Cyber Defense Operator (CDO)

SMS DATA PRODUCTS GROUP, INC; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SMS DATA PRODUCTS GROUP, INC. seeks a Cyber Defense Operator to support the AFCERT mission with near real time monitoring and intrusion detection across the Air Force Information Network. This 24x7 role requires MR status and operates within the DCO Hunt and Assess Crew.

The successful candidate will monitor IDS/IPS, review SIEM alerts, and perform host security analysis. DoD IC experience and IAT 1 CND & GCFA certifications are preferred, with on-site deployment across DoD environments.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of cyber security frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK and NIST 800 series.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• IAT Level 1 CND & GCFA certifications.
• Experience in DoD or IC cyber defense operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct near real time network security monitoring and intrusion detection analysis.
• Review IDS/IPS alerts and conduct host security monitoring and event triage.
• Enter event data into CMS and escalate incidents per procedures.
• Generate end of mission reports and provide knowledge transfer to on duty teams.

Skills

Cyber security frameworks

Active TSSCI clearance

SIEM

EDR

IDS/IPS

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

SIEM

EDR

Packet capture

Job description

The Cyber Defense Operator CDO supports the Air Force Computer Emergency Response Team AFCERT mission by providing continuous near real time network security monitoring intrusion detection analysis and host security monitoring across the Air Force Information Network (AFIN). The CDO operates as a member of the DCO Hunt and Assess Crew (HAC) and is required to attain and maintain Mission Ready (MR) status in accordance with applicable Air Combat Command Instructions (ACCI) and ACCMANs governing the AFIN weapon system. This position supports 24x7x365 mission operations across rotating crew schedules. Since 1976 SMS has specialized in modernizing legacy IT and sustaining complex enterprise environments for federal agencies. With the goal of building long term partnerships with our customers we invest in our employees by providing the training tools and support they need to keep critical missions operational, improve performance and reduce risk. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia with offices and on site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS visit wwwsmscom.

Job Responsibilities

Conduct near real time network security monitoring and intrusion detection analysis across networks and systems. Review IDSIPS alerts per Operating Instruction (OI) and checklists. Conduct host security monitoring alert review intrusion detection analysis and event analysis and triage. Develop Review and Maintain procedures related to the overall monitoring of Hosts/Systems. Monitor security sensors to analyze Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) to identify and correlate security issue events and review logs to identify intrusions for remediation. Correlate suspicious events with network events if possible and data stored within databases and other external DoD resources. Analyze traffic logs events to determine the necessity for higher level analysis and conduct an initial assessment of type and extent of intruder activities. Record who what where why and when for any identified suspicious activity in case management system (CMS) to enable additional investigations. Conduct triage of suspicious activity alerts and logs in order to make a fast and accurate triage decision. Enter event data into mission support systems in accordance with operational procedures and reports. Escalate security incidents using established policies and procedures. Generate end of mission reports (MISREPS) and provide pass on information for knowledge transfer to subsequent crews of analysts on duty regarding the latest suspicious traffic seen from a given port Internet Protocol (IP) etc. Provide computer security related support to AF field units. Provide feedback on detection mechanisms that are both true and false positive events to Content Development as applicable.

Required Qualifications

A minimum of five 5 years of experience in cyber defense operations network security monitoring intrusion detection analysis or a related discipline within a DoD or Intelligence Community environment. Active TSSCI clearance required. High School Diploma or GED required. 8140 IAT Level 1 CND & GCFA certified. General knowledge of cyber security frameworks such as the Cyber Kill Chain, MITRE ATT&CK and the NIST 800 series. General knowledge of physical computer components and architectures including the functions of computer domains, directory services, various components and peripherals, basic programming concepts, assembly codes, TCP/IP, OSI models, underlying networking protocols (eg DNS, ARP etc), security hardware and software. Candidate must be self motivated and able to perform with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of cyber forensic collection preservation and chain of custody. Prior AFCERT DCO SOC experience supporting government networks. Experience with endpoint and network security tooling such as SIEM, EDR, packet capture, IDSIPS and case management workflows. Familiarity with producing operational deliverables in a regulated environment formal ticketing incident timelines evidence handling.

SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

REQ ID 2026 5514