Cyber Host Forensic Analyst IV

Nightwing; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A cybersecurity firm in Virginia is seeking an Incident Response Expert to support critical missions for government agencies. The role requires physical presence in the National Capital Region for initial training, followed by mostly remote work. Candidates must possess a TS/SCI clearance and have at least 8 years of relevant experience in incident response, knowledge of operational threat environments, and strong communication skills. This position values collaboration and encourages innovation in tackling complex cybersecurity challenges.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of directly relevant experience in Incident Response.
• Knowledge of operational threat environments.
• Understanding of system and application security threats.

Responsibilities

• Serves as SME for hunt and incident response.
• Distills findings into reports and summaries.
• Guides completion of incident response activities.

Skills

U.S. Citizenship

Active TS/SCI clearance

Travel domestically on short notice

Superior written and oral communication skills

Ability to think independently

Collaboration across physical locations

Identify different classes of attacks

Proficient with common operating systems (Linux/Unix, Windows)

Education

BS in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering

HS Diploma & 10+ years of technical experience

Tools

WireShark

Splunk

Snort

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.

The DHS’s Hunt and Incident Response Team (HIRT) secures the nation’s infrastructure. HIRT provides DHS’s front-line response for cyber incidents and proactive hunting for malicious cyber activity. Nightwing provides support for on and offsite incident response to Government agencies and critical infrastructure owners who experience cyber-attacks. Nightwing provides HIRT advanced technical assistance, proactive hunting, rapid onsite incident response, and immediate investigation, using host and network-based cybersecurity analysis capabilities. Personnel perform investigations to characterize the level of severity of breaches and develop mitigation/remediation plans. Nightwing is seeking Incident Response Experts to support this critical customer mission.

This position will require physical presence in the National Capital Region (NCR) for at least 1 week for training and orientation. Subsequent work will be primarily supported outside the NCR.

Responsibilities

• Serves as hunt and incident response subject matter expert (SME), possessing in-depth knowledge on subjects relating to the conduct, activities, or operation of NCCIC HIRT in a surge capacity
• Distills analytic findings into executive summaries and in-depth technical reports
• Provide expert support, analysis, and research with only broad direction into exceptionally complex problems and processes relating to the subject matter as it relates to hunt and incident response activities
• Serves as technical expert on high-level incident response teams providing technical direction, interpretation, and alternatives
• Exercises considerable latitude in determining technical objectives of an assignment or task at hand
• Independently develops technical solutions to complex problems that require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity
• Guides the completion of hunt and incident response activities

Required Skills

• U.S. Citizenship
• Must have an active TS/SCI clearance
• Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability
• 8+ years of directly relevant experience in the area of expertise
• Knowledge of different operational threat environments (e.g., first generation [script kiddies], second generation [non nation-state sponsored], and third generation [nation-state sponsored])
• Knowledge of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities (e.g., buffer overflow, mobile code, cross-site scripting, PL/SQL and injections, race conditions, covert channel, replay, return-oriented attacks, and malicious code)
• Must be able to travel domestically on short notice
• Ability to think independently
• Demonstrates superior written and oral communication skills
• Must be able to work collaboratively across physical locations
• Skilled in identifying different classes of attacks and attack stages
• Understanding of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities
• Understanding of proactive analysis of systems and networks, to include creating trust levels of critical resources
• Proficiency with common operating systems (e.g., Linux/Unix, Windows)

Desired Skills

• Experience leading and mentoring technical teams
• Knowledge of Computer Network Defense policies, procedures and regulations
• Knowledge of different operational threat environments (e.g., first generation [script kiddies], second generation [non nation-state sponsored], and third generation [nation-state sponsored])
• Knowledge of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities (e.g., buffer overflow, mobile code, cross-site scripting, PL/SQL and injections, race conditions, covert channel, replay, return-oriented attacks, and malicious code)
• WireShark
• Splunk
• Snort

Required Education

BS Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, or related degree; or HS Diploma & 10+ years of technical experience in the area of expertise.

Desired Certifications: One or more

• DoD 8140.01 IAT Level II, IASAE II, CSSP Analyst
• DoD 8140.01 GCIA, GCIH, CSSP Analyst/CSSP Incident Responder
• DoD 8140.01 CEH, CSSP Analyst
• SANS GIAC GNFA preferred
• SANS GRID, GICSP, or GCIP a plus

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

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.