Network Intrusion Specialist

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC seeks a Network Intrusion Specialist to provide onsite SETA support for a prime NRO program in Chantilly, VA. The role focuses on protecting space communication, network, and cryptographic systems, with RMF expertise and national-security experience.

You will analyze PCAP/IDS data, develop technical documents, and coordinate with COTRs to maintain contracting documentation. Up to 25% travel is required.

Qualifications

• 13 years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline and nine (9) years or more of relevant experience; OR
• Master's degree in a related field and seven (7) years or more of relevant experience; OR
• PhD or JD in a related field and four (4) years or more of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in how space communication, network, and cryptographic systems are designed, specified, developed, manufactured, and tested.
• Experience applying the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and working with information security policies, standards, and controls for mission systems.
• Experience supporting or working with NRO satellite systems or similar national security space programs.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Support the System Program Office (SPO) in acquisition planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of space communications, network, and cryptographic systems.
• Analyze PCAP data and IDS/IPS alerts, trace network-based attacks, and support containment of live network intrusions across space/ground communication architectures, including black transport.
• Develop technical documents, briefings, and reports that communicate study status, findings, and recommendations to Government and industry stakeholders.
• Support Contracting Officer Technical Representatives (COTRs) and Developers by coordinating with acquisition subject matter experts and program stakeholders to develop, modify, and maintain contract documentation.
• Review Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables to ensure content, accuracy, and sufficiency to meet program requirements and objectives.
• Participate in program reviews and technical interchange meetings between developers, COTRs, and Government stakeholders to assess technical performance and risk.
• Travel domestically up to approximately 25%, generally up to once per month, to support program reviews, technical meetings, and stakeholder engagements.

Skills

Network intrusion analysis

Packet capture analysis

IDS/IPS tuning

RMF / information security policies

NRO acquisition knowledge

Travel willingness

Brief senior officials

Security clearances

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS/IS

Master's degree in related field

PhD or JD in related field

Tools

Packet capture tools

IDS/IPS tools

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a Network Intrusion Specialist providing onsite Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to an SAIC prime program at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA. This role supports multiple national security satellite systems, both on-orbit and in development, and focuses on protecting and advancing space communication, network, and cryptographic systems for critical NRO missions.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support the System Program Office (SPO) in acquisition planning, execution, monitoring, and oversight of space communications, network, and cryptographic systems.
• Analyze PCAP data and IDS/IPS alerts, trace network-based attacks, and support containment of live network intrusions across space/ground communication architectures, including black transport.
• Develop technical documents, briefings, and reports that communicate study status, findings, and recommendations to Government and industry stakeholders.
• Support Contracting Officer Technical Representatives (COTRs) and Developers by coordinating with acquisition subject matter experts and program stakeholders to develop, modify, and maintain contract documentation.
• Review Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables to ensure content, accuracy, and sufficiency to meet program requirements and objectives.
• Participate in program reviews and technical interchange meetings between developers, COTRs, and Government stakeholders to assess technical performance and risk.
• Travel domestically up to approximately 25%, generally up to once per month, to support program reviews, technical meetings, and stakeholder engagements.

Qualifications

• 13 years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline and nine (9) years or more of relevant experience; OR
• Master's degree in a related field and seven (7) years or more of relevant experience; OR
• PhD or JD in a related field and four (4) years or more of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in how space communication, network, and cryptographic systems are designed, specified, developed, manufactured, and tested.
• Experience applying the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and working with information security policies, standards, and controls for mission systems.
• Experience supporting or working with NRO satellite systems or similar national security space programs.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically up to 25%.

Clearance Requirements:

• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance with current polygraph.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain required security clearances and accesses.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a SETA, system engineering, or acquisition engineering role supporting Government space or intelligence community programs.
• Hands-on experience with network intrusion analysis tools and techniques (e.g., packet capture analysis, IDS/IPS tuning, network forensics) in secure or mission-critical environments.
• Familiarity with NRO acquisition processes, milestone reviews, and contract oversight for space systems.
• Experience with secure communications architectures, black/gray/white transport concepts, and crypto modernization efforts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience briefing senior Government officials and industry partners.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work on-site in an office and secure facility environment, including extended periods of sitting and use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to participate in meetings, briefings, and occasional travel by air and ground transportation.
• May require the ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds of documents or equipment on occasion.

2026.10.2

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.