Principal Cyber Security Analyst

Applied Research Associates, Inc; Fort Belvoir (VA); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks a Principal Cyber Security Analyst to lead cyber development initiatives, merging mission strategy with industry standards and emerging tech.

The role fuses SME-level guidance with cross-team collaboration to solve complex IT and cyber challenges for federal customers. Requirements include TS/SCI eligibility, 12+ years of relevant experience or 20 years with a related degree, and residency within 45 miles of Fort Belvoir.

Qualifications

• Must have Top Secret clearance and be eligible for SCI (TS/SCI).
• 12 years of experience with a BS in CS/engineering or 20 years of equivalent.
• Residency within 45 miles of Fort Belvoir, VA.
• Hybrid work arrangement; some office and telework.
• 5–7 days travel per month.
• U.S. Cyberspace Operations training preferred: RIOT, COTC, FORGE; or GIAC equivalents.
• Experience leading or providing technical oversight for complex cyber/IT projects.
• Experience with Windows, Linux and core networking concepts (protocols, switching, routing, VPNs).

Responsibilities

• Act as SME for cyber development efforts and integrate products with architectures.
• Manage cyber development projects using Agile methodologies.
• Support government Cyberspace Operations exercises and deliver training/docs.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to meet program objectives.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Windows

Linux

Networking fundamentals

Agile software development

Cyber development

Technical oversight

Residency near Fort Belvoir

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or related field

Tools

RIOT

COTC

FORGE

GIAC GPEN

GXPN

GRTP

Job description

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following our Accessibility Accomodation for Applicants page.

Principal Cyber Security Analyst

• Posted on October 30, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location

• Hybrid
• Travel Required : Yes
• Information Technology
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: PRINC010204

Description

The Principal Cyber Security Analyst serves primarily as a technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for cyber development efforts. This engineer has a strong understanding of the requirements capture process and the full lifecycle of technical cyber development initiatives. Execution of these responsibilities requires the ability to develop effective solutions by synthesizing mission strategy, industry standards, processes, emerging technologies, and creative approaches to achieve program objectives.
The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary, distributed team and will integrate existing products, industry-standard architectural methodologies, and emerging technologies to address complex IT and cyber challenges for our customers.

Principal Cyber Security Analyst Responsibilities:

The Principal Cyber Software Analyst will provide cyber management services to government agencies related to threats in Cyberspace Operations. The role includes managing all technical aspects of cyber development projects using Agile software development methodologies, ensuring an effective balance between user requirements and technical constraints.

This role may involve supporting government exercises focused on Cyberspace Operations in support of military operations. Additionally, this position may also develop and deliver customized training and documentation for software products.

Principal Cyber Security Analyst Requirements:

• MUST have a Top Secret clearance and be eligible for SCI eligibility (TS/SCI)
• Minimum of 12 years experience with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or related field, or 20 years of equivalent experience
• This position requires residency within 45 miles of Fort Belvoir, VA
• This is a hybrid position consisting of work in the office and occasional telework
• Travel is estimated at 5 to 7 days a month
• Completion of one of the following U.S. Government Cyberspace Operations courses is highly preferred: RIOT, COTC, or FORGE
• Equivalent commercial training such as GIAC GPEN, GXPN, or GRTP is desired
• Experience leading or providing technical oversight for complex cyber or IT development efforts
• Experience with Windows, Linux, and core networking concepts (e.g., protocols, switching, routing, VPNs)

Principal Cyber Security Analyst Preferences:

• Experience supporting cyber operations or mission-focused environments (e.g., SOCs, fusion centers)
• Experience with scripting or object-oriented programming for cybersecurity or automation
• Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and best practices (e.g., NIST, MITRE ATT&CK, Zero Trust)
• Experience delivering technical briefings and demonstrations to senior leaders and large technical audiences
• Experience with integration, architecture, or interoperability of cyber capabilities
• Familiarity with cyber test and evaluation
• Experience supporting cyber exercises or training events
• Knowledge of containerization, virtualization, or cloud environments
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders

Anticipated salary range: $220k-$240k. Offer may vary depending on experience and skill set.

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,230 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience.

To find out more about what the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits

Travel Required

Yes . Travel is estimated at 5 to 7 days a month

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Computer Science or related field.

Experience

Required

12 years: Relevant Work Experience

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.