Cyber Host Forensic Analyst III

Nightwing; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Host Forensics Analyst to join their team and support critical government missions. This role involves leading forensic investigations, coordinating evidence collection, and providing technical assistance on digital evidence matters. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in cyber forensics and a deep understanding of security threats. You'll be part of a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and collaboration, making a significant impact in the field of cybersecurity. If you are passionate about protecting vital assets and thrive in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in cyber forensic investigations using advanced technologies.
• Experience with evidence handling and writing investigative reports.

Responsibilities

• Oversee forensic teams and coordinate evidence collection operations.
• Write detailed reports and provide quality assurance for investigations.

Skills

Cyber Forensic Investigations

Evidence Handling Procedures

Analytical Skills

Report Writing

Team Collaboration

Knowledge of Security Threats

Education

BS in Computer Science

HS Diploma with 10+ years experience

Tools

EnCase

FTK

SIFT

X-Ways

Volatility

WireShark

Sleuth Kit/Autopsy

Splunk

Snort

Crowdstrike

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners who experience cyber-attacks, providing immediate investigation and resolution. Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a Host Forensics Analyst to support this critical customer mission.

Responsibilities:

1. Assisting Federal leads with overseeing and leading forensic teams at onsite engagements by coordinating evidence collection operations
2. Providing technical assistance on digital evidence matters and forensic investigative techniques to appropriate personnel when necessary
3. Writing in-depth reports, supporting peer reviews, and providing quality assurance reviews for junior personnel
4. Supporting forensic analysis and mentoring/providing guidance to others on data collection, analysis, and reporting in support of onsite engagements
5. Assisting with leading and coordinating forensic teams in preliminary investigation
6. Planning, coordinating, and directing the inventory, examination, and comprehensive technical analysis of computer-related evidence
7. Distilling analytic findings into executive summaries and in-depth technical reports
8. Serving as technical forensics liaison to stakeholders and explaining investigation details including forensic methodologies and protocols
9. Tracking and documenting on-site incident response activities and providing updates to leadership throughout the engagement
10. Evaluating, extracting, and analyzing suspected malicious code

Required Skills:

1. U.S. Citizenship
2. Must have an active TS/SCI clearance
3. Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability
4. 8+ years of directly relevant experience in cyber forensic investigations using leading-edge technologies and industry-standard forensic tools
5. Ability to create forensically sound duplicates of evidence (forensic images)
6. Able to write cyber investigative reports documenting digital forensics findings
7. Experience with the analysis and characterization of cyber attacks
8. Experience with proper evidence handling procedures and chain of custody protocols
9. Skilled in identifying different classes of attacks and attack stages
10. Knowledge of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities
11. Knowledgeable in proactive analysis of systems and networks, to include creating trust levels of critical resources
12. Must be able to work collaboratively across physical locations

Desired Skills:

1. Experience with or knowledge of two or more of the following tools:

• EnCase
• FTK
• SIFT
• X-Ways
• Volatility
• WireShark
• Sleuth Kit/Autopsy
• Splunk
• Snort
• Other EDR Tools (Crowdstrike, Carbon Black, Etc)

Proficiency with conducting all-source research

Required Education:

BS Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering or related degree; or HS Diploma and 10+ years of host or digital forensics experience

Desired Certifications:

GCFA, GCFE, EnCE, CCE, CFCE, CISSP

Arlington, VA

Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.