join us in developing solutions for our most pressing national security challenges—where your expertise, creativity, and drive will help build a more secure future for Australia.
Roles & Responsibilities:
MITRE | Australia is expanding, and we are seeking a team member to support as MITRE Australia’s Security Officer and Site Operations Lead playing a key role in shaping our growing presence in Canberra, Australia. This role is an opportunity to drive a commitment to security, operational excellence, strategic implementation, and cross-functional collaboration across MITRE Australia and MITRE International.
More than just an operational role, this is a chance to be a central figure in ensuring the efficiency, security, and effectiveness of MITRE’s business operations in Australia. Your leadership will directly impact how MITRE | Australia navigates complex challenges, supports national security initiatives, and fosters a culture of innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage MITRE Australia’s adherence to Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) and Defence Security Principles Framework (DSPF) requirements including Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and SCEC security design and construction for MITRE Australia’s facility (up to Zone 4) to include managing security project budgets, tracking compliance with security standards, identify and oversee technical solution implementation, and oversee contractors throughout construction phases.
* Ensure strict compliance with applicable Australian and U.S. laws and regulations and government policies and security requirements including workforce screening and vetting (AS4811-2022), proactively managing and mitigating operational risks to protect personnel, assets, and information.
* Serve as the Security Officer (SO) for MITRE Australia, responsible for safeguarding national security information in compliance with the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).
* Maintain continuous oversight of security programs, evaluations, and employee education on relevant government and company security policies and procedures.
* Act as primary security contact, integrating multiple business portfolios and engaging directly with sponsors and government security agencies.
* Provide expert security program management, leveraging substantial experience and independent judgment to fulfill DISP requirements for complex, large-scale programs across various agencies.
* Develop partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders to manage security risks, deliver relevant security training, and align security solutions with business objectives.
* Ensure compliance with security requirements related to Defence tenders and contracts, providing necessary security advice and support to staff and senior leadership.
* Lead efforts in identifying and mitigating security risks, ensuring MITRE Australia meets DISP standards and provides assurance to Defence and government entities.
* Lead and manage all aspects of MITRE Australia’s site operations, ensuring facilities and security functions align closely with strategic priorities and provide seamless support for organizational activities.
* Coordinate closely with Corporate Real Estate, IT, Security, and project leaders to facilitate smooth site operations, minimizing disruptions and ensuring minimal impact on work program execution.
* Manage resources efficiently, including staffing, budgets, and site-related expenditures, ensuring operational effectiveness, cost efficiency, and optimal resource utilization.
* Establish and maintain comprehensive project records and documentation related to site operations, ensuring structured resource management, transparency, and adherence to organizational processes.
* Track, analyse, and regularly report site performance through relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), proactively identifying opportunities for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of site operations and security processes.
* Proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational and facility-related issues, ensuring prompt responses to building or infrastructure problems, security risks, and other operational challenges.
* Develop, implement, and continuously improve internal communication channels specific to site operations and security functions, facilitating transparent knowledge-sharing, responsiveness, and effective collaboration among teams.
* Serve as an internal connector and facilitator, embedding industry-leading best practices within the operational and security domains, actively promoting teamwork and streamlined procedures.
* Establish and maintain strategic relationships internally and externally, including engaging with local vendors, contractors, suppliers, building management, and community partners to support efficient facility operations and bolster MITRE’s local presence and reputation.
* Oversee physical site maintenance and operational readiness, managing services including building maintenance and repairs, HVAC systems, lighting, carpet cleaning, window washing, tenant improvements, and general office configurations.
* Manage office space and furniture logistics, ordering necessary items, coordinating furniture moves, overseeing office layouts, and ensuring installations like whiteboards, signage, and other office amenities are completed efficiently.
* Coordinate and supervise audio-visual (AV) system maintenance and upgrades, working directly with AV contractors to ensure equipment reliability and meeting room functionality.
Basic Qualifications:
* Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in security operations, site operations, facilities management, or a related field with a bachelor's degree.
