Director of Product Security Strategy

Job Description & Responsibilities

The Director of Product Security Strategy will lead Persistent Systems’ efforts to ensure its tactical networking products are developed and maintained with robust security features that align with the unique requirements of defense and government customers. This individual will serve as the primary liaison between Persistent Systems and its external customers, translating their security needs into actionable strategies and driving the company’s internal product security initiatives. 

Position Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for DoD customers and government agencies on product security matters, ensuring alignment with their specific mission requirements and security policies. 
• Foster strong relationships with defense stakeholders to understand their evolving security needs and expectations. 
• Develop and implement a comprehensive product security roadmap that meets DoD requirements, including compliance with regulations such as DFARS, CMMC, and other applicable standards. 
• Integrate customer insights, emerging threats, and industry best practices into the design and development of secure tactical networking solutions. 
• Work closely with engineering, product management, and compliance teams to embed security throughout the product lifecycle, from design to deployment. 
• Partner with the business development and contracts teams to ensure security capabilities are effectively communicated in proposals and contracts. 
• Conduct risk assessments and provide actionable recommendations to address potential vulnerabilities in products and systems. 
• Ensure the company’s products adhere to applicable DoD cybersecurity frameworks, including RMF, NIST SP 800-171, NIAP and other related agencies. 
• Establish and track metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of product security initiatives and report progress to internal stakeholders and government customers. 
• Provide regular updates on threat landscapes, customer feedback, and the status of security projects to senior leadership. 

Job Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or a related field
• At least 10 years of experience in product security, cybersecurity, or related discipline, with 5+ years in a leadership role within Department of Defense organizations 
• Demonstrated experience working with DoD customers or within the defense industry
• In-depth understanding of cybersecurity regulations and standards relevant to defense contractors, including CMMC, DFARS, and NIST SP 800-171 
• Strong knowledge of secure development practices, risk management frameworks, and cryptographic principles 
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to interface effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (existing clearance preferred)
• Must be willing to travel 40% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, or a related field
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CCSP) are highly desirable

The base pay for this role can vary from $160,000 to $200,000 a year based on individual qualifications. Eligibility for yearly discretionary bonus. Persistent Systems, LLC offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid time off (sick time and vacation time); flexible spending accounts; 401(k) plan with company match; fitness membership reimbursement; tuition assistance; mental health benefits; and pet discounts.

Company Overview

Headquartered in New York City since 2007, Persistent Systems, LLC is a global communications technology company which develops, manufactures, and integrates a patented and secure Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) system: Wave Relay®. The company’s industry leading R&D team has designed wireless networking protocols to support their cutting-edge Wave Relay® system and technology. Wave Relay® is capable of running data, video, voice and other applications under the most difficult and unpredictable conditions. Their suite of products is field proven and utilized in Commercial, Military, Government, Industrial, Agriculture, Robotics, and Unmanned System markets.