Defensive Cybersecurity Analyst

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

Job summary

Leidos is seeking cybersecurity analysts to defend DoD networks in a 24x7 front-line SOC. You will triage alerts, analyze logs, and correlate data across datasets to support investigations, while coordinating with incident response teams and communicating findings to customers and USCYBERCOM.

The role emphasizes DoD threat intel integration, SIEM/DLP monitoring, and adapting to shifting threat landscapes within a demanding operational tempo.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI.
• Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification or higher.
• DoD 8570 CSSP-Analyst level cert within 180 days of hire.
• Strong networking basics, OSI model, and defense-in-depth.
• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years (Level I) or 4+ years (Level II) of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and triage security alerts from endpoints, IDS/IPS, NetFlow data and sensors.
• Analyze logs, pivot datasets, and correlate evidence for incident investigations.
• Monitor threat intel feeds and integrate IOCs into sensors and SIEM platforms.
• Collaborate with incident response and communicate incidents to customers and USCYBERCOM.

Skills

SOC Experience

Critical Thinking

Self-Motivation

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree + 2+ years experience

Bachelor's degree + 4+ years experience

Tools

SIEM Platforms

IDS/IPS

NetFlow Analysis

Packet Analysis

Job 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-dive 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.
  • 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 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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 $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. 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 here.

Securing Your Data Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

Commitment and Diversity 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.