Countermeasures Engineer

Via Logic LLC; Shiloh (IL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos seeks a Countermeasures Engineer to design and deploy innovative cyber defenses for DoD networks, supporting DISA and national security missions. You will craft malware detection tools, analyze threat intel, and build automation to scale protection across classified environments.

The role requires TS clearance, strong programming skills in Python/Java/C++, and hands-on experience countering APTs within DoD contexts. Location primarily in Illinois with DoD coordination.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Top-Secret clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, or related field with 8+ years of hands-on experience.
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (Security+ CE or equivalent), CSSP-A certification required within 180 days.
• Strong programming proficiency in Python, Java, Ruby, or C++.
• Proven experience developing custom malware detection capabilities.
• Deep knowledge of threat actor lifecycle, attack vectors, exploitation methods, and intrusion set TTPs.
• UNIX/Linux administrative skills.
• Advanced certifications: GREM, OSCP, GCFA, CISSP, CASP, or GIAC

Responsibilities

• Design and deploy innovative, custom countermeasures to neutralize advanced threats and expose adversary activities on Classified terrain.
• Develop cutting-edge malware detection capabilities tailored to emerging threat actor techniques.
• Continuously evaluate countermeasure effectiveness against evolving Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and adjust strategies in real-time.
• Apply Detection-as-a-Code principles to create scalable, version-controlled security solutions.
• Architect and build automated cybersecurity solutions that deliver enterprise-wide protection at scale.
• Develop custom integrations, data correlation engines, and processing pipelines to reduce cyber risk across the DoD & Classified terrain.
• Conduct agile development and maintenance of automation scripts and tools using modern DevSecOps practices.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the automation team, mentoring others and driving technical innovation.
• Maintain continuous awareness of the cyber threat landscape by analyzing DoD, Intelligence Community, and open-source intelligence reporting.
• Identify new vulnerabilities, malware families, and threat actor TTPs that could impact mission-critical networks.
• Translate threat intelligence into actionable defensive measures and detection capabilities.
• Collaborate with DISA, mission partners, and Combatant Commands to enhance collective defense posture.

Skills

Top-Secret Clearance

Programming in Python/Java/C++

Malware detection capabilities

Threat intelligence

Unix/Linux administration

DoD 8570 IAT Level II

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, or related field

Tools

Git

Sigma

Yara

Snort

Suricata

Job description

Defend the Nation's Networks Through Innovation and Advanced Cyber Engineering

Join the front lines of national defense as a Countermeasures Engineer supporting the GSM-O II program. You'll provide critical network operations and cyber defense support to the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), protecting DoD and Combatant Command networks from the world's most sophisticated adversaries.

Your Mission

• Design and deploy innovative, custom countermeasures to neutralize advanced threats and expose adversary activities on Classified terrain.
• Develop cutting-edge malware detection capabilities tailored to emerging threat actor techniques
• Continuously evaluate countermeasure effectiveness against evolving Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and adjust strategies in real-time
• Apply Detection-as-a-Code principles to create scalable, version-controlled security solutions

Automation & Engineering Excellence

• Architect and build automated cybersecurity solutions that deliver enterprise-wide protection at scale
• Develop custom integrations, data correlation engines, and processing pipelines to reduce cyber risk across the DoD & Classified terrain.
• Conduct agile development and maintenance of automation scripts and tools using modern DevSecOps practices
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the automation team, mentoring others and driving technical innovation

Threat Intelligence & Situational Awareness

• Maintain continuous awareness of the cyber threat landscape by analyzing DoD, Intelligence Community, and open-source intelligence reporting
• Identify new vulnerabilities, malware families, and threat actor TTPs that could impact mission-critical networks
• Translate threat intelligence into actionable defensive measures and detection capabilities
• Collaborate with DISA, mission partners, and Combatant Commands to enhance collective defense postur

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Active DoD Top-Secret Clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, or related field with 8+ years of hands‑on experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (Security+ CE or equivalent), CSSP-A certification required within 180 days
• Strong programming proficiency in at least one modern language: Python, Java, Ruby, or C++
• Proven experience developing custom malware detection capabilities

Advanced understanding of

• TCP/IP, network protocols, ports, and traffic flow analysis
• System administration across multiple platforms
• OSI model and defense-in-depth security architecture
• Common security elements and enterprise security technologies
• Deep knowledge of threat actor lifecycle, attack vectors, exploitation methods, and intrusion set Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)
• UNIX/Linux administrative skills

Highly Desired Experience

• Direct experience with DISA and DoD network environments
• Proven track record countering APTs and nation-state threats targeting DoD networks
• Advanced cybersecurity analytics development and implementation
• DevSecOps experience developing and supporting secure development environments
• Automation expertise using Bash, Python, PowerShell, or other scripting languages
• Linux and Windows system administration in cloud or virtualized environments (AWS, Azure, VMware)
• API development and integration experience
• Proficiency with security tools: Git, Sigma, Yara, Snort, Suricata
• Hands‑on malware analysis using reverse engineering techniques
• Advanced certifications: GREM, OSCP, GCFA, CISSP, CASP, or GIAC

Why This Role Matters

As a Countermeasures Engineer, you'll be a force multiplier for national defense. Your innovative solutions will protect critical DoD infrastructure, support warfighter operations, and defend against nation-state cyber campaigns. You'll work alongside elite cyber professionals, engage directly with Intelligence Community partners, and see the immediate impact of your work on national security.

Original Posting

September 29, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.