Defensive Cybersecurity Analyst

Leidos; Illinois; On-site; USD 70,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking Cyber Security Analysts for a 24x7 front-line security operations role to defend DoD networks. You will triage alerts, analyze logs, and integrate threat intel in SIEM tools while coordinating with incident response teams and USCYBERCOM.

The role requires DoD security clearances and DoD 8570 certifications, with a focus on proactive defense, critical thinking, and self-motivation in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI.
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (e.g., Security+ CE, SSCP, or GSEC).
• DoD 8570 CSSP-Analyst certification within 180 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and triage security alerts from endpoints, IDS/IPS, NetFlow, and custom sensors.
• Analyze large log files, pivot between datasets, correlate evidence, and produce reports.
• Monitor threat intelligence feeds and IOCs in SIEM platforms and sensors.
• Collaborate with incident response teams and communicate findings to customers and USCYBERCOM.

Skills

SOC experience

Critical thinking

Self-motivation

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Equivalent professional or military experience

Tools

SIEM/SOAR platforms

Packet analysis

Job description

Description

We are seeking proactive defenders who bring Security Operations Center (SOC) experience, exceptional critical thinking skills, and a self‑motivated approach to safeguarding infrastructure as Cyber Security Analysts in our 24x7 front‑line security operations team. In this role, you will be directly responsible for defending Department of Defense (DoD) networks against sophisticated, rapidly evolving cyber threats.

Description

We are seeking proactive defenders who bring Security Operations Center (SOC) experience, exceptional critical thinking skills, and a self‑motivated approach to safeguarding infrastructure as Cyber Security Analysts in our 24x7 front‑line security operations team. In this role, you will be directly responsible for defending Department of Defense (DoD) networks against sophisticated, rapidly evolving cyber threats.

Primary Responsibilities

• Investigate and triage security alerts generated from endpoints, IDS/IPS, NetFlow data, and custom sensors to identify suspicious activity.


• Analyze extensive log files, pivot between diverse datasets, and correlate evidence to support incident investigations, producing detailed technical findings and reports.


• Monitor and integrate DoD and open‑source threat intelligence feeds and Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) into security sensors and SIEM platforms.


• Collaborate closely with incident response teams and ensure timely, clear communication of security incidents to customers and USCYBERCOM.

Key Skillsets We Are Looking For

• SOC Experience: You understand the operational flow, high tempo demands, and rigorous standards of a 24x7 Security Operations Center. You are comfortable executing structured incident triage and escalation protocols.


• Critical Thinking & Adversary Mindset: You possess the ability to look beyond the surface of an alert. You excel at correlating disparate data points, analyzing raw packet data, and conducting deep‑diving investigation of complex security events to uncover sophisticated malicious activity.


• Demonstrated Self‑Motivation: You are a self‑starter who takes active ownership of your professional development. Whether pursuing advanced certifications, researching emerging threat vectors, or mastering new tools, you drive your own growth.


• Thrives on Change: The threat landscape and tactical priorities shift constantly. You demonstrate high operational adaptability, viewing unexpected shifts as opportunities to excel, and seamlessly pivot to adopt new processes, security tools, and analytical methodologies to counter evolving adversaries or challenges.

Shift & Operational Requirements

• Predictable Work-Life Balance: To support your well‑being, we utilize a predictable five‑day, 8‑hour shift structure.


• Shift Options to Fit Your Lifestyle: Our 24x7 mission requires continuous coverage, but it also provides the opportunity to align your work hours with your personal routine. Key coverage windows include:
  
  
  
  • Day Shift: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  
  
  • Swing Shift: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
  
  
  • Mid Shift: 12:00 AM - 8:00 AM
  
  
  
  


• Flexibility: We highly value your work‑life balance and make every effort to honor your shift preferences whenever possible. While final assignments must ensure critical program requirements are met, we strive to manage scheduling with a balanced approach that respects our team members' personal needs alongside mission readiness.

Required Qualifications

• Clearance: Active DoD Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI.


• Baseline Certification: Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II (or higher) certification, such as CompTIA Security+ CE, ISC2 SSCP, or SANS GSEC (or equivalent 8140 requirements).


• Specialized Certification: Ability to obtain a DoD 8570 CSSP-Analyst level certification (e.g., CEH, CySA+, GCIA, or equivalent) within 180 days of hire.


• Technical Core: Solid foundation in networking principles, including packet analysis, common ports/protocols, traffic flow, the OSI model, and defense-in-depth architecture.


• Experience & Education:




• Level I: Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience (Equivalent professional work or military experience will be considered in lieu of a degree)


• Level II: Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience (Equivalent professional work or military experience will be considered in lieu of a degree).




• Location: Commutable distance (within 2 hours) or ability to self‑relocate to Scott AFB, IL.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working within Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) or DOD Environments.


• Experience applying intelligence-driven defense strategies utilizing the MITRE ATT&CK or Cyber Kill Chain frameworks, including a deep understanding of intrusion set tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).


• In‑depth experience utilizing SIEM/SOAR platforms to perform behavioral and statistical analysis across multiple log types.


• Knowledge or experience in defending cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) or administering enterprise mobile security (MDM, MAM, MTD).


• Basic scripting and programming skills to automate routine analytical tasks.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting

August 29, 2026

Pay Range

Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

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.