CNO Tool Operator

Redhorse Corporation; Quantico (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An advanced technology solutions provider in Quantico, Virginia is seeking a skilled CNO Tool Operator. The role focuses on developing and operating advanced capabilities, requiring a Top Secret clearance and at least 2 years of experience in CNE/CNO operations. You will engage with mission stakeholders, build and validate tools, and ensure high-quality data delivery. Strong technical skills and experience with Python or similar scripting languages are preferred, alongside a commitment to compliance with governing procedures.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• 2+ years of experience supporting CNE/CNO operations.
• Experience in legally governed technical collection programs.

Responsibilities

• Build, configure, and validate CNO/CNE software implants.
• Operate command-and-control platforms to manage deployed CNO tools.
• Utilize forensic analysis tools to inform targeting strategies.

Skills

Hands-on experience building CNO implants

Proficiency with forensic tools

Strong communication skills

Experience operating command-and-control platforms

Data routing knowledge

Tools

Python

Bash

PowerShell

Job description

About the Organization

Now is a great time to join Redhorse Corporation. We are a solution-driven company delivering data insights and technology solutions to customers with missions critical to U.S. national interests. We’re looking for thoughtful, skilled professionals who thrive as trusted partners building technology-agnostic solutions and want to apply their talents supporting customers with difficult and important mission sets.

About the Role

Redhorse Corporation is seeking a CNO Tool Operator to support a high-impact technical mission environment focused on developing, deploying, and operating advanced CNO/CNE capabilities. The successful candidate will build and validate tools, execute mission tasking, support forensic analysis, and ensure high-quality data delivery in support of Sponsor intelligence objectives. This role requires strong technical acumen, operational discipline, and the ability to engage directly with mission stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Tool Building & Configuration:
• Build, configure, and validate CNO/CNE software implants prior to deployment.
• Tailor builds based on mission parameters, target environments, and collection requirements.
• Conduct pre-deployment quality checks to ensure operational integrity and compatibility across devices and operating systems.
• Operational Execution & Tasking:
• Operate approved command-and-control (C2) platforms to manage, monitor, and task deployed CNO tools.
• Develop and execute tasking plans aligned to stakeholder requirements and mission priorities.
• Validate tool performance using telemetry, logs, and system reporting.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and collaborate with engineering teams to implement corrective actions.
• Forensic & File System Analysis:
• Utilize forensic analysis tools to identify relevant file system structures, storage locations, and data paths essential for accurate tool tasking.
• Analyze file system artifacts across mobile and desktop environments to inform targeting strategies and enhance collection outcomes.
• Mission Coordination & Compliance:
• Engage directly with mission stakeholders to define intelligence requirements, refine collection objectives, and deliver operational updates.
• Operate within legally governed technical collection programs, ensuring full compliance with authorization procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation, action logs, and collection summaries according to program standards.
• Data Routing, Processing & Reporting:
• Understand end-to-end data flows including routing, ingest pipelines, processing stages, and presentation layers.
• Support verification of data quality, ensuring collected data is routed to the correct repositories and accessible to analysts.
• Provide informed feedback to systems engineering teams to improve speed, reliability, and accuracy of data delivery workflows.

Required Experience/Clearance

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• 2+ years of experience supporting CNE/CNO operations or comparable mission environments.
• Hands‑on experience building, configuring, and validating CNO implants.
• Experience operating command-and-control platforms to task deployed tools.
• Proficiency with forensic tools (file system analysis, metadata extraction, data carving).
• Demonstrated experience operating within legally governed technical collection programs.
• Strong understanding of data routing, processing pipelines, and dissemination workflows.
• Excellent communication skills with mission operators, engineers, and stakeholders.

Desired Experience

• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Bash, PowerShell) for workflow automation.
• Background in mobile or desktop OS internals (Android, iOS, Windows, Linux).
• Familiarity with SIGINT‑adjacent collection workflows or data orchestration systems.
• Prior experience supporting mission execution within a 24/7 operational environment.

Accommodations

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

Redhorse Corporation shall, in its discretion, modify or adjust the position to meet Redhorse’s changing needs.

This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in Redhorse’s sole discretion.