Senior Cyber Defense Incident Responder (Top Secret clearance required)

Davita Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company seeks a Senior Cyber Defense Incident Responder with Top Secret clearance to lead incident response efforts for federal clients. The role involves advanced threat detection, vulnerability assessments, and collaboration across teams to ensure cyber defense capabilities are robust and effective.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in Cybersecurity operations.
• Proven leadership in incident response, threat hunting, and vulnerability management.
• Strong understanding of adversary tactics (MITRE ATT&CK, etc.) is needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate advanced vulnerability assessments and incident response operations.
• Oversee proactive threat hunting to detect and mitigate emerging threats.
• Facilitate collaboration between Red, Blue, and Purple Teams to enhance overall security posture.

Skills

Incident response

Threat hunting

Vulnerability management

Threat intelligence

Risk assessment methodologies

Leadership

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

Tools

SIEMs

EDRs

Forensic tools

Python

PowerShell

Job description

Senior Cyber Defense Incident Responder (Top Secret clearance required)

Job Locations

US-DC-Washington Metro Area | US-AL-Redstone Arsenal | US-WV-Clarksburg

Job ID

2025-2458

Type

Full-Time

Overview

Paradyme, a CATHEXIS Company is a rapidly growing government technology leader that puts service first, for its customers, its team and the communities it supports. We harness DevSecOps and Agile development processes to deliver exceptional results for digital transformations. Based in Tysons Corner, VA, our award-winning culture sets it apart through its team's deep commitment to service and collaboration with its customers, each other and the community. Learn more at PARADYME.

Paradyme is seeking experienced Cyber Defense Incident Responders for upcoming projects in support of major federal law enforcement and intelligence customers. The people in these positions will work in secured federal facilities in: Washington, DC; Huntsville, AL; and Clarksburg, WV.

A current TOP SECRET clearance is required to be considered.

Responsibilities

In our teams, Incident Responder performs duties on Blue and Purple Team operations. Applying both hands-on technical skills, the Responder proactively and reactively defends against cyber threats in critical moments. The ideal candidate has hand-on experience with advanced threat detection, incident response, and collaborative security assessments to protect critical government customer systems and infrastructure. In addition, the Senior Responder will have the experience to determine strategies and lead efforts to advance cyber defense capability.

Key Responsibilities:

A member of Leadership and Strategic Planning group
• Lead and coordinate advanced vulnerability assessments, incident response, and threat hunting operations
• Support Purple Team initiatives by integrating offensive (Red Team) and defensive (Blue Team) strategies
• Help develop and execute strategic security plans aligned with threat intelligence and operational priorities

Threat Intelligence and Risk Assessment

• Leverage threat intelligence to prioritize and scope security projects based on real-world risks
• Conduct risk-based evaluations of critical systems, networks, and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) infrastructure
• Maintain current knowledge of the evolving threat landscape and integrate insights into operations

Threat Hunting and Incident Response

• Oversee proactive threat hunting to detect and mitigate emerging threats
• Recommend and implement advanced methodologies for tracking threat actors and reducing exposure
• Support rapid and effective incident response efforts across networks

Collaboration and Cross-Team Integration

• Facilitate collaboration between Red, Blue, and Purple Teams to enhance overall security posture
• Work closely with SMEs across technical domains to ensure comprehensive assessments and planning

Tools and Techniques

• Help teams in the use of approved tools and techniques for vulnerability assessments and threat detection
• Assist with the evaluation of new tools and technologies to enhance team capabilities

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
• 5-8 years of experience in Cybersecurity operations, including Blue Team, Red Team, or Purple Team roles
• Proven leadership in incident response, threat hunting, and vulnerability management
• Strong understanding of threat intelligence, risk assessment methodologies, and adversary tactics (MITRE ATT&CK, etc.)
• Experience with SIEMs, EDRs, forensic tools, and scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Industry certifications
  • CISSP
  • GIAC (GCIA, GCIH, GNFA, etc.)
  • OSCP, or similar
• Experience working in federal or intelligence community environments
• Familiarity with ICS/SCADA systems and critical infrastructure protection

EEO Statement

Paradyme, a CATHEXIS Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact [e-mail]