Cyber Defense Analyst (2nd Shift)

Leidos Inc; Suitland (MD); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Cyber Defense Analyst (2nd Shift) to join the ONI Hopper GCC team in Suitland, MD. You will monitor security alerts, investigate incidents, and perform proactive threat hunting for TS/SCI networks.

The role requires experience with SIEM platforms (Splunk, Elastic), NIDS/NIPS such as Cisco FirePower and Palo Alto NGFW, and scripting in Python, PowerShell, or Java. Active TS/SCI clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 4+ years experience or Master's with 2+ years experience.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Experience in CND discipline.
• Experience monitoring/investigating alerts from cybersecurity tools.
• Experience with SIEM systems (Splunk, Elastic).
• Experience with NIDPS and host-based tools (FirePower, NGFW, Defender, Tanium).
• Knowledge of scripting languages (Python, Perl, Ruby, JavaScript, PowerShell, C, C++, Java).
• Knowledge of penetration testing tools (Kali, SamuraiWTF, Nmap, Burp Suite, sqlmap, Metasploit).
• Experience with ticketing systems and threat intelligence dissemination.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze security alerts for TS/SCI networks (JWICS, ATLAS, HGCC).
• Investigate incidents; escalate to Tier 2 as needed.
• Create/update incident tickets in the ticketing system.
• Conduct proactive threat hunting and report findings.
• Conduct wireless security scans and document findings.
• Correlate alerts across platforms to identify trends.
• Prepare operational and situational awareness briefings.
• Support annual cyber defense exercises.

Skills

Threat hunting

Analytical thinking

Incident response

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity or related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Splunk

Elastic

Cisco FirePower

Palo Alto NGFW

Trellix ePO

Microsoft Defender

Tanium

Nmap

Burp Suite

Kali

SamuraiWTF

sqlmap

Metasploit

Job description

Description

Cyber Defense Analyst (2nd Shift)

Location: Suitland, MD

Clearance: Active TS/SCI

2nd Shift Work Hours: 1530 - 2330

Leidos is seeking a Cyber Defense Analyst (2nd Shift) to join a mission focused team supporting the Navy's cybersecurity environment at the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) Hopper Global Communications Center (HGCC) in Suitland, MD.

In this role, you will serve on the front line of cyber defense, helping protect critical TS/SCI networks by monitoring and investigating cybersecurity alerts, identifying potential threats, and supporting proactive threat hunting activities. You will apply your experience in the Certified Network Defender (CND) discipline and knowledge of IT systems and networks to analyze security events, manage incident tickets, support intelligence gathering and analysis, and communicate findings to key stakeholders.

Work Location Hours: This is a 2nd shift position with regular work hours of 1530 - 2330. Occasional floater shifts or coverage outside of these hours may be required based on program and staffing needs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform first line monitoring of security tools and conduct initial analysis of alerts for TS/SCI networks, including JWICS, ATLAS, and other networks for which HGCC is responsible.
• Monitor organizational cybersecurity tools for alerts, anomalies, and indicators of compromise.
• Investigate and perform initial technical analysis of cybersecurity alerts and events, escalating potential incidents to Tier 2 as appropriate.
• Create, update, and manage incident and event tickets within the approved ticketing system.
• Conduct proactive threat hunting activities to identify potential malicious activity and emerging threats.
• Perform wireless security scans of facilities and document and report findings.
• Correlate alerts and security events across multiple platforms to identify patterns, trends, and potential threats.
• Prepare and deliver operational and situational awareness briefings.
• Support annual cyber defense exercises.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Information Assurance, or a related area of study desired with 4+ years of experience or Master's degree with 2+ years of experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Concentrated experience in the CND discipline, regardless of degree.
• Experience monitoring and investigating alerts from cybersecurity tools.
• Experience with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems such as Splunk and Elastic.
• Experience with Network Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (NIDPS), such as Cisco FirePower and Palo Alto NGFW, as well as host-based tools such as Trellix ePO, Microsoft Defender, and Tanium.
• Knowledge of scripting and coding languages such as Python, Perl, Ruby, JavaScript, PowerShell, C, C++, and Java.
• Knowledge of penetration testing and red team tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as tools such as Kali, SamuraiWTF, Nmap, Burp Suite, sqlmap, and Metasploit.
• Knowledge of ticketing systems, report writing, and intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination techniques specific to cybersecurity.
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills.

Required Certifications

• Must possess one of the following certifications or obtain one within 30 days of accepting an offer: CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA PenTest+, CompTIA Cloud+, EC Council CEH, GIAC GCIA, GIAC GCIH, GICSP, or Cisco CyberOps.

Pay Range: $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

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.