Blue Team Lead and Senior Cyber Defense Analyst

Strategic Operational Solutions, Inc; Fort Bragg (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Strategic Operational Solutions (STOPSO) seeks a Blue Team Lead and Senior Cyber Defense Analyst to support the USARC DCOMSS program at Fort Bragg, NC. Lead Blue Team monitoring, detection, incident response coordination, and integrated assessment execution to maintain operational readiness for critical defense missions.

The role requires 5+ years of DoD or enterprise IT cyber defense experience, DoD 8140.03 qualification, and current certifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of documented relevant experience in a DoD or enterprise IT cyber defense environment.
• DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) 511 Intermediate proficiency.
• Meet DoDM 8140.03 qualification requirements prior to independent cyber work.
• Current matrix-listed certification options for 511 Intermediate: CEH, Cloud+, FITSP-O, GCED, GDSA, GMON, GRID, GSEC, PenTest+, Security+.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily Blue Team operations, tiered watch coverage, shift handoffs, priorities, and analyst escalation.
• Coordinate incident response, threat hunting, detection-content development, and defensive tooling with technical staff.
• Maintain Blue Team SOPs, playbooks, quality reviews, training, and response readiness.
• Review significant investigations and ensure timely, accurate operational reports and customer coordination.
• Integrate vulnerability assessment, CTI, tooling, exercises, and surge requirements with steady-state coverage.
• Track staffing, qualifications, access, and performance issues; mentor analysts and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Cyber defense

Incident response

Network monitoring

Threat hunting

Defensive tooling

Technical leadership

SIEM

EDR

IDS/IPS

Reporting platforms

Communication

Documentation

Education

DCWF 511 Intermediate

DoD 8140.03 qualification

Certs: CEH, Cloud+, FITSP-O, GCED, GSEC, PenTest+

Tools

SIEM

EDR

IDS/IPS

Network analysis

Incident management

Reporting platforms

Job description

Position Summary

Strategic Operational Solutions (STOPSO) is seeking a Blue Team Lead and Senior Cyber Defense Analyst to support the U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) Defensive Cyberspace Operations Mission Support Services (DCOMSS) program at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Lead Blue Team monitoring, detection, incident response coordination, and integrated assessment execution. The lead manages analyst coverage, escalation, technical quality, and operational readiness for the DCOMSS mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct daily Blue Team operations, tiered watch coverage, shift handoffs, priorities, and analyst escalation.
• Coordinate incident response, threat hunting, detection-content development, and defensive tooling with technical staff.
• Maintain Blue Team SOPs, playbooks, quality reviews, training, and response readiness.
• Review significant investigations and ensure timely, accurate operational reports and customer coordination.
• Integrate vulnerability assessment, CTI, tooling, exercises, and surge requirements with steady-state coverage.
• Track staffing, qualifications, access, and performance issues; mentor analysts and drive corrective actions.
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the position's responsibilities, qualifications, clearance, and authorized scope.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of documented relevant experience. Documented specialized operational experience in the cyber functional area in a DoD or enterprise IT environment; cybersecurity analysis, incident response, network monitoring, threat hunting, analyst escalation, and defensive tooling.
• DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) 511, Cyber Defense Analyst, Intermediate proficiency. Additional DCWF 521 infrastructure support or 531 incident responder qualification is required if those duties are formally assigned.
• Meet DoDM 8140.03 qualification requirements for every assigned work role and proficiency through an approved education, training, certification, or authorized experience route before independent cyber work. Document work-role appointment and qualification; maintain required residential qualification and continuing learning. A higher-level approved option may qualify the same role at a lower level.
• Current matrix-listed certification options for 511 Intermediate: CEH(P), Cloud+, FITSP-O, GCED, GDSA, GMON, GRID, GSEC, PenTest+, Security+.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of Cyber defense analysis, incident response, network security monitoring, threat hunting, defensive tooling, and technical leadership.
• Proficiency with SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS, network analysis, incident-management, and reporting platforms appropriate to assigned duties and approved access.
• Ability to produce accurate records, explain findings and decisions, and follow approved procedures and security requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and sound judgment when coordinating with technical staff and Government stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, confidentiality, and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-focused environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current matrix-listed certification options for 521 Intermediate: CEH, Cloud+, CySA+, GMON, GRID, GSEC, PenTest+, SSCP, Security+.
• Current matrix-listed certification options for 531 Advanced: CBROPS, CCSP, CEH, CEH(P), Cloud+, ECIH, FITSP-O, GCED, GCIH, GRID, GSEC, PenTest+, RCCE Level 1, Security+
• Experience leading tiered DoD cyber defense operations and integrated assessments.
• Relevant DoD or enterprise IT experience with mission tooling and operational reporting.

Security Clearance

Active SECRET clearance and ability to maintain assigned system access. U.S. citizenship is required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Leads Blue Team personnel, assigns operational work, reviews quality, and provides coaching and performance input consistent with company authority.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed on site in a secure Government facility using computer systems and standard office equipment. The employee must be able to perform sustained computer-based analysis or coordination, communicate effectively, and support operational activities outside standard business hours when assigned. Mission-essential watch roles may include shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Travel

Occasional local, CONUS, or OCONUS travel may be required for authorized mission activities, exercises, assessments, or conferences.

Equal Employment Opportunity

STOPSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.