Principal Cyber Security Analyst

RiseMe; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) in the Washington, DC area seeks a Principal Cyber Engineer to serve as a technical SME for cyber development efforts, integrating mission strategy, standards, processes, and emerging tech to meet program objectives.

The role leads cyber development projects using Agile methods, supports Cyberspace Operations exercises, and may develop training and documentation for software products. Residency within 1 hour of DC is required.

Qualifications

• Must have TS/SCI eligibility and residency within 1 hour of Washington DC.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or 20 years equivalent experience.
• Hybrid work setup: telework, local travel, and ~2 office days weekly.
• Completion of Cyberspace Operations course or GIAC GPEN/GXPN/GRTP with hands-on experience.
• Experience leading or providing technical oversight for complex cyber/IT development efforts.
• Experience with Windows, Linux, and core networking concepts.

Responsibilities

• Provide cyber management services for government agencies related to Cyberspace Operations.
• Lead or oversee cyber development projects using Agile methodologies.
• Integrate existing products and emerging technologies to address cyber challenges.
• Deliver training and documentation for software products.
• Review tests, advise on development processes, and mentor junior staff.

Skills

TS/SCI eligibility

Cyber development leadership

Windows & Linux

Networking fundamentals

Agile development

Technical briefings

Scripting / programming

Containerization / cloud

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Job 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
• Experience applying Agile development methodologies

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/