DoD Systems Security Engineer - Vulnerability & Hardening

Cybersecurity Jobs; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowhead is seeking a Systems Security Engineer (Cybersecurity/Quarantine Release) to support security engineering efforts from an onsite location in Dahlgren, VA. The role focuses on finding and reducing vulnerabilities across systems, networks, and operating environments, with an emphasis on assessments, hardening, and risk-driven remediation.

Working with DoD-aligned tooling, you will translate vulnerability data into practical insights to improve risk management, including impact and risk

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience required.
• Knowledge of networking concepts, protocols, and security methodologies.
• DoD 8570 Information Assurance Technical Level II certification required at hire.
• U.S. Citizenship and Top Secret clearance required.
• Bachelor’s degree is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Perform vulnerability scans and recognize vulnerabilities in security systems.
• Use DoD network analysis tools (ACAS, HBSS) to identify vulnerabilities.
• Conduct application vulnerability assessments.
• Identify systemic security issues by analyzing vulnerability data.
• Share meaningful insights reflecting threat environments to strengthen risk management.
• Apply cybersecurity and privacy principles to confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, and non-repudiation.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose anomalies in cyber defense infrastructure and resolve issues.
• Complete impact/risk assessments.
• Apply host and network access controls (ACL).
• Support network protection against malware using NIPS and anti-malware measures.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Skills

Cybersecurity knowledge

Vulnerability assessment

Network security

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree (desirable)

DoD 8570 IAT II

Tools

ACAS

HBSS

IDS/IPS

DoD network tools

Job description

Bowhead is seeking a Systems Security Engineer (Cybersecurity/Quarantine Release) to support security engineering efforts from an onsite location in Dahlgren, VA. The role focuses on finding and reducing vulnerabilities across systems, networks, and operating environments, with an emphasis on assessments, hardening, and risk-driven remediation.

Working with DoD-aligned tooling, you will translate vulnerability data into practical insights to improve risk management, including impact and risk