* Strong understanding of Australian government security regulations, compliance requirements, risk management frameworks including but not limited to DISP membership standards, DSPF and the Commonwealth’s Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) policies, Security Construction and Equipment Committee (SCEC) standards for secure zones, Essential Eight Maturity Model and Information Security Manual (ISM) requirements and controls, and Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) and Australian Workforce Screening Standard (AS4811:2022) screening and vetting processes.
* Proven ability to effectively assess, analyse, and address operational risks, facility maintenance issues, security vulnerabilities, and site-related challenges to optimize site safety, security, and operational efficiency.
* Demonstrated ability to self-organize, manage time effectively, and proactively execute site and security operations tasks with minimal supervision and exceptional attention to detail.
* Proven capacity to make independent, informed decisions within broadly defined policies and procedures, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and thorough follow-through.
* Experience successfully leading or coordinating multi-stakeholder site-related projects, including collaboration with corporate real estate, IT, security, construction contractors, and technical and administrative teams.
* Exceptional discretion, tact, and professionalism in handling sensitive or classified operational and security information.
* Demonstrated ability to professionally interact with senior-level government officials, MITRE corporate leadership, technical teams, and external partners under demanding timelines and high-pressure conditions.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to clearly articulate complex facility and security issues and present actionable recommendations to diverse stakeholders.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote), collaboration tools (SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams), and project management software (Wrike, Microsoft Project) to support effective operational management and communication.
* Demonstrated expertise overseeing complex site maintenance operations, including HVAC systems, facility repairs, tenant improvements, AV systems, vendor contracts, and physical security implementation.
* Experience working effectively within collaborative, digitally enabled environments, demonstrating adaptability and proficiency with evolving site and security management tools and processes.
* Proactive approach with demonstrated ability to rapidly assess operational issues, identify risks, and implement timely solutions, leveraging strategic judgment and critical-thinking capabilities.
* Skilled at synthesizing key operational data, tracking KPIs, and preparing clear, actionable insights and reports for site leadership and senior management.
* Proven ability to successfully collaborate within matrixed teams, promoting operational best practices and fostering a high-performance culture focused on site security, operational reliability, and continuous improvement.
* Demonstrated passion for building and maintaining productive internal and external relationships to advance MITRE Australia’s reputation, operational effectiveness, and mission success.
* Active Australian Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) security clearance, with eligibility to obtain NV2 and Positive Vetting (PV) clearance.
* Complete the DISP Security Officer Training course as part of the hiring process, and every three years thereafter.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience directly managing security operations, site operations, or facilities within Australian Defence, Intelligence, or National Security agencies, demonstrating an in-depth understanding of their operational structures, security policies, and priorities.
* Strong familiarity with Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) requirements, including hands-on experience implementing DISP-compliant physical and ICT security protocols within secure facilities.
* Prior experience establishing, accrediting, or managing DISP-compliant facilities, including oversight of facility infrastructure, security compliance, ICT security, and construction projects involving security requirements.
* Demonstrated background in strategic operational planning, business operations, and change management related to facility management, security operations, or site infrastructure within Australian government or defence contexts.
* Detailed knowledge and practical experience with risk management frameworks, governance processes, and compliance standards specifically relevant to Australian national security operations and secure facility management.
* Relevant certification in project or program management methodologies (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, Agile) or accredited leadership training programs, demonstrating formal expertise in managing complex, multi-stakeholder operational projects.
* Experience working effectively in multinational or multi-agency operational collaborations, particularly within contexts such as the AUKUS partnership, the Five Eyes intelligence community, or other allied international security frameworks.
* Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, as required, to coordinate and support MITRE Australia’s operational objectives.
* Prior completion of the DISP Security Officer Training course.
* Active Australian NV2 or PV security clearance.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a fast-growing initiative where operational leadership, strategic vision, and problem-solving skills will shape not only MITRE’s work in Australia but also the organization’s long-term success in the region.
If you thrive in a dynamic environment, excel at driving operational efficiency, and are ready to leave a lasting impact, this role is for you.
Join us, A Company Unlike Any Other - Mission First, People Always — where your expertise will enhance MITRE’s operations, strengthen Australia’s national security efforts, and define the future of MITRE | Australia.
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