Principal Cyber Security Analyst

Applied-Research-Associates,-Inc; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. invites a Principal Cyber Security Analyst to join our hybrid team in the Washington, DC area.

The role centers on cyber development projects with government agencies, requiring a deep understanding of cyber operations, software development life cycles, and risk mitigation across complex IT environments. The successful candidate will lead technical oversight and provide SME guidance, with responsibilities spanning test execution, governance, and training

Qualifications

• Must have a TS/SCI clearance or be eligible for one.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant work experience, or 20 years of equivalent experience.
• Residency within 1 hour of Washington DC required.

Responsibilities

• Provide cyber management services to government agencies related to Cyberspace Operations.
• Lead or provide technical oversight for complex cyber or IT development efforts.
• Oversee testing and evaluation of deliverables, software, or network-enabled devices.
• Develop and deliver training and documentation for software products.

Skills

Windows

Linux

Networking

Scripting

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

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 September 23, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location

Washington DC, DC, USA

• Hybrid
• Technical Analysis
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: PRINC010102

Description

The Principal Cyber Engineer 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.

Primary Responsibilities: The Principal Cyber Engineer 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 Responsibilities:

• Test and examine deliverables, software, or network enabled devices
• Collaborate on maintenance and feature development of proprietary software
• Attend meetings and make recommendations regarding development
• Provide technical oversite of projects to identify risks and offer ways to mitigate risks
• Provide recommendations on industry, security and development processes and procedures
• Advise on the development and requirements of supporting test articles and development exemplars
• Review testing of ongoing development efforts to ensure tests meet standards
• Provide guidance to and assist training of less experienced staff members

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 1 hour of Washington DC.
• This is a hybrid position consisting of telework, local travel to performer spaces, and approximately two days in the office per week.
• Completion of a U.S. Government Cyberspace Operations course or equivalent commercial training (e.g., GIAC GPEN, GXPN, or GRTP) with demonstrated hands-on experience
• 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 system integration, architecture, or interoperability of cyber capabilities
• Familiarity with cyber test and evaluation, including test articles and development exemplars
• 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: $180k-$195k. 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 2,300 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. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company.

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

Qualifications

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.