Government and Public Sector - Cybersecurity - Defense Responder - Senior Consultant

Ernst and Young; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company where your cybersecurity expertise will make a significant impact. In this role, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing security operations, conducting threat detection, and responding to incidents. You will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with industry leaders to protect vital information and systems. The company fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation, providing you with the tools and support needed to grow your career. If you are passionate about cybersecurity and eager to contribute to meaningful projects, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

401(k) plans

Flexible vacation policy

Paid time off options

Winter/Summer breaks

Personal/Family Care leave

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in security operations and threat detection.
• Hands-on experience with SIEM, SOAR, EDR, and NDR platforms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct real-time security monitoring and threat detection using SIEM tools.
• Respond to cybersecurity incidents and conduct forensic investigations.

Skills

Cybersecurity

Threat Detection

Incident Response

Log Analysis

Network Security

Cloud Security

Scripting (Python, PowerShell, Bash)

Malware Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

Splunk

Elastic

Microsoft Sentinel

CrowdStrike NG-SIEM

Palo Alto Cortex

SOAR platforms

Job description

At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

The exceptional EY experience. It's yours to build.

EY focuses on high-ethical standards and integrity among its employees and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities.

From strategy to execution, the Government & Public Sector practice (“GPS”) of Ernst & Young LLP provides a full range of consulting and audit services to help our Federal, State, Local and Education clients implement new ideas to help achieve their mission outcomes. We deliver real change and measurable results through our diverse, high-performing teams, quality work at the highest professional standards, operational know-how from across our global organization, and creative and bold ideas that drive innovation. We enable our government clients to achieve their mission of protecting the nation and serving the people; increasing public safety; improving healthcare for our military, veterans and citizens; delivering essential public services; and helping those in need. EY is ready to help our government shape the future with confidence.

The opportunity

Our cybersecurity professionals possess diverse industry knowledge, along with unique technical expertise and specialized skills. The team works together in planning, pursuing, delivering and managing engagements to assess, improve, build, and in some cases operate integrated security operations for our clients.

We will support you with career-long training and coaching to develop your skills. As EY is a global leading service provider in this space, you will be working with the best of the best in a collaborative environment. So, whenever you join, however long you stay, the exceptional EY experience lasts a lifetime.

Your key responsibilities

1. Conduct real-time security monitoring, log analysis, and threat detection using SIEM tools such as Splunk, Elastic, Microsoft Sentinel, CrowdStrike NG-SIEM, and Palo Alto Cortex.
2. Perform threat hunting and anomaly detection by analyzing security event data and network traffic for malicious activity.
3. Integrate cyber threat intelligence (CTI) into detection methodologies, correlating indicators of compromise (IOCs) and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to strengthen defenses.
4. Respond to cybersecurity incidents, conduct forensic investigations, and provide mitigation recommendations.
5. Develop and fine-tune detection rules, alerts, and use cases for monitoring tools to improve incident detection and response.
6. Conduct malware analysis, reverse engineering, and threat intelligence correlation to improve defensive strategies.
7. Work closely with Red and Purple Teams to simulate adversary tactics, improve detection efficacy, and test security defenses in adversary emulation exercises.
8. Provide guidance on security best practices, hardening techniques, and zero-trust architectures.
9. Automate security operations and develop playbooks using SOAR platforms to improve response efficiency.
10. Conduct security assessments and assist with compliance efforts for industry standards such as MITRE ATT&CK, NIST 800-53, ISO 27001, and CIS Benchmarks.

To qualify for the role you must have

1. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a related field, and a minimum of 5 years of related work experience; or a Master’s degree and 4 years of related work experience in security operations, threat detection, or incident response.
2. Any one or more of the following certifications:
1. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
2. CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
3. CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
4. OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
5. SANS GIAC certifications, such as:
1. GSE (GIAC Security Expert)
2. GCFA (Forensic Analyst)
3. GNFA (Network Forensic Analyst)
4. GDAT (Defending Advanced Threats)
5. GMON (Continuous Monitoring and Security Operations)
6. GCIH (Incident Handler)
7. GREM (Reverse Engineering Malware)
8. GSOC (Security Operations Center)
9. GCIA (Intrusion Analyst)
10. GCED (Enterprise Defender)
3. Hands-on experience with SIEM, SOAR, EDR, NDR, email security and security monitoring platforms.
4. Strong understanding of network security, cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP), and endpoint protection strategies.
5. Experience with log analysis, network traffic analysis, and behavioral analytics for identifying suspicious activity.
6. Strong scripting and automation skills in Python, PowerShell, or Bash to streamline security operations.
7. Experience with MITRE ATT&CK framework, adversary emulation, and threat intelligence integration.
8. Must have an active TS/SCI clearance with eligibility for a polygraph and be able to maintain it.
9. Must be willing to work on-site as needed by the client in the greater Washington, DC area.

Ideally, you'll also have

1. Prior consulting experience.
2. Experience developing custom threat detection analytics and behavioral anomaly detection rules.
3. Familiarity with cloud-native security monitoring tools (AWS GuardDuty, Azure Security Center, Google Chronicle).
4. Experience with deception technologies, honeypots, and adversary engagement techniques.
5. Deep understanding of Active Directory security, Kerberos attacks, and lateral movement techniques.
6. Experience working in Cloud/Container environments.
7. Penetration Testing experience.
8. Application Security experience.
9. Attack Surface Management experience.

What we look for

We’re interested in intellectually curious people with a genuine passion for cybersecurity. With your expertise, we’ll turn to you to speak up with innovative ideas that could make a lasting difference not only to us – but also to the industry. If you have the confidence in both your presentation and technical abilities to grow into a leading expert here, this is the role for you.

What we offer

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options. Under our flexible vacation policy, you’ll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You’ll also be granted time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.

1. Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
2. Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
3. Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
4. Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

EY accepts applications for this position on an on-going basis. If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.

Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.

Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.

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EY provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with applicable law.

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